Pemetrexed-loaded nanoparticles targeted to malignant pleural mesothelioma cells: In-vitro study

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized by a poor prognosis and by an increasing incidence due to widespread asbestos exposure. Molecular steps in the progress of MPM remain unclear, but several growth factor signalling pathways are known to be altered in MPM growth and progression. The association of iv Cisplatin and Pemetrexed (Pem) is the standard of care allowing a response rate in roughly only 40% of cases. A more precise drug delivery might improve therapeutic effect. Aim of this study is to assess "in vitro" efficacy of functionalized Pem loaded nanoparticles on MPM cell lines. Preliminary data obtained on five primary MPM cell lines (Obtained from pleural effusion and characterized by routine pathology) allowed the identification of a surface marker, useful in nanopar...

from MedWorm: Mesothelioma http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=146298181&cid=c_409_40_f&fid=40789&url=http%3A%2F%2Ferj.ersjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F46%2Fsuppl_59%2FOA5003%3Frss%3D1