Mesothelioma often withstands chemotherapy, making the treatment ineffective for many patients.
A new study may help explain why this happens — and whether there’s a way to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.
A report published in Clinical Cancer Research found that changes to the BAP1 gene interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy for mesothelioma. Patients with more alterations to their BAP1 genes experienced poorer survival outcomes after chemotherapy.
With advancements in genetic testing and research, this discovery could help doctors tailor future mesothelioma treatments more effectively.
BAP1 and Mesothelioma
BAP1 gene alteration is strongly linked to mesothelioma. In its normal form, the BAP1 gene helps prevent tumor formation by regulating cell growth and division — and by triggering healthy cell death when appropriate.
When the gene is altered or lost, another gene called EZH2 becomes overactive. This imbalance leads to faster cell duplication, slower cell death, and the accumulation of abnormal cell clusters — all of which contribute to tumor growth.
Chemoresistance and BAP1
The study analyzed 28 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Of these, 17 showed noticeable BAP1 gene variants.
Mutations or deletions of the BAP1 gene were associated with chemotherapy resistance. Only one-third of mesothelioma patients respond positively to chemotherapy, leaving the remaining two-thirds to experience side effects without meaningful benefit.
Pathology findings during diagnosis may reveal BAP1 protein or gene alterations. Recognizing these genetic changes early could help doctors customize treatment plans and potentially avoid ineffective chemotherapy for patients less likely to respond.
Sources & Author
- Alterations in BAP1 Are Associated With Cisplatin Resistance Through Inhibition of Apoptosis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM). Clinical Cancer Research. Retrieved from: https://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/clincanres/early/2021/02/04/1078-0432.CCR-20-4037.full.pdf. Accessed: 03/15/2021.
