Topic: Asbestos

Dr. Michele Carbone, the Director of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center, chaired the Third Annual Translational Cancer Medicine Symposium on December 2, 2011 hosted by the University of Hawai‘i and Queens Medical Center.  The focus of this year’s discussion was the recent discovery of the BAP1 gene mutation which has been linked to mesothelioma and other cancers.  I was very interested to learn firsthand from the many world renowned physicians and researchers in attendance about the cutting edge research being done in the field of mesothelioma.

Dr. Carbone and his team of researchers announced their discovery of the BAP1 gene mutation back in August.  This remarkable discovery is the first step in understanding how the BAP1 gene affects those at risk of developing mesothelioma.  This discovery will lead to new genetic therapies and treatments for this devastating cancer.

Carbone was Joined by Other Mesothelioma Researchers

Dr. Carbone was joined by other notable mesothelioma researchers, surgeons and scientists from across the world, some of whom were Dr. Joseph R.Testa of the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and Dr. Harvey A. Pass, a thoracic surgeon at NYU Langone Medical Center.  Dr. Harvey Pass who has been operating on mesothelioma patients for several decades stressed the critical importance of early detection of the disease mesothelioma. Also making presentations were members of Dr. Carbone’s Hawai’i team – Dr. Giovanni Gaudino as well as Dr. Haining Yang.

Collaboration Among Mesothelioma Researchers and Physicians

The role of researchers and physicians in the medical world vary greatly.  Researchers focus on the science of new treatments and cures while physician focus on the patient.  However, researchers and physicians have the same goal in mind, new and better treatments and cures for devastating diseases like mesothelioma. When researchers and physician collaborate and share information it can lead to innovative new treatments and a better understanding of diseases.  Collaboration and open discussion will no doubt translate into positive medical benefits for the future.

Dr. Carbone’s mesothelioma-melanoma symposium encouraged lively discussion and exchange among researchers and physicians.  It was truly wonderful to witness scientists working together with clinical physicians for the betterment of patients diagnosed with horrific cancers such as mesothelioma.  It is forums like this that will someday lead to a cure for mesothelioma.

December 7, 2011 will mark the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the lives that were lost that fateful day, as well as the sacrifices made in the following years as World War II raged on.

For over 30 years I have been representing workers who contracted mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos in their workplace.  The first mesothelioma victim that I represented in 1978 had worked as an electrician at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Over the years, I have represented thousands of people with asbestos-related diseases who had worked at Pearl Harbor.

In the early 1980’s many of my clients had worked at Pearl Harbor during World War II as part of a national effort to rebuild and maintain the US fleet after the tragic attack at this very shipyard. Because of their work, they were exposed to asbestos dust. Unaware of the deadly hazard this posed, they breathed this dust and some workers decades later contracted mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused only by asbestos.

Whenever I think of these former World War II Pearl Harbor workers, I am reminded of the sacrifice they made. They contributed to the same war effort as those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941. And sadly, they met the same fate as the 2,403 victims of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Tomorrow I will remember all of the victims of Pearl Harbor.

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday, it is a time to reflect on all that we are thankful for.  I am extremely thankful to be surrounded by wonderful people in my life and to have met many special clients through my work as a mesothelioma attorney.

When I think of my clients, I am especially grateful to all of the doctors and researchers who are working everyday to find a cure for this devastating cancer.  I have written many articles on the new and exciting medical and scientific advances that are on-going in the search for new treatments, and hopefully a cure, for mesothelioma and many other cancers.  I am continually astounded by the hard work, dedication, and creativity of these doctors and researchers.

It is their unrelenting determination that will someday lead to a cure for mesothelioma. I am thankful for their efforts and will be eternally grateful when this disease is finally cured.

Throughout the many decades that I have been representing clients with mesothelioma, I have seen many significant advancements in the field of cancer and mesothelioma research.  Most recently I read about a new therapy that has been tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial and has shown promise in the treatment of mesothelioma tumors.  Each new treatment and discovery that is made for this devastating disease takes us one step closer to someday finding a cure for mesothelioma.

A Promising New Therapy

One of the therapies used to treat cancerous tumors works by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels around the tumor thereby stopping the spread of the cancer cells.  This is called “antiangiogenic therapy.”

Despite the advances that have been made with this therapy, many tumors manage to escape this blockade.  Recently, a new study reported that targeting a novel antiangiongenic receptor may be a promising treatment for patients whose tumors do not respond to the current therapy. This finding was reported at an International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics. The American Association for Cancer Research, the National Cancer Institute and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer were all part of this international conference

The experimental therapy is called PF-03446962.  This therapy is aimed at targeting proteins in the body that grow and divide specialized cells such as the kinase 1 protein(ALK-1).  PF-03446962 is an antibody that has been developed for humans explicitly meant to stop the activity of ALK-1.

The Results of the Initial Study

Researchers tested this new therapy in a Phase 1 clinical trial which showed the treatment demonstrated anticancer activity in tumors.  Dr. Fillipo de Braud, was the director of the European Institute of Oncology when this study was conducted.  He and his colleagues tested eight different doses of PF-03446962 on 44 patients with cancerous tumors.  The patients who showed the most improvement had previously been treated with antiangiogenic therapy for lung, renal, or liver cancer.  The 2 patients who showed the longest response to this new treatment had been diagnosed with adrenocortical cancer and mesothelioma.

I am anxiously awaiting the results of more studies involving this new therapy, PF-03446962, and especially its effect on mesothelioma tumors.

Clinical Trials Offer Hope

Many of my clients suffering from mesothelioma have taken part in clinical trials. I encourage anyone who has been diagnosed mesothelioma to discuss clinical trials with their doctors to determine whether they may be a candidate for a clinical trial. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks as they relate to your particular circumstances. There are new clinical trials taking place every day.  Clinical trials offer great hope to patients in finding new treatments and therapies for mesothelioma.  Clinical trials are also our best hope at someday finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Each year on Veterans Day I like to take time to reflect on the commitment and sacrifice of our men and women who have served this great country.  Through my work as a mesothelioma attorney, I have had the honor to cross paths with many United States Navy veterans.  I have heard many stories of bravery and fortitude, long times spent away from loved ones on deployment and lost friends and mates.  I have the utmost admiration for those who have served and protected the United States during times of war or peace.

Special Bond with Submariners

Many of my clients have served their country building, repairing and serving on United States Navy’s ships and submarines.  I feel a special bond with submariners not only because my father served aboard submarines, but also because I have personally gotten to know many submariners through my work.  I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories of service to our country.  The dedication and service shown by submariners has often gone unnoticed because of the need for their patrols and missions to be top secret.  There’s a reason it’s called the “silent service”. Submariners did not talk about what they did or where their subs traveled.  Stealth has always been the secret to their success enabling submariners to defend the country in wartime and to learn valuable information during peacetime to ensure peace is maintained. Veterans Day is an appropriate day to recognize them for their service.

On this Veterans Day I encourage us all to pay tribute to our veterans.  Their sacrifice and dedication to protect our freedom is invaluable.  I say thank you to all of those who have served or are currently serving for your service to this great country.

Asbestos on US Navy Submarines

The veterans who served on Navy ships and submarines knew that they would be facing certain kinds of dangers when they went off to serve their country. But one danger that was hidden from them was the deadly hazards associated with asbestos insulation that was found throughout their ships and submarines.

It is fairly well-known that asbestos was used as the primary insulation material in the construction of US Navy ships up until the mid 1970’s.  Navy destroyers and battleships, for example, contained virtually tons of asbestos products.  The most heavily insulated machinery was located in machinery spaces, although asbestos insulation was used throughout the ships. The veterans who built, maintained and served aboard these vessels were exposed to this deadly carcinogen on a daily basis.

It is not as commonly known, however, the extent to which asbestos was also used in the construction and repair of US Navy submarines.  WWII submarines were built with two diesel engines as the main driving unit.  Asbestos insulation was used on the diesel engine’s exhaust, as well as the piping throughout the submarine, typically for anti-sweat purposes.  The hot and cold machinery, fluid pipes, valves, flanges and fittings on a submarine would have been heavily insulated with asbestos pads, felt, paper and cloth.  The submariners, who lived, worked, ate, and slept in these very tight and confined spaces were continuously exposed to the dangerous asbestos that surrounded them.

US Navy Veterans and Mesothelioma

All veterans whether serving on Navy ships or submarines were exposed to asbestos and today still face the risk of contracting mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos.  Sadly, many of the veterans I have had the privilege of the representing have developed mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos.  The companies that produced the asbestos insulating products for the US Navy ships knew their products were hazardous, yet continued to produce these asbestos materials and failed to warn workers of the extreme dangers.

If you served in the US Navy and have developed mesothelioma due to your exposure to asbestos you may be entitled to legal compensation from these companies.  If you or a loved one served in the US Navy between 1930 and 1980 you should be aware that you may have been exposed to asbestos and it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups.

As an attorney who has represented clients suffering from mesothelioma for over 30 years, I joined the fight against asbestos long ago.  Recent events demonstrate that the fight continues.  According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, the Basel Action Network seeks to ban the export of asbestos and other hazardous materials to developing countries.  On October 21, 2011 over 170 countries agreed to accelerate the adoption of the global ban on hazardous materials.  The executive director of the Basel Action Network, Jim Puckett stated “I am ecstatic, I’ve been working on this since 1989 and it looks like it the shackles are lifted and we’ll see this happen in my lifetime.”

Asbestos is an extremely hazardous material.  I am continually stunned when I read stories that countries continue to export this deadly substance to developing countries.  My firm and I have been working hard for over 30 years to raise awareness of asbestos hazards that continue to exist even today.  We will continue to work hard until this lethal substance is no longer a threat to innocent people.

Mesothelioma Cases Increase In Developing Countries

Recent reports have indicated that asbestos-related deaths in Asia are expected to significantly increase over the next 20 years.  Asian countries continue to use large amounts of asbestos products in power plants, roofing and cement.  Currently, the use of asbestos in Asia is unregulated.  In a recent study conducted by the World Health Organization Dr. Ken Takahashi warned the Asian government to prepare for an “asbestos tsunami”.

India is also expected to experience a large increase in asbestos related deaths and diseases.  In cities such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad asbestos usage can be found in everyday life, roof tiles, broken asbestos blocks on the street, children building statues with asbestos cement.  Alang, India is known as the heart of India’s shipbreaking industry.  Ships covered in asbestos products are sent off to Alang to be dismantled.  Workers breaking apart the machinery and piping covered with asbestos insulation can be seen without masks or respirators of any kind.  The Indian government currently has no regulations or laws in place for the usage of asbestos products.

Raising Awareness about Asbestos

Spreading awareness about the dangers of asbestos is the only way to someday ban its usage.  Governments, citizens and workers in developing countries need to be made aware of their risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases due to their unregulated asbestos usage.

Through the decades I have represented clients with mesothelioma I have seen the utter devastation asbestos can cause.  Banning the export and usage of asbestos will shield people from the harm of this deadly material.

For more than three decades, my law firm and I have represented victims of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos.  My clients have been exposed to asbestos in many different settings – from shipyards and Navy vessels which utilized tons of asbestos to foundries, factories, and homes all of which contained asbestos products.

Although the use of asbestos has been greatly minimized over the years, there are still many structures today where deadly amounts of asbestos remain.  Many times when renovation and repair work begin, this extremely hazardous material is discovered.

For these reasons, it is important that people remain vigilant about the hazards of asbestos.

Recent Asbestos Concerns

I recently read about two instances in which there was concern that individuals were exposed to asbestos that had been in place for years, but was disturbed during renovations.

In St. Louis, the Department of Health was very worried that asbestos-containing materials were in a condemned building.  The Department of Health feared the workers who were working in this building were exposed to lethal asbestos dust during demolition.

In North Carolina, in the town of Ayden, a woman hired contractors to clean up her home after it was damaged by Hurricane Irene.  It was later discovered that her home contained asbestos.  The contractors stopped working on the home immediately.  The home owner is now trying to find a safe way to remove the deadly substance from her home before renovation and clean-up work can resume.

Remaining Aware of Asbestos Hazards

Keeping stories like these in the news helps to raise public awareness and bring this issue to the forefront of public concern.  We all must continue to be cautious about the dangers of asbestos exposure.  There is no safe level of asbestos exposure as even low dose exposures to asbestos can cause mesothelioma.

The symptoms and medical conditions associated with asbestos appear years or even decades after the initial exposure.  Although the effects are not immediate, we must act to ensure that individual citizens, and even entire communities, are aware of the potential danger of asbestos exposure.

Over the many years my firm and I have represented clients with mesothelioma.  We have helped to raise awareness about asbestos and mesothelioma.  We will continue to be diligent in our task.

I recently read an article in the New York Times that described an incredible breakthrough in the war against cancer, including the battle against mesothelioma.  Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new T-cell treatment in which a patient’s own T-cell are removed, genetically engineered, and re-introduced into the patient’s body to help kill the cancer cells.  This innovative treatment is one of the most significant advancements in cancer treatment to date and creates hope and promise of someday finding a cure for hard to treat cancers like mesothelioma.

T-Cell Treatment

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently concluded a Phase 1 Clinical Trial of this new dynamic treatment for cancer involving genetically engineered T-Cells.  A T-cell is a type of blood cell.  T-cells belong to a group of white blood cells (WBCs) called lymphocytes which protect the body from infection.  T-cells have a key role in the immune system because they identify and attack any body cells that are infected with viruses or otherwise identified as harmful.  There are a number of different types of T-cells that act in many ways to identify, directly attack, and destroy infectious agents.  

This new treatment involves removing billions of T-cells from a patient, genetically engineering them, and then infusing them back into the patient’s body.  Researchers hope this will train the patient’s own immune system to kill cancer cells. The T-cell treatment recently had great success on two patients suffering from terminal leukemia.  

Hope For Mesothelioma Patients

As a mesothelioma attorney, I see firsthand my clients suffer from this terrible disease.  I am very encouraged by this research and  the implications for patients with mesothelioma.   According to Dr. Carl June who led the research “[We hope] to use T-cells against solid tumors including some that are hard to treat like mesothelioma and ovarian and pancreatic cancer.” 

However, this treatment does not come without risks.  Genetically engineered T-cells have been known to attack healthy tissue in patients and cause serious damage and even death.  Researchers are still working to perfect the T-cell treatment, but this new innovation is a great step towards finding a cure for certain types of cancer including mesothelioma.

Clinical Trials

The main goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new treatment is safe and at what dosage.  Clinical trials offer new, revolutionary treatments to patients suffering with cancer.  Treatments, like this one that researcher at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered,  offer great hope for someday finding a cure for terminal diseases such as mesothelioma.  Many of my clients have participated in clinical trials to treat their mesothelioma.  I commend them for their courage in participating in these trials that will someday help find a cure for this horrible disease and urge all of my clients  to talk with their doctors about  whether they may be a candidate for one of the many clinical trials related to mesothelioma.

Today is National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.  Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.  It is fitting that there be a day set aside to focus on this devastating disease for which there is no cure.  I hope this day increases awareness of mesothelioma and ultimately leads to a cure.

The Mesothelioma Awareness Project

 

Around the country people will be participating in various activities today to help raise awareness about mesothelioma.  People will partake in charity walks and fundraising events to bring local and national media coverage to this uncommon cancer.  The goal of this day is to bring much-needed attention to this devastating and incurable disease.

The Mesothelioma Awareness Project started in 2004, and this will be its eighth consecutive year.  The project began with a small group of volunteers and has gained momentum and drawn more attention every year.  This year, it is expected that nearly 1,000 people will organize fundraising and awareness events.  We hope this year will be the most successful to date.

Why Raise Awareness and Support for Mesothelioma Research

Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, but few hear of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Although mesothelioma is considered a rare disease, I have represented hundreds of people across the country who have been devastated by this aggressive and hard-to-treat cancer.  After representing many mesothelioma clients over the years, raising awareness and supporting research efforts to find a cure for mesothelioma have become important and deeply personal life missions for me.

Mesothelioma awareness has increased tremendously over years; however, there is much more that we must do to ensure that future mesothelioma victims receive the best care possible as we search for a cure for this cancer.  This special day is a step in that direction.

I have been helping clients suffering with mesothelioma for over 30 years.  In my years of experience, I have seen many great strides in the medical field to help patients who are suffering from this terrible disease.  But we still have a long way to go in finding new and more effective treatments and someday a cure for this devastating disease.  Mesothelioma patients look for hope from any and every direction.  I was very happy to recently read that help was is coming from a new direction in the form of recently enacted legislation aimed at encouraging companies to develop drugs for diseases like mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer.  It is estimated that 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.  As a result, mesothelioma has been classified as a rare disease or “orphan disease.”

Diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and others affect hundreds of thousands of people each year in the United States.  Researchers and drug developers lean toward producing drugs for this larger demographic.  However, Congress, through legislation, has been trying to create incentives for the development and design of orphan drugs that aim to help treat rare diseases like mesothelioma.

The Act

Currently, the Preserving Access to Orphan Drugs Act of 2011 is pending in the U.S. Congress.  This Act attempts to modify the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that will help exempt orphan drugs from annual fees of branded prescription drug sales.

Congress has made other similar efforts in the past with the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 and the Rare Disease Act of 2002.  The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 aimed to encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs for rare diseases and the smaller market by offering tax incentives and allowing companies to sell their drugs without competition for several years.  The Rare Disease Act also helped to provide more funding for treatment efforts of rare diseases.

Support for Mesothelioma

Government plays an essential role in providing incentives to funnel great minds and talent to worthy efforts such as the treatment of mesothelioma.  From my first lawsuit in 1978, I have traveled across the United States meeting with scientists, medical experts, clinical researchers, and healthcare providers, and I have had the honor of visiting some of our top mesothelioma research and treatment facilities.  The people that I have met and the institutions that I have visited are evidence that public and private support has been successful in bringing some of our finest resources around the goal of someday finding a cure for mesothelioma. I am confident that these new incentives will lead to more effective drugs that can be used in the treatment of mesothelioma and other rare diseases.