ADI-PEG-20

Term: ADI-PEG-20Definition: ADI-PEG-20 is an experimental enzyme therapy used to treat certain cancers, including mesothelioma, by depleting the amino acid arginine, which some cancer cells need to grow.Phonetic Pronunciation: (ADD-eye-PEG-twenty)Origin: ADI-PEG-20 is derived from the enzyme arginine deiminase (ADI) sourced from the bacterium Mycoplasma hominis. The term PEG in ADI-PEG-20 stands for polyethylene glycol, a polymer used to increase the enzyme's stability and half-life in the body. The number 20 refers to the molecular weight of the PEG component.Significance in Asbestos Context: ADI-PEG-20 is significant in the context of asbestos-related diseases because it offers a potential treatment option for mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Its use could improve outcomes for patients affected by asbestos-related cancers, providing a targeted therapy that may be less toxic than traditional chemotherapy.Example Sentence: "The patient, diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, began treatment with ADI-PEG-20 in hopes of slowing the cancer's progression."Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Chemotherapy, Arginine, Enzyme Therapy, Targeted TherapyNotes: - ADI-PEG-20 is still under clinical investigation and not yet widely available as a standard treatment. - It is specifically designed for cancers that cannot synthesize their own arginine. - The therapy's effectiveness can vary based on the individual patient's cancer type and overall health.