New Research Study For Mesothelioma Patients 

By Sally Clapper | October 23, 2009 | Popularity: 1% (?)

The Clinical Trials Department of FirstHealth of the Carolinas has partnered with Wake Forest School of Medicine in a research study to investigate the causes and factors related to mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital serves 15 counties in North Carolina as a not for profit acute care hospital and referral center. Wake Forest Baptist offers over 200 clinical trials and is one of the leading medical centers in the nation focusing on cancer research and treatment.

The principal investigator of the study is Dr. Jill Ohar. A professor of genomics at Wake Forest, Ohar’s primary interest for over twenty years has been studying the genealogy of inhalation diseases related to occupational exposure, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Clinical trials aim to increase understanding of causes and genetic factors that lead to cancer and other illnesses. The goal of mesothelioma clinical trials is to discover new methods of diagnosis and treatment into the disease, including alternatives to standard frontline treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The current clinical trial led by Ohar aims to identify the genetic factors that may make one more susceptible to mesothelioma. Being able to do so could greatly help in earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment by identify high risk patients before cancer has advanced to late stages.

Asbestos fibers are naturally occurring and were commonly used in many construction and industrial products before the 1980’s. Asbestos exposure was common to occur in mining, milling, automotive, and shipping industries, as well as in construction and fireproofing. Exposure could occur directly to the worker or in families of workers where fibers were brought home on clothing or on the body.

Due to the nature of mesothelioma, anyone exposed to asbestos would not develop signs of the disease until 20 – 40 years after initial exposure. Prognosis from time of diagnosis is poor, usually less than a year. Although research has intensified recently, mesothelioma remains a cancer with no known cure. Avoiding any exposure to asbestos is the best prevention measure.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer in which cancerous cells form in the mesothelium, or protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma has a long latency period between time of exposure and development of the disease. Asbestos induced mesothelioma is one of the painful asbestos related cancers that affects more than 3,000 workers in the United States alone every year.

Dr. Ohar’s aim is to analyze the clinical and genetic differences between those that develop mesothelioma and those that don’t in hopes of creating a profile of high-risk individuals. By doing so, the study could improve mesothelioma treatment as well as survival rates, accelerating diagnosis and intervention.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to participate in this clinical trial, contact FirstHealth at 910-715-2200 or Dr. Ohar at 866-487-2344. To get more information regarding mesothelioma and to learn about getting help financially to cover medical costs of treatments, please contact one of our asbestos lawyers who specialize in representing clients diagnosed with mesothelioma at 800-440-4262.

Sally Clapper is a representative for the law firm of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason in Sausalito, CA. If you or someone you know is in need of a mesothelioma lawyer, please contact the firm at 1-800-440-4262. As experts in the field of mesothelioma, the firm’s attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs’ asbestos attorneys in the nation.

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