New drug combination may be effective against mesothelioma

Those who suffer from mesothelioma in Louisville may be interested in recent research that may help treat the disease. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the thin layer that lines the outside of many of the organs in the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining, or pleura, of the lungs. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of the development of this type of cancer.

Though the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma has been known since the 1940s, much is still not understood about this form of cancer, and successful treatment options are scarce. A new drug combination discovered by researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre is offering hope to those who suffer from aggressive forms of the disease.

Researchers used key molecular processes to identify two drugs that when used together may be effective against aggressive types of mesothelioma. The drug combination was discovered by researchers developing a new course of treatment for bladder cancer. The two genetic suppressors being used in mice were found to be effective in mesothelioma treatment. The combination of drugs is being used in clinical trials for other forms of cancer. Researchers are hopeful that if the drug combination proves successful that it will next be used in mesothelioma clinical trials.

An estimated 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. A cancer diagnosis of mesothelioma often results in costly medical treatments and lost wages. Businesses who knowingly allowed their employees to be exposed to asbestos acted negligently and might be responsible for medical and compensatory damages. A lawyer may be able to help a family file a lawsuit against these businesses. For example, a construction worker might have been exposed to asbestos in the 1970s before it was banned. The construction company may be responsible for damages if they knew about the exposure.