DETROIT, April 17 /PRNewswire/ — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer
Institute today announced significant scientific findings that could lead
to better treatment and therapies for cancer patients suffering from
malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Karmanos scientists presented their research at the American
Association of Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in Los Angeles, CA.

“We are getting closer and closer to making an impact on this insidious
disease,” said Anil Wali, Ph.D., an associate professor with Karmanos who
led a group of cross-collaborative researchers in studying the
ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic (UPP) pathway regulatory proteins.

Their study demonstrated that protein ubiquitination and degradation
are critical players in the spread of mesothelioma. After studying 241
genes involved in the UPP pathway, Wali’s group determined 33 genes were
differentially expressed among epithelioid and biphasic histotypes.

“We have already reported earlier detection biomarkers that can be
utilized in assessing the high risk groups of patients,” Dr. Wali said.
“Now, if we can develop a therapy to target this pathway, we will be one
step closer to halting this disease.”

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive, asbestos-related
thoracic cancer affecting about 3,000 new patients in the United States
annually. Despite advances in cancer treatment, the average survival rate
remains low and the majority of patients die within two years of diagnosis.
Currently there is no cure.

The Karmanos Cancer Institute has a long history of mesothelioma
education and treatment. In 2004, the Institute joined with Wayne State
University’s Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine to create
the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos Related Cancers.

It addresses the need for early diagnosis and aggressive treatment for
those afflicted with asbestos-related diseases. John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D.,
president and chief executive officer of KCI, co-directs the center in
conjunction with Michael R. Harbut, M.D., M.P.H., F.C.C.P., an expert in
the diagnosis and treatment of environmental and workplace diseases. Dr.
Ruckdeschel, an internationally recognized figure in both lung cancer
research and treatment, contributed to the research and authorship of
today’s presentation.

This study received funding from the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Based in midtown Detroit, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is
committed to a future free of cancer. The Institute is one of 39 National
Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United
States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of
$216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific
investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute
is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000
staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of
volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect
and eradicate all forms of cancer. John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D. is the
Institute’s president and CEO.

Source: http://www.karmanos.org/