Mesothelioma and Asbestos Blog

Recent studies are exploring the cause of mesothelioma among Iron Range miners and more lawmakers are inquiring as to just how much financial backing should go to this research.

Earlier this week, officials from the University of Minnesota informed a House panel that they are planning to conduct four studies associated with mesothelioma cases.

High Rate of Mesothelioma in Workers

The studies are being conducted following the discovery of data indicating a high rate of this form of cancer, which is caused by asbestos exposure, amongst mine workers.

Lawmakers have reported that the completion of the multiyear research project regarding mesothelioma is important since the efforts to find the cause of the health effects on workers never reached a conclusion.

“What we’re trying to do is get to the bottom of this once and for all,� says Rep. Tom Rukavina.

Seeking Funding

Rukavina and Iron Range legislators are reportedly seeking $4.9 million for their research and the studies are being conducted by the university’s School of Public Health and Natural Resources Research Institute.

The growing number of mesothelioma cases in the Iron Range mine workers has been under investigation throughout the past few years and health officials, research teams and the families of these workers are eager to reach some conclusions.

 

According to recent reports, a drug known as Thalidomide, is proving to be beneficial to mesothelioma patients when given in combination with immune therapy.
The medication was reportedly used in the 1950’s and 1960’s before its use was discontinued due to the fact that it was found to cause birth defects in newborns.
However, it’s proving to have positive effects on those who have been exposed to asbestos and as a result have developed the fatal form of cancer known as mesothelioma.

Medication Becomes Focus of Studies
Recent studies have shown that after patients endure chemotherapy, Thalidomide can be administered and will help to prevent tumors from coming back.
In phase two studies, patients who are treated with Thalidomide in conjunction with other Mesothelioma medications have had a 44 percent overall improvement in their disease.

Side Effects of the Medication
Although researchers say that Thalidomide has showed to be well received by many patients, as with most medications, there are some common side effects that have been discovered, such as:
•    Dry mouth
•    Paresthesias
•    Constipation

Additional Promising Treatments
Aside from Thalidomide, other new immune therapies have also recently revealed that they can have a positive influence on those fighting diseases like mesothelioma.
Researchers believe that treating mesothelioma as a bacteria or virus can help the body to use its immune system to prevent further tumor growth.