Mesothelin Could be used to Treat Mesothelioma

A recent study revealed that mesothelin could be targeted to help treat mesothelioma and other cancer patients.

The Molecular Cancer Therapeutics Journal printed the article and said that researchers have found that mesothelin could be a perfect target because of how it is distributed throughout the body.

Mesothelin is a protein found in small quantities in the lung, abdominal, and heart lining in healthy humans. Patients with mesothelioma and other cancers have very high numbers of mesothelin. Researchers are trying to create antibodies that will bypass normal cells and target the mesothelin. There are concerns about the side effects of the antibodies.

Yang Feng is a biologist with the Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program of the National Cancer Institute. He said, “This reaction by the immune system is a severe side effect, and makes it risky to re-administer the treatment agent to patients.”