When nonseroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are combined with Piroxicam and cisplatin (CDDP) they produce an anti-tumoral treatment of cancerous cells, specifically malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. These results, published in Might 2008 in the Journal of Translational Medicine, are getting plenty of attention by both scientists as well as victims of mesothelioma cancer. Prior to this study, the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma cancer was grim, even at best, but now, researchers are breaking open a can of worms that might wage treatment for the deadly cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.

While this study offers a slice of hope for victims, the further research is required. Scientists with this study also found that the potential for determining a specific molecular target of mesothelioma cells, because of these drugs’ anti-tumor effects, could lead to advances in therapy treatments of the deadly cancer.

What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?

There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer, however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the most lethal. According to the study, “prognosis is poor and patients have a median survival of a few months in either treated or untreated cases.” Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the cover lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in an individual. (more…)