In the March issue of Cancer Cell magazine, researchers in the Netherlands reported their progress in creating a model in mice to study the development and progression of malignant mesothelioma in humans. Mesothelioma is an extremely painful and generally fatal cancer caused by asbestos. It attacks the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma has an extremely long latency period, developing decades after the asbestos exposure. Researchers have been able to develop a mouse model for development of the disease with a dramatically shortened latency period, increasing the usefulness of the model for exploring new treatment options.
To find a summary of the article, go to Cancer Cell.
