Mesothelioma / Cancer Research

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Mesothelioma research refers to the studies for discovering new facts or information about mesothelioma cancers.  Mesothelioma research is important considering the increasing number of mesothelioma patients every year in all of the industrialized countries.  In fact, it is mesothelioma research that provides hope that in the near future a cure for this dreadful disease will be developed.

Some of the Key Points of Mesothelioma Research

Most of the mesothelioma research going on today is focused on the effects of asbestos particles on human cells.

Scientists undertaking mesothelioma research are studying the process through which asbestos corrupts and destroys the healthy cells of the human body.

During the course of mesothelioma research, experts perform clinical trials on mesothelioma patients who have both early as well as later stages of malignant mesothelioma.  

This is done so that researchers can identify different treatment variables for the different stages of mesothelioma cancer. 

Ongoing mesothelioma research and new information provides mesothelioma patients with a ray of hope that sometime in the near future it may become possible to prevent the damaging effects of asbestos fibers on human cells.

Federally Funded Research and Treatment Program Petition

In an attempt to address the need for more money needed for mesothelioma research, The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) sponsored a petition for a federally funded research and treatment program that would cost $30 million per year.  Since the deadline to sign this petition was just a few months ago (February 6, 2006), the status of this petition is not known.  One optimistic fact, however, is that the MARF's goal of 10,000 signatures was met and passed as 12,371 people signed this petition.

Sponsors of Mesothelioma Research

Many organizations, including the companies responsible for the exposure to asbestos particles, are sponsoring mesothelioma research.  Some people see this as a moral duty of asbestos manufacturers because it was their negligence that most likely was responsible for the deaths of their employees to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. 

Law firms are also keeping a close watch on mesothelioma research because many patients are adopting a legal posture by seeking compensation for their disease.  Obviously, the better informed the mesothelioma law firm, the better the chances of getting compensation for their clients.

In a similar manner, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors research studies with mesothelioma patients (clinical trials) that are intended to discover new and better treatments or to improve the existing treatments.  

Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, however, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease.  Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Research Clinics

Since the late 1970s, the number of research clinics specializing in mesothelioma cancer has increased significantly.  Not surprisingly, there has been a direct relationship between the number of mesothelioma research clinics and the number of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer.  More specifically, as the number of mesothelioma cases that are reported have increased, the number of research clinics specializing in mesothelioma have also increased. 

Funded by private corporations and also by the federal government, mesothelioma research clinics have been instrumental in some of the more recent treatment options for this disease.  

 People Who Participate in Mesothelioma Research

People decide to participate in clinical research for many reasons.  While some patients focus on access to promising drugs long before these compounds are approved by the FDA for the marketplace, others participate for the free care.  Whatever their motivation, it is important for research participants to be aware of their safety as well as their patient's rights. 

In the United States, research participants will be presented with an "informed consent" form.  This form explains the nature of the study, any potential risks, and what will take place during the study.  This consent form also lets research participants know that they have the right to leave the study at any time.

Since the current state of mesothelioma treatment leaves a lot to be desired according to some individuals, many patients honestly believe that they are not risking much by joining these studies.

It is emphasized, however, that whomever participates in this kind of research does so because of an informed decision-making process.  

Here are some helpful questions to ask the researchers:

• How long will the trial last?
  
  
• What treatments will be used and how?
  
  
• How will patient safety be monitored?
  
  
• Are there any risks involved?
  
  
• Who is sponsoring the research?
  
  
• How much do participants have to pay?

The First Blood Test for Mesothelioma

In November, 2003, the first ever blood test for mesothelioma have been devised as reported by Pacific North-West Research Institute (PNRI).  A PNRI team led by Dr. Ingegerd Hellstrom, and an Australian team, led by Dr. Bruce Robinson, of the University of Western Australia conducted the research.

This research is based on the fact that mesothelioma cells release tumor markers called SMR (soluble mesothelin-related) proteins.  Researchers have identified this group of markers and have developed a test to detect them with great specificity.

In blood samples gathered from 273 individuals, researchers found that 84% of those with mesothelioma exhibited high levels of SMR.  Only 1.9% of those with other forms of cancer or lung disease had any increased SMR, and patients who were healthy and had not been exposed to asbestos showed no biomarker increase.

"This is a very important breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma," Hellstrom explains. "Currently, no blood test exists to detect this cancer and the new biomarker will help doctors see the disease that so far has required much more complicated and expensive tests, and that even then has often gone undetected."

It is research like this that provides mesothelioma patients and researchers alike with hope for innovative and more effective ways to diagnose and treat this dreadful disease.

Mesothelioma / Cancer Research:  Conclusion 

Mesothelioma research refers to the studies for discovering new facts or information about mesothelioma cancer.  Considering the increasing number of mesothelioma patients every year, it is obvious that mesothelioma research is important in all of the industrialized countries. 

Indeed, mesothelioma research provides hope that in the near future, a cure for this dreadful disease will be developed.

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