Advances in Mesothelioma Treatment 2023

Professor Paul Baas has stated that Europe had a mesothelioma epidemic in the late 1990s, but was lacking in treatments. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used extensively because of its insulating and fire-retardant properties. Asbestos that is encased in construction materials like siding does not pose a risk unless the construction material is damaged and lethal asbestos fibers can be released.

When asbestos fibers become lodged in a person’s lungs, the resulting irritation can lead to mesothelioma. It can take up to 40 or 50 years for mesothelioma to manifest. Symptoms are:

• Breath shortness.
• Cough.
• Chest pains.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Fever.

From approximately 2000 to 2021, chemotherapy showed the most promise in mesothelioma treatment. Cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, proved to have some effectiveness against the disease.

Cancer.gov says that:

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer. The immune system helps your body fight infections and other diseases. It is made up of white blood cells and organs and tissues of the lymph system

Beginning in 2021, immunotherapy using the drugs nivolumab plus ipilimumab doubled the survival rate of those who had been diagnosed with non-epithelioid mesothelioma. New studies are now concentrating on other immunotherapy drugs.

Drugs called antiangiogenic agents, like lenvatinib or bevacizumab have been shown to be effective in treating mesothelioma.

Asbestos is still mined in the following countries:

• Zimbabwe
• Brazil
• Kazakhstan
• China

Amazingly, the United States and Mexico have not banned asbestos mining, Canada, however, has banned asbestos. Transit panels, used in underground train settings, for example, pipe insulation and gaskets are three products that still include asbestos in the manufacturing process.

There are many mining towns located in the states of Washington, Georgia, Oregon, and California that had active asbestos mines for many years. Since many mining town residents eventually exhibited lung symptoms due to asbestos exposure, mining town populations decreased. As asbestos illness problems became apparent, these mining towns deteriorated and eventually were abandoned.

Professor Baas is currently the Chairman of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer’s Mesothelioma Task Force. The Task Force looks for new ways for affected countries to handle mesothelioma issues. The Task Force is currently analyzing what countries that lack significant medical resources can do to help their citizens who develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

Dr. Baas notes that even well-developed countries with ample medical resources can improve patient services and better help with patient legal asbestos concerns.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and you have developed mesothelioma, you can be compensated. Navigating a complex asbestos lawsuit can be very challenging, and you need to consult with an experienced attorney about your issue.

If you think you have an asbestos claim, contact a qualified Mesothelioma Attorney at the Throneberry Law Group. The Throneberry Law Group provides aggressive and compassionate support and representation for asbestos cancer victims. Call an experienced Throneberry Law Group attorney today at 888-506-1131, or visit them online for 24/7 assistance.