Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer that arises from the mesothelial surfaces of the pleural cavity. It is associated with asbestos inhalation, with 70% of cases being associated with documented asbestos exposure. MPM has a poor prognosis and the outlook has not been improved by newer therapeutic interventions. A new approach developed in our lab, focusing on Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy (SMART) showed promising results in a phase I/II clinical trial. We believe that radiation is important to achieving activation of the immune system and may contribute to the benefits observed in patients. The goal of this project was to develop a mouse model to analyze the immunogenic effect of Local Radiation Therapy (LRT) and its impact on immune cell recruitment and activation in the context of MPM. Results from these studies may have clinical implication for the treatment of MPM, where combination of LRT and other treatments such as immunotherapy may prove useful.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Authors: de la Maza Borja, Luis Alberto Maza
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2564009102