Epithelial Mesothelioma (EM) is a malignant subtype of mesothelioma cancer which mainly involves epithelial tissues of organs like lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Protheragen stands out in the field of epithelial mesothelioma diagnostics and therapeutics development through our unparalleled expertise and commitment to excellence.
Overview of Epithelial Mesothelioma (EM)
Epithelial mesothelioma (EM) is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma, which is an unusual but very aggressive cancer, primarily occurring in the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs. Although resembling adenocarcinoma, EM subtype is marked by spheroid cells that are large and often cluster in glandular cavities. EM makes up about 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases. It is known for an aggressive disease course and dismal prognosis, having a median survival of 4-12 months in the absence of therapeutics. The diagnosis of EM is difficult because of the Epithelial Mesothelioma's vague symptoms and complex differential diagnosis with other tumors of the lung.
Fig.1 Nuclear grade of epithelioid mesothelioma. (Dacic S., 2022)
Diagnostics Development for Epithelial Mesothelioma (EM)
Biomarker Identification
Research aimed at developing diagnostic tools for epithelial mesothelioma concentrates on the search for particular biomarkers that can be useful for diagnosis and enable early detection. One such biomarker that has emerged is mesothelin. Mesothelin can be detected in raised amounts in blood in patients suffering from mesothelioma, which can be diagnosed based on immunoassays. Other biomarkers like osteopontin and fibulin-3 have also been found useful in differentiating mesothelioma from other lung diseases.
Histopathological Examination
A definitive diagnosis of epithelial mesothelioma is confirmed following a detailed histopathological evaluation of the tissue specimens. Biopsies collected via thoracoscopy or fine needle aspiration are analyzed for certain defining histological features. Differentiation of EM from other malignancies is usually done with immunohistochemical stains, with calretinin, CK5/6, and WT-1 being pertinent markers. The application of these methods increases the precision and EM diagnosis.
Therapeutics of Epithelial Mesothelioma (EM)
| Therapeutics |
Drug Name |
Mechanism |
Description |
Stage |
| Chemotherapy |
Pemetrexed |
Inhibits enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine synthesis (e.g., thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase) |
Pemetrexed is often combined with cisplatin or carboplatin. It prevents DNA and RNA formation, thereby inhibiting cancer cell growth. Median survival is around 10.3 months after therapeutics. |
Approved |
| Chemotherapy |
Cisplatin |
Forms DNA adducts, causing cross-linking and disrupting DNA replication |
Often used in combination with pemetrexed. It has shown improved survival compared to cisplatin alone. |
Approved |
| Immunotherapy |
Nivolumab |
Inhibits PD-1, a protein on T cells that prevents them from attacking cancer cells |
Combined with ipilimumab (CTLA-4 inhibitor) for unresectable mesothelioma. It has demonstrated improved overall survival in clinical trials. |
Approved |
| Immunotherapy |
Ipilimumab |
Inhibits CTLA-4, a protein that downregulates the immune response |
Used in combination with nivolumab to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. |
Approved |
| Targeted Therapy |
Bevacizumab |
Monoclonal antibody that inhibits VEGF, preventing angiogenesis |
Added to chemotherapy regimens to improve efficacy by blocking blood vessel formation in tumors. |
Approved |
| Anti-Fungal Drug |
Itraconazole |
Anti-angiogenic agent, inhibits VEGFR2 glycosylation and Hedgehog signaling |
Promising in preclinical studies and phase II trials for other cancers, but not yet tested in mesothelioma clinical trials. |
Preclinical |
| Anti-Inflammatory Drug |
Aspirin |
Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2, induces apoptosis, and inhibits EMT |
Demonstrated anti-cancer activity in preclinical studies with mesothelioma cell lines and mouse models. |
Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
Proseragan offers a comprehensive range of services designed to advance the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for epithelial mesothelioma. From the development of diagnostics, including the identification of biomarkers and the optimization of imaging techniques, to the development of therapeutics, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and gene therapy approaches, our services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients.
Disease Models
- Cell-Based Models
- Murine Mesothelioma Organoids
- Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models
- Nf2, Ink4a/Arf, or p53 Conditional knockout Models
Through Proseragan's comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic development services for epithelial mesothelioma, we aim to achieve significant advancements in early detection and therapeutics development. By combining innovative technologies with expert scientific expertise, we are committed to advancing the fight against this deadly disease. Our tailored services provide clients with the tools they need to develop more effective therapies, ultimately accelerating research and development for pharmaceutical companies worldwide. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
- Dacic, Sanja. "Pleural mesothelioma classification—update and challenges." Modern Pathology 35 (2022): 51-56.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
