Mesothelioma

Gene Therapy

A gene therapy treatment approach is designed to treat mesothelioma by correcting the genes that allow a cancerous tumor to grow. Correcting these genes can potentially control tumor's size and spread. In addition, although asbestos exposure is the primary contributing factor to the development of mesothelioma, certain inherited genetic mutations can exacerbate it. Ideally, gene therapy will one day be able to correct malignant mesothelioma at the DNA level by compensating for irregular genes responsible for the disease.

Combating cancer with gene therapy is being researched in a variety of ways. One of the most promising types of gene therapy for the treatment of mesothelioma is called knockout gene therapy. This type of treatment targets genes that can induce tumor formation (known as oncogenes) in an effort to deactivate them and reduce cell growth. Some gene therapy studies have tested the effects of infecting mesothelioma patients with a healthy virus that attacks cancerous cells and changes their genetic structure in order to reduce the cancer's spread.

Another gene therapy approach targets missing or altered genes that have been linked to cancer development and replaces them with functional genes in an effort to prevent cancer. This known as replacement gene therapy, and it involves replacing a mutated or missing gene, most often a tumor suppressor gene, with a normal copy of that gene. This can help keep cell growth and division under control.

Although it is still in the experimental stages, gene therapy is showing great promise and effectiveness in tests and clinical trials. This type of treatment may prove to be most effective when utilized in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, providing a multifaceted attack on the cancerous tissue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any gene therapy products for sale in the U.S., but many research studies are currently underway.

In addition to choosing mesothelioma treatment options, patients also have legal decisions to make. Because many asbestos companies knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure and failed to inform their employees, those suffering from mesothelioma have the option to pursue a lawsuit. If you are interested in gaining compensation to make up for lost wages or to pay medical bills, fill out our free case evaluation form. Loved ones of mesothelioma sufferers are also encouraged to contact our mesothelioma lawyers.