Malignant mesothelioma is considered
to be due to prior exposure to asbestos or similar
fibres. It is generally a slow-developing cancer
of the lung lining with some cases being diagnosed
several decades after exposure. Once established
the disease can progress rapidly; some mesothelioma
victims succumb within a few months with the average
survival time about a year.
Currently there is no cure for this disease.
The treatment options for people with mesothelioma
have improved significantly, especially for those
whose cancer is diagnosed early and treated vigorously.
Many people are treated with a combination of
therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy,
surgery and intra-operative photodynamic therapy.
WABRI research has shown that the transfer multiple
immune regulatory genes to non-immunogenic mesothelioma
cells induces immunity against some tumour clones.
This immune response drives anti-tumour responses
giving rise to potential new treatments. In parallel,
the search for genes preferentially expressed
by highly tumorigenic mesothelioma clones have
identified potential opportunities for treatment
development.
This is a collaboration program with researchers
at University of WA.
Contact Details of Program Leaders
Name: Prof Michael J. Garlepp
Institution: WABRI - Curtin University
Ph: +61 8 9266 7366
Fax: +61 8 9266 2769
Email:
Name: Dr Simon Fox
Institution: WABRI - Curtin University
Ph: +61 8 9470 3026
Fax: +61 8 9361 2027
E-mail:
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