Project description:Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), which is associated with occupational asbestos exposure, is a deadly disease with no effective treatments due mainly to its high resistance to anti-cancer drugs. The molecular mechanisms responsible for its chemotherapeutic resistance are complicated and undefined. However, the presence of side population cells (SP cells) in tumors is a well-accepted explanation for their anti-cancer drug resistance. To identify SP cell-specific gene expression signature, microarray technique has been employed. Our data show differential gene expression profiles between SP and non-SP cells of H2714 mesothelioma cells. SP cells over-expressed genes associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) and drug resistance: DUSP6, SPRY2 and IL6, as well as multi-pathways, including the cancer stem cell-associated pathways Notch and c-Kit. Therefore, we believe that targeting CSC-specific genes and pathways in SP cells may hold the key to the discovery of effective treatments for reversing chemotherapeutic resistance to MPM treatment. 4 samples
Project description:Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), which is associated with occupational asbestos exposure, is a deadly disease with no effective treatments due mainly to its high resistance to anti-cancer drugs. The molecular mechanisms responsible for its chemotherapeutic resistance are complicated and undefined. However, the presence of side population cells (SP cells) in tumors is a well-accepted explanation for their anti-cancer drug resistance. To identify SP cell-specific gene expression signature, microarray technique has been employed. Our data show differential gene expression profiles between SP and non-SP cells of H2714 mesothelioma cells. SP cells over-expressed genes associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) and drug resistance: DUSP6, SPRY2 and IL6, as well as multi-pathways, including the cancer stem cell-associated pathways Notch and c-Kit. Therefore, we believe that targeting CSC-specific genes and pathways in SP cells may hold the key to the discovery of effective treatments for reversing chemotherapeutic resistance to MPM treatment.
Project description:Regional delivery of oncolytic viruses has been shown to promote immune responses. Malignant pleural effusions comprise an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and the ability of oncolytic viruses to generate immune responses following regional delivery in patients with malignant pleural effusions is unknown. We conducted a phase I clinical trial that studied the intrapleural administration of oncolytic vaccinia virus to establish the safety and feasibility in patients with malignant pleural effusion due to malignant pleural mesothelioma or metastatic disease. In patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, by correlative analysis of pre- and post-treatment tumor biopsies, we provide insight into tumor-specific viral uptake and associated immune responses.
