Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the thin lining of tissue surrounding the lungs, abdomen, and other vital organs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a commonly used material in the construction and manufacturing industry. For years, mesothelioma has been difficult to treat, with limited options for patients. However, researchers have recently found a new way to fight the cancer, offering hope for those affected.
The new treatment is called immunotherapy, and it works by stimulating the body’s natural immune system to attack the cancer cells. This type of therapy is different from traditional chemotherapy in that it doesn’t use toxic chemicals to target the cancer. Instead, it uses the body’s own immune system to fight the disease.
The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the University of Michigan. They injected mice with a protein called interleukin-12 (IL-12) in order to stimulate the body’s immune system. The mice were then exposed to mesothelioma cells. The results showed that the IL-12 was able to increase the number of immune cells that attacked the cancer cells, leading to a decrease in tumor size.
The researchers believe that the same approach could be used to treat humans with mesothelioma. They are currently conducting clinical trials to test the effectiveness of the treatment. If the trials are successful, it could be the first step in developing a more effective treatment for this deadly cancer.
Although mesothelioma is still a difficult disease to treat, the development of this new therapy provides hope for those affected. It is a promising development in the fight against mesothelioma, and further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.