Drug Shows Good Activity Against Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma, a cancer frequently associated with exposure to asbestos, is difficult to treat.  The cancer often resists traditional chemotherapy and radiation. A new study has shown that a drug targeted at the mTOR kinase, temsirolimus (Toricel), has good activity againt mesothelioma.  Both in cell culture and in an animal model, the drug worked to kill mesothelioma cells.  Importantly, the drug showed good activity when used in combination with standard chemotherapy. Temsirolimus is currently used to treat kidney (renal) cancers.