Cancer Testis Antigens in Mesothelioma and Immunotherapy
Author Information
Author(s): Sigalotti L, Coral S, Altomonte M, Natali L, Gaudino G, Cacciotti P, Libener R, Colizzi F, Vianale G, Martini F, Tognon M, Jungbluth A, Cebon J, Maraskovsky E, Mutti L, Maio M
Primary Institution: Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
Hypothesis
Malignant mesothelioma may be sensitive to immunotherapy targeting cancer/testis antigens.
Conclusion
The study suggests that cancer/testis antigens-based immunotherapy could be a promising treatment for malignant mesothelioma.
Supporting Evidence
- Malignant mesothelioma cells frequently expressed multiple cancer/testis antigens.
- Treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine induced the expression of cancer/testis antigens in mesothelioma cells.
- The study provides the first evidence of co-expression of different cancer/testis antigens in human mesothelioma specimens.
Takeaway
This study found that certain proteins, called cancer/testis antigens, are present in mesothelioma cells, which could help in creating new treatments.
Methodology
The expression of cancer/testis antigens was analyzed in mesothelial and mesothelioma cells using RT-PCR and the effects of a DNA hypomethylating agent were studied.
Limitations
The study is preliminary and the clinical outcomes of the proposed immunotherapy need further investigation.
Participant Demographics
Patients with malignant mesothelioma and heart failure were included for cell cultures.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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