Most people have had cancer touch their life in some way, whether it is a personal diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one. Of the many types of cancer, a mesothelioma diagnosis is one of the more difficult diagnoses a victim and family can face. Since mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, survival rates are far lower than most other forms of cancer, which can leave victims and their loved ones feeling hopeless after a diagnosis.
This is one of the many reasons why it is important to pursue deserved compensation when a wrongful asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, but there is also reason for hope and optimism regarding mesothelioma treatment. In fact, recent scientific progress shows that, in time, there may even be a cure for mesothelioma.
Israeli-American Research Team Successfully Curbs Mesothelioma in Test Animals
In what may end up being a significant breakthrough for mesothelioma research, an international team of researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and NYU Langone Health has successfully stopped the growth of mesothelioma in test animals.
Working in tandem, the research team successfully isolated and halted the production of an enzyme that is linked to mesothelioma cancer. According to the research group’s finding, the heparanase enzyme is used by mesothelioma cancer cells to break tissue barriers that surround the tumor as it develops. In the process, this also then attracts blood vessels that serve to nourish the tumor and foster its growth.
Further, the enzyme also accelerates tumor development and contributes to what the researchers called a "vicious cycle" where inflammation and growth strengthen each other. In light of these findings, the researchers aimed to curb mesothelioma by use of heparanase inhibitors.
The inhibitors worked, successfully inhibiting tumor growth, which led to greatly improved survival ability in the test mice that were treated. The study also found that inhibiting heparanase proved far more effective than conventional chemotherapy for the treatment of mesothelioma.
Based on the findings of this study, the researchers will soon begin a clinical trial that looks to further uncover the potential of using heparanase inhibitors to treat mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma patients who are currently grappling with the difficulties of a mesothelioma diagnosis can take hope in these findings, albeit with the recognition that an eventual cure is still likely years away.
In the meantime, it is important to make sure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the care and compensation you deserve when legal wrongdoing caused your disease.
At The Ledger Law Firm, we have helped mesothelioma patients just like you recover millions in compensation when mesothelioma was caused by a wrongful exposure to asbestos. Our nationally recognized law firm is here to help you file a legal claim that helps you and your loved ones receive justice and compensation.
Contact us online for a legal consultation to discuss your legal claim with a mesothelioma lawyer at Ledger Law today.
