CRS-207

Type: Medical Term

Definition:
CRS-207 is a therapeutic cancer vaccine designed to stimulate the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. It is based on a genetically modified strain of Listeria monocytogenes that expresses mesothelin, a protein commonly overexpressed in certain cancers, including mesothelioma.

Phonetic Pronunciation:
(see-AR-ess too-oh-SEV-en)

Etymological Origin:
The term "CRS-207" originates from the naming conventions of biotechnology companies. "CRS" refers to the company or project designation (in this case, CRS likely refers to the company Aduro Biotech, which developed the therapy), and "207" is the specific identifier for this therapeutic agent.

Significance in Asbestos Context:
CRS-207 is significant in the context of asbestos because it has been studied as a potential treatment for mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to treat, and CRS-207 represents an innovative approach by leveraging the immune system to target mesothelin-expressing tumors. This therapy has been explored in clinical trials to improve outcomes for patients with asbestos-related mesothelioma.

Synonyms or Related Terms:

  • Mesothelin-targeted immunotherapy
  • Listeria-based cancer vaccine
  • Aduro Biotech CRS-207

Example Sentence:
"Clinical trials investigating CRS-207 have shown promise in enhancing the immune response against mesothelioma, a cancer caused by prolonged asbestos exposure."

Common Misconceptions:

  • Misconception: CRS-207 is a cure for mesothelioma.
    Clarification: CRS-207 is not a cure but a therapeutic vaccine aimed at improving survival and quality of life for mesothelioma patients.
  • Misconception: CRS-207 works for all types of cancer.
    Clarification: CRS-207 is specifically designed to target cancers that overexpress mesothelin, such as mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer.
  • Misconception: CRS-207 eliminates the need for other treatments.
    Clarification: CRS-207 is often used in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors, to enhance its effectiveness.