Researchers have identified a protein sequence that may predict how long a person can survive following a mesothelioma diagnosis. The research, released in October 2011, focuses on a specific protein, aquaporin 1, known as AQP1, which regulates water movement through the cell membrane.
Researchers looked at the expression of AQP1 in mesothelioma patients receiving two different types of treatment. One group of patients consisted of 80 mesothelioma patients who underwent radical mesothelioma surgery (extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)), while the other had conservative treatment. What they found was that the expression of AQP1 was a significant predictor of survival for patients, no matter what treatment they received.
Patients who had expression of the protein in 50% or more of tumor cells survived on average three times as long as other patients. In surgical patients, survival averaged 9.4 months for those without expression of AQP1, compared to 30.4 months for those patients with AQP1 expression. For conservatively-managed patients, the difference in survival rates was 5 months vs. 15 months. This difference was independent of other established prognostic factors such as the type of mesothelioma, stage of mesothelioma, sex, and age at diagnosis.
It is unknown what role this protein may play in survival, or if it is just a marker of another factor, but as researchers note both a blocker and an agonist exist for this protein, so if the protein has a controlling role in mesothelioma, it may be a treatment option that can be employed in the very near future.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is likely due to professional exposure to asbestos. A mesothelioma lawsuit can help you get compensation to pay for medical expenses related to your diagnosis and provide for your family if you are no longer able.
To learn more about your legal rights and options, please contactThe Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP for a free consultation.
