In 2004 the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) broke new ground in environmental cancer research by establishing the Center for Environmental Oncology (CEO) – the first program of its kind in the United States. The Center focuses on “improving the scientific understanding linking environmental exposures to adverse health outcomes.” The leading-edge Lung and Thoracic Malignancies Program (LTMP) of the CEO focuses on improving both therapy and early detection of lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and is most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called the mesothelium. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, findings from the latest research and clinical trials have improved the survival rate for mesothelioma patients.
The CEO focuses on “developing strategies to reduce cancer by translating scientific findings about avoidable, environmental causes of cancer into effective ways to minimize risks.” Currently, the only way to eliminate mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease is to avoid exposure to asbestos. While the use of asbestos is restricted in the United States, it is not banned.
The LTMP program includes research areas such as hormone growth factors, DNA repair enzymes that could affect lung cancer risk, biomarkers, as well as mechanisms of induction of radiation damage.
Other LTMP research highlights include:
New therapeutic targets and novel therapeutic delivery
Common mechanisms of inflammation and lung cancer
Early detection/biomarkers for thoracic cancers
Genetic susceptibility to thoracic cancers
Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Lung Cancer
The LTMP is home to several multi-investigator grants including the Mesothelioma Virtual Tissue Bank and an Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) U01 grant.
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