Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
Scientists from the United Kingdom recently published a study outlining a potentially significant breakthrough in the fight against aggressive colon, lung, and breast cancers by identifying the genetic markers regulating cancer growth. In their report, the researchers demonstrated tumor growth may be decreased as much as 75% when scientists targeting one-specific gene and noted that 18 others either aid in tumor growth or can slow down the metastasization.
Furthermore, researchers identified other genes responsible for regulating the body’s immune system, which could help with a patient’s natural response to fighting mesothelioma and other cancers. By stunting tumor growth and energizing the immune system, immunotherapy researchers believe the human body itself may be the key to effectively fighting cancer and getting patients into remission.
Spns2 Gene Linked to Blocking Cancer Growth in Lab Mice
Using lab mice as subjects, researchers significantly slowed town tumor growth in the subjects’ lungs and colon by attacking one specific gene, spinster homologue 2 (Spns2). By eliminating the particular marker, scientists reduced metastasis by almost four times in the subjects’ lungs, a feat that could revolutionize mesothelioma care.
Other studies suggest that 90% of cancer fatalities are caused by the tumors metastasizing, meaning the cancer grows and spreads to other parts of the body, particularly vital organs like the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, often affecting the thin lining of tissue surrounding the lungs and abdomen, making the finding in this study especially encouraging.
If caught during its early stages, mesothelioma can be treated with surgery to relieve the tissues of tumors before these growths have a chance to move to vulnerable organs and pose a greater risk. However, there is no cure for mesothelioma and doctors rarely catch the disease in its early stages and therefore must resort to treatments like chemotherapy to slow tumor growth and help patients live more comfortably.
How do People Get Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a flaky white mineral commonly used as an insulation in many industrial applications. At one time, many companies even manufactured commercial products with the material, putting ordinary folks at risk for this deadly disease.
Even worse, these companies knew for decades about the health risks associated with asbestos but continued used of the mineral for the sake of profits. As a result, thousands of hardworking Americans developed the condition, causing them to incur huge treatment costs and loss of some of the best years of their lives. Fortunately, the law gives mesothelioma cancer victims the right to file lawsuits to recover for these damages.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced Arizona mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.