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Growth Factors in Mesothelioma Cell Lines Studied
VEGF:
March 7, 2003 — Researchers are experimenting with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a substance that is found in very high levels in pleural mesothelioma patients (Int J Cancer 2003 May 1; 104(5): 603–10). Both VEGF and a related molecule, VEGF–C, are associated with mesothelioma cells.
Various substances were used to reduce levels of VEGF and VEGF–C in mesothelioma cell lines. Antisense oligonucleotide (ODN) lowered both VEGF and VEGF–C levels and reduced mesothelioma cell growth. Working together, antibodies to VEGF (VEGFR–2) and VEGF–C (VEGFR–3) also slowed cancer cell growth. A diphtheria toxin–VEGF fusion protein (DT–VEGF), which is highly toxic to cells that express VEGF, was the most effective in inhibiting increases in the number of mesothelioma cells.
The results indicated that targeting VEGF and VEGF–C directly inhibits tumor cell growth and may be an effective therapy for pleural mesothelioma, according to the researchers. Another prior study showed that VEGF and VEGF–C inhibitors can halt or slow the process of developing new blood vessels (angiogenesis) that is needed for tumors to develop from benign to malignant (Blood 2001 Sep 15; 98(6): 1904–13).
The purpose of the study was to investigate alternative pleural mesothelioma therapies. ly, standard chemotherapy agents can slow the progress of pleural mesothelioma, but do not effect a cure. They may also have unwanted side–effects such as nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and hair loss. Raltitrexed and oxaliplatin have been used with some success, but they are still in the experimental, clinical trial phase. Pemetrexed (ALIMTA®) has also been useful in mesothelioma treatment, but it is not yet available commercially.
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