Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that is often caused by exposure to products that contain asbestos. According to the World Health Organization, about 100,000 people across the globe die from mesothelioma each year. In the United States, approximately 10,000 deaths occur annually as a result of the disease. Due to the usually lengthy time period between onset and diagnosis, most mesothelioma patients are only left with between six and 18 months of life once the disease is finally detected. Currently, testing for mesothelioma normally requires an invasive tissue biopsy.
New research has revealed information that may make the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma more successful. Researchers in Australia believe they have isolated blood markers that could make diagnosis of mesothelioma easier. According to the Asbestos Disease Research Institute, a microRNA molecule appears to be up to four times more common in patients with mesothelioma than in those without the disease. The new finding may potentially lead scientists to a quicker and more effective mesothelioma diagnostic tool in the future.
Additionally, researchers from the University of California-San Diego believe a non-small cell lung cancer vaccine in the works may also assist with mesothelioma treatment. Scientists from the Moores Cancer Center are successfully improving survival rates for up to 50 percent of difficult to treat lung cancer patients through clinical trials. According to researchers, the non-small cell lung cancer vaccine often boosts a patient’s immune response and even kills some cancer cells. A similar method may be used in the future to treat mesothelioma patients.
Many manufacturers of asbestos products ignored the deadly potential health hazards associated with the substance for decades. If you or a family member developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to receive monetary compensation from the companies that exposed you. A mesothelioma victim must file his or her damages claim within the time constraints of the statute of limitations, be able to demonstrate asbestos exposure, and locate viable companies that caused the exposure. Contact a qualified Texas mesothelioma lawyer to discuss how to go about filing your mesothelioma claim.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, call the attorneys at Carabin Shaw today. Our hardworking El Paso mesothelioma lawyers are available to answer your questions and assist you with filing your claim. At Carabin Shaw, our skilled mesothelioma lawyers will also work with you to help you locate information about the companies that are responsible for your asbestos exposure. Our law firm represents clients throughout Texas including Laredo, Seguin, El Paso, Beaumont, Austin, Rockport, Beeville, McAllen, and San Antonio. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call Carabin Shaw toll free at (800) 862-1260 or contact the law firm through our website.
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Additional Resources:
International Research Reports Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Mesothelioma, by Tim Povtak, Asbestos.com