Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Researchers from the Pharmacology Institute of the University of Heidelberg in Germany possess revealed likely answers as to why conventional medicine is often ineffective against very bad cancer pain. They discovered that tumors release two signal substances that make nerve cells sensitive as well as enhance tumor growth. These molecules were formerly identified only as growth factors for blood-forming stem cells, but the recent findings are consistent with cancer patient reports that simply touching an affected area is painful. Researchers as well as showed that tumor growth itself induces pain because the expanding tissue exerts pressure.

Animal studies found that blocking the effect of the signal substances with injected antibodies helped to lower the sensitivity of nerve cells as well as tumor growth. Incase results can be duplicated in human tissue, these antibodies could be injected directly into tumors to lower pain as well as side effects in cancer patients.

For the filled story, go to Oncology Nursing News.