Current Mesothelioma Research
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Mesothelioma is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. This asbestos releases dust when it is disturbed and is then swallowed or ingested. The particles imbed themselves into the lungs, heart region, and abdomen. Therefore much of the current research into this rare form of lung cancer is centered on trying to find out exactly how and why asbestos affects the normal cells, which line the chest and abdominal cavities. As researches know it often took 30-40 years before the symptoms of mesothelioma showed up after the initial exposure. The good news here is that we now know what to look for and hopefully can find and treat mesothelioma before it gets to an advanced stage.
Current theories suspect a link between a virus called the simian virus and developing mesothelioma. It has largely been discounted but some research is still ongoing.
A study in Turkey is working on genetics as a contributing factor to mesothelioma. They found that in families exposed to asbestos, some units had all family members develop mesothelioma and in other families, no one developed it (Lancet, vol.357, issue 9254, pg. 444). This research is ongoing and it will be many years before there is testing done.
Finding a tumor marker for mesothelioma is another area of research. A tumor marker is a chemical given off by cancer cells that can be found in the blood. If such a marker could be found for mesothelioma, it would help in making an early and accurate diagnosis of the disease.
This research is in the early stages but is showing positive results. In a paper, (The Lancet, Nov. 2003), a group study, 7 out of 40 people tested positive. 3 of these 7 developed mesothelioma, and another one got lung cancer within 5 years of testing positive. None of the 33 people who had tested negative developed mesothelioma within the 8 years of the study.
Research is ongoing in chemotherapy development as so far none have worked efficiently and no standard treatment has been set. The chemotherapy drugs haven’t been successful on their own and another area of research is in the field of combining these drugs hoping for better results. So far, the drugs do appear to work better in combination.
Other relatively unknown treatments currently under research and testing are photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy. Photodynamic therapy is a process where chemicals are applied to the affected area and then put under a light source. Under this light source the chemical activates to destroy the cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a treatment using natural substances that the body uses to fight infection and disease. It works by encouraging the body’s natural defense system to attack cancer cells.
With over 3,000 patients being diagnosed each year, researching treatments is a high and ongoing priority.
About the author:
Rick has been writting about mesothelioma and asbestos related topics for 12 years. For more information please visit http://www.mesothelioma.com