Scientists at Tongji University in Shanghai, China have found that the antimalarial drug, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), when combined with Onconase, an enzyme present in early-stage leopard frog embryos, may be useful in the treatment of mesothelioma. Onconase has previously been shown to decrease the density of mesothelioma tumors. This new research finds that combining Onconase with DHA suppresses growth and angiogenesis of mesothelioma tumor tissue much more effectively than either medication on its own. Studies thus far have seen impressive results both in test tube experiments and those involving living tissue. More research will be needed however before a combination of these medications is approved to join existing mesothelioma treatment options.
More research is needed before a combination of these medications is approved to join existing mesothelioma treatment options.
DHA is an extract of the Chinese herb Quinghao and was discovered by scientists in that country in the 1970s. Since that time, the drug has been used in combination therapy for the treatment of malaria. DHA causes oxidative stress in the cells of the plasmodium parasite, the parasite responsible for malaria, leading to the parasite’s destruction. When combined with Onconase, DHA helps suppress the growth of mesothelioma tumor cells, which may work to slow progression of the disease and assist existing therapies in eradicating the disease entirely.
There are dozens of trials involving new mesothelioma treatment options, but current patients have little to choose from and existing treatments can be both physically invasive and cost prohibitive. These treatments, necessary for life extension, are your right as a mesothelioma patient and something New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph Williams can help ensure you are compensated for. Please contact us online or by calling our office at 855-575-MESO (6376) to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you will need to take advantage of the most effective treatment options currently available.
