Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and devastating cancer that develops in the cavity that lines the lungs and is largely triggered by the inhalation of asbestos. The average survival time from diagnosis is 9-12 months, with a 5-year survival rate of only 2%. The UK has one of the highest death rates in the world from mesothelioma and sadly there are limited effective therapies available to those who develop it.

High levels of a protein inhibitor have been reported in the lung cavity of mesothelioma patients and leads to more inflammation due to the increased levels of a secreted protein (Interleukin-17) released from white blood cells. Dr Donna Small from Queen’s University Belfast was awarded a fellowship to understand the relationship between the protein inhibitor and interleukin-17 and the effect this relationship has on the inflammatory response and subsequent tumour growth in patients with mesothelioma. We hope that the research will provide the knowledge base for developing treatments for mesothelioma that create a less inflammatory environment in the lung and that this approach could result in smaller, less aggressive tumours that respond better to therapy.