Asbestos & Mesothelioma Law Blog
A Memphis, Tennessee hospital recently began using a first of its kind electric therapy treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the progression of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. “Because it is such a rare cancer, there has been little research opportunities to advance science and treatment of mesothelioma,” said Dr. Moon Fenton, West Cancer Center hematologist while speaking to local media.
For decades, doctors treated mesothelioma through a combination of surgery, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy. Now, doctors will have access to a fourth treatment option via the NovoTTF-100. The devices functions by attaching three to the front and back of the patient’s chest and sending electric fields into the body to target and disrupt mesothelioma cancer cells from growing and spreading, all while allowing healthy cells to remain intact.
“We are looking at 97% disease control at year one. So, patients who are using this technology in addition to the chemotherapy actually have stable disease or great response to treatment,” said Dr. Fenton in a local NBC interview. “This treatment is not invasive, and has minimal side effects.” Patient’s at Dr. Fenton’s hospital, West Cancer Center, will wear the device for 18 hours per day to treat mesothelioma.
Every year, thousands of people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, which commonly affects thin lining of tissue surrounding vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and abdomen. Mesothelioma has a latency period of anywhere from 20 to 50 years before doctors make a diagnosis, which often leaves patients with diminished treatment options by the time the disease is discovered.
Mesothelioma is directly linked to exposure to asbestos, a mineral once used in a variety of industrial, commercial, and construction applications for is malleability and heat resistant properties. Although the federal government did not regulate the use of asbestos since the 1970s, companies using the material already knew for decades about the health risks their products could pose to innocent people, but provided no warning alerting to such.
As a result, tens of thousands of people have suffered from the health effects of mesothelioma. While nothing can undo the harm caused by such a diagnosis, the law does give mesothelioma cancer victims the right to hold asbestos companies responsible for their indifference to public safety and corporate greed. By filing a mesothelioma cancer lawsuit, plaintiffs can recover monetary damages for their past and future hospital bills, lost wages while undergoing treatment, and compensation for the pain and suffering of living with the effects of the disease.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyer
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced 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.