RNase Based Anti–Cancer Therapy Being Tested in Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma News

Mesothelioma Patients Await Findings for New Anti–Cancer Therapy Drugs

July 14, 2008 — Every year, in this country, roughly 2,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma. While this form of cancer may be rare, like other types, it touches not only the patient diagnosed, but the family and friends around them. Keeping up on what is new in the way of treatment can be a confusing task, especially if you don’t have a science degree. However, there are scientific research companies searching for a successful mesothelioma treatment. In fact, there are mesothelioma clinical trials taking place right now, and more results are expected within the next year.

What’s Being Done in Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma Treatment

Currently, clinical trials (those being conducted on people, as opposed to those conducted on animals) are being held by Alfacell Corporation, Quintessence Bioscience, and Rosetta Genomics. While each company is working on a different anti–cancer therapy drug, they all have the same goal in mind, a cure for mesothelioma. Here is where each of the companies currently stands with their clinical trial:

• » RNase Onconase, made by New Jersey–based Alfacell Corporation, has just completed a second Phase III trial. Onconase is based on the company’s ribonuclease (RNase) technology. The base comes from a natural protein found in leopard frogs. Over 850 patients with malignant mesothelioma have used the drug, and they have seen some survival benefits. Those patients that previously failed chemotherapy treatments before entering the trial received Onconase, plus doxorubicin. They experienced a medium survival time (MST) of 10.5 months, while those who received only the doxorubicin had a MST of 8.7 months. The drug spares normal cells, while targeting cancer cells. Recent clinical trial outcomes did not turn out as well as expected, and the company is in the process of submitting a new drug application to the FDA.
• » RNase QBI–139, created by Wisconsin–based Quintessence Bioscience, is also known as EVade. This is the competitor to Alfacell’s Onconase. The drug has completed toxicology studies, and the Quintessence is currently waiting for the beginning of clinical trails. A particular benefit to patients is based on the belief that RNase QBI–139 will not have harsh side effects. The base focuses on RNases, or ribonucleases, which are enzymes that break down ribonucleic acid (RNA). The problem at this point is that there is not much flexibility in dosage, because of the possibility of toxicity if too much is administered.
• » microRNA–based drugs are the focus of Rosetta Genomics, based in New Jersey. The microRNA genes are a group involved in just about all biological processes. Because of their importance within the body, they have become a drug therapy target. Studies have shown that microRNA helps determine the fate of a cell. The company is conducting research on microRNAs for treating mesothelioma, as well as other diseases.

Understanding Mesothelioma

In order to get a clear idea of what is going on in the world of treatment for mesothelioma patients, it’s helpful to understand what the condition is. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Most people who develop the condition have at some point worked where they were exposed to, and breathed in, asbestos fibers.

Asbestos, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been used commonly as an acoustic (sound absorbing) insulator. It has also been frequently used in thermal insulation, fire–proofing materials, and an array of other building materials. The EPA also reports that there are still many products in use today that contain asbestos. When people, more often men than women, are exposed to asbestos particles, there is usually a long period before a detectable problem arises. Many years usually go by before the person begins to have problems.

Usually some 30–50 years later, the person may end up with mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the mesothelium, a protective layer covering the body’s organs. It is a disease where the cells in the mesothelium begin to divide without control or order, and become abnormal. Many patients end up having breathing problems and experience chest pains.

Within the scientific community, there is still a lot of work to be done in order to find new mesothelioma treatments and make better use of existing ones. However, even disappointing clinical trials are a step in the right direction. Sometimes it takes a lot of wrong answers to come up with the right one. Every trial for a new therapy drug is evidence that people are working diligently to combat the condition.