DREM
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Dissecting the Role of ERK-5 in Mesothelioma
IRAS ID
332543
Contact name
Sean Knight
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed late and invariably leads to death. There is no curative treatment and the 5 year survival rate is only 5%. The immune system is central to developing mesothelioma. Current research suggests that asbestos fibres lead to persistent inflammation that cause damage to cells on the chest wall and surface of the lung. Over time cancer driving changes occur in the DNA of these cells leading to mesothelioma. We think that proteins involved in mediating inflammation may be new targets for treatment. Dr Finegan has shown that inhibition of one inflammatory mediator, ERK5, leads to regression of mesothelioma in laboratory models. However we do not know how much ERK5 is expressed in human mesothelioma and whether inhibition of ERK5 will work in people with mesothelioma. This study will analyse expression of ERK5 in patients with mesothelioma and will set up a new model using surplus human tissue from clinical procedures to evaluate the effect of ERK5 inhibition on mesothelioma properties. If we demonstrate effectiveness of ERK5 inhibition in this study we will be in a position to plan an early clinical trial using this therapy.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1338
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion