BSN Stock Photo

The mesothelioma attorneys of Weitz & Luxenberg would like people suffering from mesothelioma to be aware of a new treatment study. The study is being conducted by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. The treatment being examined is a drug called Gefitinib. The trade name for Gefitinib is Iressa. Gefitinib stops the growth of cancerous cells by targeting the proteins. Currently, Gefitinib is used in the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who have been treated with chemotherapy.

Who is eligible to participate in the study?

In order to conduct the study, researchers are seeking 40 patients with malignant mesothelioma who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy.

Patients who participate in the study will receive daily doses of oral Gefitinib while being monitored. Researchers will follow study participants for up to 4 years.

About malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a cancer causing mineral that has been used in a wide range of products such as brakes, roofing materials and insulation material. People at high risk of developing malignant mesothelioma are those who have worked with asbestos containing products. These workers include shipyard workers, construction workers, carpenters, electricians, boilermakers and sheet metal workers.

Currently, there is no known cure for mesothelioma. The cancer typically develops decades after exposure to asbestos has taken place. People diagnosed with mesothelioma generally survive for 4-18 months after diagnosis. It is important for people with mesothelioma to understand that they may have a legal right to financial compensation from the asbestos industry. There is evidence to show that the asbestos industry was aware of the fatal dangers of asbestos but chose to use it for business reasons.

Source: www.mesotheliomahelp.net

About Weitz & Luxenberg Mesothelioma Attorneys