A drug that fights cancer by attacking the stem cells that give rise to it has been granted orphan drug status for mesothelioma. The oral drug VS-6063 inhibits a crucial signaling pathway inside stem cells called the Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) pathway. By killing the stem cells that lead to cancer metastasis and recurrence, it is hoped that Verastem might provide a long-term solution for mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer with few treatment options. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of VS-6063 in mesothelioma will launch soon. It is expected to include 400 mesothelioma patients at clinical sites in 11 countries. Orphan drug status is granted to drugs developed to treat illnesses that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. annually. About 2,500 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. At the same time, some of the country’s top mesothelioma researchers at New York University’s Lagone Medical Center say they have found a potential new target molecule for mesothelioma drugs. Ephrin B2 receptor (EPHB2) plays a role in the maintenance of several cellular processes including angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels) and stem cell differentiation. The research team found that EPHB2 was significantly overexpressed in all of the mesothelioma cell lines tested, but not in the healthy mesothelial cells. In addition, EPHB2 was also significantly elevated in mesothelioma tumor tissue, though not in tissue taken from a healthy peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity). When levels of EPHB2 were knocked down by the researchers, there was a major decrease in the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells. EPHB2 silencing also increased the activity of apoptotic proteins – proteins responsible for carrying out programmed cell death. In a report in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the team expresses hope that drugs designed to knock down EPHB2 expression in mesothelioma patients could help them fight the disease. They conclude, “EPHB2 seems to play an important role in malignant mesothelioma pathogenesis and these findings indicate that EPHB2 could serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for treatment of the disease.” Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. This article was written by a third party and its content reflects the views of the third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions or of Surviving Mesothelioma or Cancer Monthly. If anyone is in the unfortunate position to be suffering from Mesothelioma lung cancer they are likely to be offered with choice of treatments, which were dependent upon the several factors. To know more about Mesothelioma lawyer just do visit us.
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