The challenges of treating mesothelioma are well known to this community of patients, caregivers, bereaved, and the physicians who treat them. Particularly, researchers have been puzzled by this cancer’s ability to respond extremely well to certain treatments in certain patients, but not respond as well, or at all, in others.
The answer to this phenomenon appears to be linked to information stored inside the exome (the part of the genome that stores proteins – also known as biomarkers) of the tumor. In a new study by Dr. Min Zhang and Dr. Dean Fennell, published Friday, March 19, the authors map out the tumor microenvironment in mesothelioma to identify features that could be exploited as targets for treatment.
In response to this study recently published in Nature Communications, Dr. Marjorie G. Zauderer, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the chair of the board of directors of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, argues that its results further support the need to focus future research on identifying predicting biomarkers for new therapies.
“Exceptional responders were identified in many early phase clinical trials in MPM, but without a biomarker, these compounds were abandoned for lack of efficacy,” wrote Dr. Zauderer in the article.
This concept is not new in cancer research. In fact, several previously difficult to treat cancers have seen monumental improvements in survival once researchers focused on personalizing treatment to match the molecular characteristics of the tumor. Similarly, Dr. Zauderer argues that these new discoveries should fuel inquiries into creating personalized therapies for mesothelioma patients, as well. She is hopeful that doing so will unveil much-needed opportunities for better outcomes in mesothelioma treatment.
“Work like this hails the dawn of a new age for drug discovery and development in MPM, and I am optimistic for what lies ahead,” concluded Dr. Zauderer.
Nature Communications is a peer-reviewed, scientific journal.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to eradicate mesothelioma and end this national tragedy. Its programs include the funding of promising and peer-reviewed research, education, support and advocacy. The organization strives to bring together thought leaders in the field to identify the most direct path to a cure.
