RESEARCH breakthroughs
Michele Carbone , MD , PhD and Haining Yang , MD , PhD
FINDING A CAUSE TO ASBESTOS-INDUCED MESOTHELIOMA
Mesothelioma , a highly aggressive cancer primarily affecting the chest and abdomen lining , claims around 3,200 lives annually in the United States and is often caused by asbestos exposure . In Hawai ‘ i , studies of mesothelioma pathogenesis show that occupational exposure to asbestos of those who work in fields such as general construction , shipyards , first responders , medical services , and hotel workers may be at risk for mesothelioma .
A study led by Haining Yang , MD , PhD and Michele Carbone , MD , PhD revealed the pivotal role of the HMGB1 protein in asbestos-induced mesothelioma . HMGB1 , released out of the cells post-asbestos exposure , triggers inflammation , fostering mesothelioma progression . Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , the study identifies mesothelial cells and later macrophages as key HMGB1 producers during different stages of mesothelioma development .
PROMISING NEW TREATMENT OPTION FOR LIVER CANCER
The UH Cancer Center is pioneering advancements in liver cancer treatment , the fourth deadliest cancer in Hawai ‘ i , particularly affecting Native Hawaiian , Filipino , and Japanese men . Currently , immunotherapy serves as the standard of care , yet it falls short of being a definitive cure , often resulting in patient relapse or limited efficacy . UH Cancer Center researcher , Benjamin Green , MD , under the mentorship of Xin Chen , PhD , leads innovative research combining a cancer vaccine with immunotherapy causing the immune system to eradicate tumors in mice with liver cancer . This promising outcome provides the foundation for initiating clinical trials in human patients . Jared Acoba , MD , UH Cancer Center researcher and Director of Research at The Queen ’ s Medical Center Cancer Center , anticipates this discovery to evolve into a new immunotherapy option .
Funded this year by the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation , Dr . Green aims to build upon this discovery by developing a cancer vaccine for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma , a highly aggressive and resistant form of liver cancer .
The researchers will now target specific molecules in these different cell types at varying stages of the disease in mice to prevent or reduce the growth of mesothelioma .
“ We are very encouraged by these results and hope to develop more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for those who are at risk of developing mesothelioma because they have been exposed to asbestos ,” said Dr . Yang .
6 Benjamin Green , MD