Scientists recently studied how asbestos exposure alters the genes of pleural mesothelioma, with the findings being published in the Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology, and Oncology. This allowed scientists to show how the genes of three tumors in patients form. Overall, the study deepened our knowledge of mesothelioma’s genetic changes and how they are caused by asbestos.
Cancer can affect many different parts of our bodies. One type of cancer that can develop near the lungs is pleural mesothelioma. It is a very rare and aggressive cancer that is mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in many different industries like steel mills, power plants, home goods, and shipyards. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become lodged in the lungs and lining of the lungs, leading to malignant pleural mesothelioma. We do not know as much about the genes of mesothelioma compared to other cancers. In a recent study, scientists wanted to learn more about the genes in tumors. The cancer they focused on was malignant pleural mesothelioma. The genes of three malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors were studied by scientists, who used special techniques to look at the genetic code of the tumors.
One important part of the study was finding changes in genes like BAP1, RB1, and TP53 in two of the patients. These genes are important in cancer development. The same two patients had changes in how their chromosomes, which carry genes, looked. This change in chromosomes is rare and called chromoanasynthesis. Changes in the third patient’s chromosomes were simpler. They still affected key cancer genes like TGFBR1, KMT2C, and PALLD. This shows that while the chromosome changes may differ in mesothelioma tumors, the gene changes are similar. The study also found genes including XRCC1 and ERCC2. These genes could be targeted with specific treatments. Scientists also found a new fusion of genes known as SKA3-DDX10, in two of the tumors. This fusion of genes has not been seen before in mesothelioma. This study helps us to understand more about the genes in mesothelioma tumors. It also shows how they might be treated. By learning more about the genetics of malignant pleural mesothelioma, scientists hope to find better ways to treat this rare cancer.
Research is an incredibly important part of the cancer treatment process. Without research, we would not be where we are today in the treatment of mesothelioma and other hard to treat cancers. More research needs to continue to hopefully one day find a cure for the insidious disease.
