HXR9 Drug Halts Mesothelioma Tumor Growth in Mouse Study

Author: University of Bradford
Published: 14 Mar 2016 - Updated: 1 Oct 2026
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed | Research, Study, Analysis

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

​This peer-reviewed article discusses the potential of a new drug, HXR9, in treating mesothelioma, a lethal cancer often linked to asbestos exposure. HXR9 functions by inhibiting the cancer cells' ability to evade apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death. In studies involving human mesothelioma tumors in mice, a three-week HXR9 treatment halted tumor growth, eliminated tumor blood vessels, and induced extensive cancer cell death. The research also identified a strong correlation between the HOXB4 gene and patient survival rates, suggesting that HOXB4 could serve as a marker for aggressive mesothelioma. These findings offer hope for improved treatments for individuals affected by mesothelioma, including seniors and those with disabilities resulting from asbestos exposure.*

At a Glance

• 1 - The study was funded by the British Lung Foundation and the results were published in the journal BMC Cancer.
• 2 - HXR9 was developed by Professor Richard Morgan at the University of Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics.
• 3 - Mesothelioma resists all current chemotherapies, and patients are usually given a year to live at most after diagnosis.
• 4 - Asbestos is still widely used in construction and shipbuilding in parts of Africa and Asia, keeping mesothelioma a global public health concern.

Topic Definition

HXR9 Peptide Drug

HXR9 is an experimental peptide drug developed at the University of Bradford that blocks the activity of HOX proteins, a family of genes that drive rapid cell growth in embryos and are often switched back on in cancers such as mesothelioma, prostate, ovarian, and brain cancer. HOX proteins work with a partner protein called PBX to keep cancer cells alive, and HXR9 interferes with that partnership. With that support gone, cancer cells can no longer dodge apoptosis, the built-in self-destruct process the body uses to clear out damaged or abnormal cells. In laboratory and animal studies, HXR9 caused widespread tumor cell death and cut off the blood vessels feeding tumors, which makes it a promising lead for cancers that resist standard chemotherapy. It has not yet been approved for use in people.

Overview

A new drug is showing promise as a treatment for mesothelioma - one of the most lethal cancers of all. The drug, known as HXR9, works by preventing the cancer cells from avoiding apoptosis - the natural process by which unhealthy and damaged cells close themselves down and die.

Mesothelioma (malignant mesothelioma) is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium, the tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs is called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos. A doctor uses imaging tests and a biopsy to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall), chest wall pain and constitutional signs such as unexplained weight loss.

"Both the immune system and nearby healthy cells send signals instructing damaged and unhealthy cells to undergo apoptosis, which is like programmed 'cell suicide'. But cancer cells have developed a wide range of strategies to ignore these instructions," says Professor Richard Morgan, from the University of Bradford's Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, who developed the drug and who led the research. "There's a range of drugs which try to force apoptosis in different cancers, but this is the first one to work in mesothelioma."

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung. It's almost invariably caused by exposure to asbestos and is resistant to all current chemotherapies. Its prognosis is dismal, with those diagnosed usually given a year to live at most.

HXR9 Treatment

A study by the universities of Bradford and Surrey found that after three weeks' treatment with HXR9, human mesothelioma tumours in mice stopped growing, with a complete loss of tumour blood vessels and widespread cancer cell death. The results are published in BMC Cancer journal.

HXR9 targets the HOX gene family, which includes 39 fairly similar genes that help enable the remarkably rapid cell division in growing embryos. Many of these genes are usually switched off in adults, but previous research has shown that in many cancers - including prostate, ovarian, and brain cancer, melanoma, and leukaemia - HOX genes are switched back on, helping the cancer cells to proliferate and survive.

"We've effectively knocked out a key defence mechanism in this cancer through targeting the HOX genes," says Professor Morgan.

A further key finding reported in the study, funded by the British Lung Foundation, was that mesothelioma has a very strong association with one of the HOX genes in particular - known as HOXB4.

"We examined the amount of HOXB4 protein in tumours of 21 mesothelioma patients and compared it with their length of survival. There was a clear link: the more HOXB4 we found, the shorter time the patient survived, so we may also have found a way to predict which patients have the most aggressive form of this cancer," says Professor Morgan.

Because of greater awareness of the danger of asbestos in the West, the future incidence of mesothelioma is expected to decline. However, in Africa and some parts of Asia, asbestos is still commonly used in industries such as construction and ship building, and few precautions are taken when demolishing buildings that contain asbestos.

"Mesothelioma may become much less of a problem in the West, but it's still going to be a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. We already know that it's resistant to available drugs, which is why we need entirely new treatments," says Professor Morgan.

Ian Jarrold, Head of Research at British Lung Foundation said:

"Although still early days, this study is a significant step forward in that it is the first time a drug has been observed causing so-called 'cell suicide' in mesothelioma."

"People living with mesothelioma often tell us that among their first reactions to diagnosis is despair at the lack of treatment available. We hope that the progress being made in research we fund will soon provide new treatments and new hope for patients."

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

How is mesothelioma currently treated?

Standard options include surgery, chemotherapy with drugs such as pemetrexed and cisplatin, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy combinations such as nivolumab with ipilimumab. Treatment plans depend on the cancer type, stage, and the overall health of the patient.

How long after asbestos exposure does mesothelioma develop?

Mesothelioma usually appears 20 to 50 years after first exposure to asbestos. This long latency period is why many people are diagnosed later in life, often decades after they left the job where the exposure happened.

What are the main types of mesothelioma?

The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdominal lining, pericardial mesothelioma around the heart, and a very rare form affecting the lining of the testicles.

Is HXR9 available to mesothelioma patients today?

No. HXR9 is still an experimental compound that has been tested in laboratory and animal studies. It would need to pass several phases of human clinical trials and receive regulatory approval before doctors could prescribe it.

Can family members get mesothelioma from secondhand asbestos exposure?

Yes. Family members of asbestos workers have developed mesothelioma after breathing fibers carried home on work clothing, hair, and skin. This is often called secondary or take-home exposure.

What is the difference between mesothelioma and asbestosis?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining around organs such as the lungs. Asbestosis is a noncancerous scarring of the lung tissue itself caused by inhaled asbestos fibers, and it leads to stiff lungs and breathing problems.

Do mesothelioma patients qualify for disability benefits?

In the United States, mesothelioma is on the Social Security Administration Compassionate Allowances list, which speeds up disability claims. Many countries also offer compensation programs or asbestos trust funds for people with work-related exposure.

How can people reduce their risk of asbestos exposure at home?

Older homes may contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, roofing, and pipe wrapping. Leave suspected materials undisturbed and hire a licensed asbestos professional to test and remove them before any renovation or demolition work.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The search for effective mesothelioma treatments has been a long and difficult road, with few breakthroughs offering real promise. HXR9's ability to halt tumor growth and induce cancer cell death marks an encouraging step forward. However, as with all early-stage treatments, much remains to be seen in terms of its safety and effectiveness in humans. If further research confirms its potential, HXR9 could become a vital tool in the fight against a disease that has devastated so many lives, particularly among workers exposed to asbestos decades ago.*

Attribution/Source(s): This peer-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally issued as a press release by University of Bradford and published on 14 Mar 2016. Last updated on 1 Oct 2026. This content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.