Update for March 3, 2010
Pacific Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute is nearing the launch of a new
mesothelioma databank that will allow mesothelioma patients to safely
store and share pertinent medical information with other mesothelioma
patients and researchers alike. Ultimately, this internet databank will
be translated into many different languages to serve as an international
mesothelioma registry. It will also be combined with a mesothelioma tissue
bank to make it a true global resource. Information from this international
registry and tissue bank will be used to help initiate the first large
scale mesothelioma “prevention” study. Prevention of this
disease by reducing the chronic inflammation associated with asbestos
exposure is far more likely to be beneficial than other approaches.
Perhaps even more exciting is a new biologic toxin, PRX321, which has shown
incredible promise in preliminary studies done in our Punch Worthington
Research Laboratory. This toxin’s effect is based on targeting specific
interleukin-4 receptors known to be present on mesothelioma cells. Preliminary
data from our experiments is so dramatic that in 2010 for the first time
perhaps in the history of mesothelioma treatment, we will have a new therapy
that has the potential to make a huge impact in the lives of mesothelioma
patients. We are joining forces with Protox, a small pharmaceutical company
in Canada that produces the toxin, to begin a clinical trial using PRX321
to treat mesothelioma patients. Currently, we are working to obtain FDA
approval and hope to begin treating patients by late Spring. We hope that
in the very near future we will be able to offer treatment that is far
less radical and at the same time much more effective.
For more information about PHLBI call (310) 478-4678 or visit www.phlbi.org