Scientists studied how asbestos exposure alters the genes of malignant pleural mesothelioma. They published their findings in the Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology, and Oncology. This helped to show how the genes of three tumors form. The study helped to deepen our knowledge of mesothelioma’s genetic changes and their connection to asbestos.
Cancer is a disease that affects many different parts of the body. One cancer, that affects the lining of the lungs, is called malignant pleural mesothelioma. It is very rare and is usually caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was used in many different industries. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lungs and lining of the lungs, leading to malignant pleural mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma is rare and linked to asbestos, we do not know as much about its genes as we do about other common cancers. In a recent study, scientists wanted to learn more about the genes in tumors. They especially wanted to focus on the genes in malignant pleural mesothelioma. They used special techniques to look at the entire genetic code of pleural mesothelioma.
An important part of the study found changes in genes like BAP1, RB1, and TP53 in two of the patients. These genes are important in cancer development. The two patients also had many changes in how their chromosomes, which are the parts of cells that carry genes, looked. This is known as chromoanasynthesis and is very rare. The changes in the third patient’s chromosomes were simpler. They still affected key cancer genes like TGFBR1, KMT2C, and PALLD though. This shows that while chromosome changes may differ in mesothelioma tumors, the gene changes are similar. Some genes were also found because of the study. They included XRCC1 and ERCC2. In the future, these genes could be targeted with specific treatments. A new gene fusion was also found in two of the tumors, known as SKA-DDX10. This fusion has not been found before in this cancer. This study helps us understand more about the genes in mesothelioma tumors and 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 and aggressive cancer.
This study and many other studies like it are crucial to the improvement of mesothelioma and other hard to treat cancers. Without the consistent studies looking to find a cure, we would not have the treatments we have today to treat and improve the lives of mesothelioma patients. If we continue to study mesothelioma, maybe one day a cure could be found for this insidious disease.
