North West Cancer Research partners with Mesothelioma UK to fund new research into asbestos-related cancer

North West Cancer Research has partnered with Mesothelioma UK to jointly fund a research study into new clinical treatments for the pleural form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma UK and North West Cancer Research will provide around £30,000 funding for the study, titled ‘Deubiquitinase Inhibitors as Novel Therapeutics for the Treatment of Hypoxic Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma’.

It will be carried out by Dr Niall Kenneth (pictured) and Dr Sarah Barnett at the University of Liverpool and is set to take 12 months to complete.

The project is proposing a unique way of modelling mesothelioma utilising fertilised hen’s eggs.

The cancer cells are placed inside the egg where they form small tumour nodules which more closely resemble tumours in patients.

Using this system, new classes of drug will be tested to examine the effects on tumour growth and aggressiveness.

They hope this work will lead to new strategies to target mesotheliomas which are extremely difficult to treat using conventional approaches.

Liz Darlison, Chief Executive of Mesothelioma UK, said: “We are delighted to be funding this project with North West Cancer Research.

“Mesothelioma UK works tirelessly to support everyone affected by mesothelioma and we hope that the study will yield positive results and extend treatments available to pleural mesothelioma patients.”

Alastair Richards, Chief Executive Officer at North West Cancer Research, said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Mesothelioma UK to find further treatment options for cancer patients.

“The North West has one of the highest regional mortalities of malignant pleural mesothelioma in the UK, due to our shipbuilding and industrial heritage, so we hope the study has a positive outcome.”

Dr Niall Kenneth, Lecturer of Cell Signalling at the University of Liverpool and lead researcher on the project, said: “Without the support of charities such as Mesothelioma UK and North West Cancer Research we would not be able to conduct our research.

“Your support enables us to undertake ambitious research that is rewarding and capable of delivering findings with impact for mesothelioma patients.”