SPARK 2015

Project Member(s): George, A.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Kolling Institute of Medical Research (Spark Sydney Project)

Start year: 2015

Summary: Researchers at UTS have discovered that a certain compound (CM) can be used as a therapeutic treatment for mesothelioma and asbestosis. Preliminary results in mice (supported by in vitro data) suggest that CM prevents the progression or development of mesothelioma tumours. Two patent applications will be filed in Nov 2014 for this discovery. The WHO has estimated that more than 100,000 deaths annually are asbestos-related. There are few, if any, effective treatments for mesothelioma and asbestosis. We have been running an in vitro phase of this project from 2010-13 and two mouse model trials during 2013-14. Results have reached an early proof-of-principle point.

Keywords: mesothelioma, asbestos, treatment

FOR Codes: Cell Development, Proliferation and Death, Cancer and Related Disorders, Cell development, proliferation and death, Clinical health

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.