Gene Therapy | Shrader & Associates L.L.P.
Get in Touch Today

Gene Therapy

Over A Billion Recovered Nationwide

Mesothelioma Treatment with Gene Therapy

Researchers are continually searching for new therapies to treat mesothelioma. One of these new treatments that holds great promise for the future, according to the American Cancer Society, is gene therapy. However, at the present time, gene therapy is only available through participation in a clinical trial.

The term “gene therapy” actually encompasses a number of methods of altering the structure or function of genes by inserting DNA or RNA into cells to restore a function that has been lost, or to change a cell function:

  • Replacing defective p53 genes. These suppress tumor growth. Adding a functioning copy of the p53 gene into cancer cells may make it possible to control the growth of these cells.
  • Stopping oncogenes from dividing and metastasizing. Oncogenes are mutations of normal genes that speed up cell division, causing cancer to spread.
  • Making cancer cells more unstable. Cancer cells lack the ability to repair faulty DNA, which allows them to grow and divide rapidly. By changing faulty genes so that normal cells can repair them, but cancer cells cannot, would allow for apoptosis or programmed cancer cell death.
  • Changing cancer cells so they are more responsive to cancer treatments.
  • Making tumor cells more visible and more vulnerable to the body’s immune system. This can be accomplished in two ways. First, adding a “tagging” gene to cancer cells, a process that makes them more identifiable so the immune system can recognize and destroy them. Second, adding genes to immune system cells to make them better able to identify cancer cells.
  • Stopping genes that play a role in angiogenes, which is the formation of new blood vessels that carry nutrients to the cancer cells. Stopping the nutrient supply should cause tumors to shrink.

Scientists are experimenting with different methods of getting genes into targeted cancer cells. The first is called in vivo, which is Latin for “in the body.” This requires the physical placement of genes into the cancer cells. The biggest drawbacks of this technique are that tumors aren’t always accessible and in cancer that has metastasized, not all of the cells may be found.

The second technique is called ex vivo, which is Latin for “outside the body.” This would be accomplished by removing some of the targeted cancer cells from the body and adding the genes to them in a lab. These changed cells would then be placed back inside the body.

Another area of research associated with gene therapy is researching vectors, or vehicles that can transport genes into the targeted cells. Viruses are being considered as vectors because they inject their DNA or RNA into cells they infect, causing the cells to create proteins that are necessary for the reproduction of the virus cells. The gene to be transported would be put into the virus in the lab and harmful viral genetic material would be removed. The virus would be given to the patient so it could infect the cancer cells. However, these viruses could also trigger an immune system response, making them ineffective. In addition, they aren’t easily controlled, so they could insert themselves into a functioning gene, which would cause a mutation.

Another method is to use liposomes, the tiny fat molecules in the body. The liposomes would have pieces of DNA added to them in the lab. They would then be injected into the body so they could flow through the cell membrane and deposit their DNA pieces into the cells. Liposomescan carry larger genes, but they are less likely then viruses to end up inside the cells.

Contact Us Today

Request a Free Consultation

    $6,800,000
    Mesothelioma Lawsuit
    $4,650,084.52
    Mesothelioma Lawsuit

    We Take Our Clients’ Cases Personal

    Helping Victims of Mesothelioma Is Why We Do What We Do

    Your firm has made this stressful process easy and comfortable for me.

    “In this difficult time for me, everyone in your office has been helpful and supportive in ensuring that not only are our objectives with my case met but also that my personal needs are accommodated.”
    - Stephen

    I couldn’t have done it without you.

    “My case was complex, but you untangled the details of my asbestos exposure so that they were clear in court.”
    - Sam

    The professionals at Shrader & Associates did the work, hassle free, and ensured I was able to leave a legacy for my family.

    “I hesitated to file suit because I thought going to trial would be a hassle. The professionals at Shrader & Associates did the work, hassle-free, and ensured I was able to leave a legacy for my family ...”
    - Raymond

    Your team stood by me throughout the entire process.

    “The future looks a bit brighter for my family now.”
    - Frank

    Thanks to you, the grief of my loss would have been almost unbearable otherwise.

    “The wonderful things you have done for us, the things you have made possible for my family, the doors you have opened – I will always be grateful.”
    - Brian

    Experience You Can Count On

    Our Awards & Accolades

    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy
    Gene Therapy

    The Right Team Makes a Difference

    Mesothelioma cases require technical knowledge and an understanding of complex laws. An attorney with experience trying these claims and substantial resources to leverage on your behalf is your best bet to having a strong case. We are nationally recognized for providing quality representation to mesothelioma patients and their families.

    Meet Our Attorney

    Choosing the Right Law Firm is an Important & Personal Decision

    Why Shrader & Associates?

    AWARD-WINNING

    Our skilled approach to the practice of law has resulted in top ratings & awards from renowned legal organizations.

    RESPECTED

    Our attorneys have been invited into some of the most prestigious and recognized professional associations in the U.S.

    RECOGNIZED

    We’ve been featured on local and national news programs for our legal knowledge and winning results.

    PROVEN

    To date, we’ve secured countless million-dollar results for clients located throughout the country.