Asbestos: the iron grip of latency

It happens every day somewhere in Europe: a building from the 1950s is demolished. A few children on their way back from school watch the giant bulldozer at work. The engine has already attacked the ground floor - apparently nobody has noticed the asbestos pads?
For a short moment, huge quantities of asbestos fibres become airborne. The fibres are very narrow and easily breathable. Their resistance to chemical dissolution means that they will persist for a long time - perhaps indefinitely once in the lung. Harmful effects only emerge after decades of latency.
"Broadly speaking asbestos can cause two types of damage in humans: asbestosis, a fibrous thickening either within the alveolar structure of the lung, or in its pleural lining, and cancers of the lungs and larynx, including mesotheliomas, the most malignant of the work-related tumours", explains Jukka Takala.
Although the use and production of asbestos has been forbidden in the 15 old member States of the European Union and the new member States may follow with a ban soon, the "iron grip of latency" explains why the issue of asbestos contamination still ranks high on the political agenda in many industrialized countries.
In October 2005, a French Senate report blamed the government for failing to adequately respond to the country's asbestos contamination problem, which has, as a result, accelerated cancer deaths attributed to asbestos.
"While 35,000 deaths can be attributed to asbestos between 1965 and 1995, another 60,000 to 100,000 deaths are expected in the next 20 to 25 years", the report says. Due to the long periods of latency typical of the lung cancers caused by asbestos, French scientists consider the coming epidemic to be inevitable and irreversible, and expect it to continue until 2030.
"Asbestos is one of the most, if not the most important single factor causing work-related fatalities, and is increasingly seen as the major health policy challenge worldwide", comments Jukka Takala.
Taking into account studies by the ILO, the Japanese Environment Ministry recently gave a first official estimate for the numbers of deaths to be caused by asbestos. According to Ministry officials, the number of fatalities from mesothelioma or other lung cancers in Japan by 2010 could reach 15,600.
The Ministry will use the figure for a planned special measures law to cover medical costs for those suffering from diseases caused by asbestos, and offer payouts for family members of asbestos victims.
In other countries, the ILO estimates that more than 21,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancers and mesothelioma in the United States, more than 10,000 in the Russian Federation, and more than 110,000 in China. In the Western Europe, North America, Japan and Australia, an estimated 20,000 new asbestos-induced lung cancers and 10,000 new mesothelioma cases occur each year.
Towards a worldwide asbestos ban?
The EU Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work (83/477/EEC, amended in March 2003) and ILO Convention No.162 concerning Safety in the Use of Asbestos adopted in 1986 have halved worldwide asbestos production since the 1970s.
"Nonetheless, asbestos is still the No.1 carcinogen in the world of work", Jukka Takala says. "Rather than being solved, the problem has been moved. In transition and developing countries the risk is now even higher than in the established market economies and it is certain that asbestos will prove to be a health 'time bomb' in these countries in 20 to 30 years' time".
In developing countries, asbestos use increased in the last three decades of the 20th century, while the United States and other industrialized countries were phasing out their use of the substance.
Jukka Takala refers to the ship breaking industry in Asia as a particularly prominent example. "A ship that is being dismantled in Bangladesh or elsewhere contains in average six tons of asbestos. Almost everything on such a ship will get recycled, including the asbestos. There is no harm in recycling safe products, but scrapping and repackaging asbestos from the ships without any protection devices is unacceptable", he says.
The ILO provides various solutions to the asbestos challenge based on its international standards (Conventions, Recommendations, Codes of Practice). The ILO Conventions Nos. 139, 148, 162 and 170 on occupational cancer, working environment, safety in the use of asbestos, and safety in the use of chemicals have received 116 ratifications by the ILO member States.
These Conventions provide solid legal and technical basis for worker protection against harmful exposures to asbestos by prescribing comprehensive preventive measures at national and enterprise levels. Other means of action such as sharing knowledge and experience, dissemination of information, direct technical assistance and technical co-operation activities are widely used by ILO to intensify preventive efforts against asbestos-related diseases.
"We are still far away from a global ban on asbestos use and production. 27 countries have ratified ILO Convention No. 162 on safety in the use of asbestos", says Jukka Takala, adding that among the 25 countries that have banned asbestos are the EU15, Argentina, Australia, Chile, Croatia, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia and Switzerland.
"Moving the risks elsewhere does not fit in with the aim of fair globalization that offers opportunities for everyone. It is a big but important challenge to expand the asbestos ban to all countries in the world. To that end, the international community must provide knowledge and assistance to help them cope with the necessary restructuring measures, create alternative jobs and promote the use of asbestos substitutes around the world", concludes Jukka Takala.

Mesothelioma.com Analyzes Proposed Asbestos Legislation from a Historical Perspective

Mesothelioma.com today announced further opposition to the bill S.852 - the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005. The bill is expected to receive intense scrutiny in the coming weeks, as it could be voted on this month or in the month of February. Mesothelioma.com was one of the first to criticize the bill on grounds that it is unfair to victims of this horrible affliction, especially United States veterans.In recent weeks, Mesothelioma.com staffers have performed unbiased historical research and data mining using similar programs as models, uncovering some startling findings. Around the same time the United States Government Accountability Office ("GAO") reviewed four federal compensation programs designed to compensate individuals injured due to exposure to harmful substances- black lung, vaccine injury, radiation exposure, energy employees occupational illness- and determined the following:• The compensation programs have seen an expanded federal role and higher costs over time; • All four programs have been expanded to provide additional categories of claimants, cover more medical conditions, or provide additional benefits;• Some programs have been extended longer than planned; • There have been far more claims than estimated for each program;• There have been significant delays in completing claims for victims; and • It took at least 2 years for all four programs to become fully operational. Both the release in numbers from Mesothelioma.com and the GAO put the potential costs needed to cover the trust fund at over $550 Billion. For the full results of our findings and for a review of the GAO report you can visit http://www.mesothelioma.com.

Senators should approve asbestos act

Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor have a good record of tackling the issue of asbestos head-on. Just this past May, our Senators were instrumental in securing federal funds to rid a closed service station at the Camden Port Authority of petroleum and asbestos contaminants.
For health reasons, it's important to remove these harmful materials. If inhaled, asbestos can cause fatal diseases like cancer. Both Senators will have a chance to aid those who have already been exposed to the harmful material this January when the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act is brought to the Senate floor for consideration.
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Victims of asbestos exposure are currently stuck in a bloated legal mess, unable to receive timely or adequate compensation.
More than 700,000 people have filed suit, overwhelming the courts. And there are many more victims out there who aren't even able to seek legal restitution. For example, veterans exposed to asbestos are prevented by law from suing their former employer, the U.S. government. It's not widely known, but many veterans got sick from breathing in asbestos during their years of service at military facilities like Navy shipyards.
The FAIR Act would establish a trust fund for all asbestos victims who are sick and suffering. It would provide fast compensation to sick victims and would, for the first time, offer veterans a way to pay their costly medical bills and be compensated for being exposed to this lethal substance. And compensation would be available for those families who, sadly, have already lost a relative to an asbestos-related disease.
The FAIR Act would put millions toward research in to the care and prevention of mesothelioma — a life-threatening form of cancer that afflicts many victims of asbestos. These mesothelioma disease research and treatment centers would be closely affiliated with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' medical centers across the country.
There are hundreds of thousands of veterans living in Arkansas. Many are sick and need help now. The FAIR act is the only solution to the asbestos litigation problem that will ensure sick veterans are taken care of. That's why more than a dozen natural veterans' organizations including the VFW have pledged their support for the FAIR Act.
I encourage Senators Lincoln and Pryor to continue to address problems related to asbestos by voting yes for the FAIR Act and providing veterans and others afflicted with asbestos-related diseases the compensation they deserve.

Couple names 35 companies in asbestos suit

CHARLESTON - A couple has filed an asbestos-related lawsuit, naming 35 companies - from local businesses to global giants - as defendants.Larry Smith and Kathy Smith filed the lawsuit Dec. 21 in Kanawha Circuit Court.In the 12-count suit, filed by attorney John Skaggs of The Calwell Practice in Charleston, the couple says Larry Smith worked at FMC's rayon plant in Nitro from 1966 to1977 before moving to Virginia.As an employee at the plant, Smith claims he was exposed to asbestos insulation from a steam generating boiler, associated piping, processing corrugating equipment and other sources of breathable asbestos fibers. His job was a plant worker and pipe fitter.On the job, Smith says he was required to handle asbestos products supplied by defendant corporations, and was required to remove asbestos insulation from piping and other structures. He also claims he frequently was exposed to fibers in asbestos dust generated by use of product by other workers.Before working at the FMC plant, Smith says he worked at the Union Carbide Institute plant in Institute in 1965 as a general laborer, doing general cleanup in one of the boiler houses. Then, he was employed by a contractor there. In the fall of 2005, Smith was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He had a surgery scheduled for Dec. 22, according to the suit.Amount the counts in the suit, Smith claims Union Carbide and FMC both knew asbestos was abnormally dangerous and that the defendants specified use of asbestos products by him and co-workers even though they knew it was dangerous, didn't take precautions to warn the plaintiff of dangers and didn't provide the plaintiff with protective equipment and clothing. The suit also cites West Virginia Code 23-4-2(c)(2)(i) in a claim for punitive damages."The defendant employers acted with a consciously, subjectively and deliberately formed intention to produce the specific result of injury in the plaintiff," it states.Smith also contents that certain defendants were negligent because the manufacturers knew asbestos products were "deleterious, poisonous, toxic, and seriously harmful to the plaintiff's body, lungs, respiratory system, heart, skin, and health."He claims those companies failed to take precautions to warn the plaintiff of danger; didn't tell of safeguards, such as wearing apparel and protective equipment, respiratory devices; were negligent in packaging, handling of products; and didn't remove products from the market when they knew the dangers. He also contends the defendants implied asbestos products were merchantable when they actually were not.The suit also cites the 1934 study backed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and Johns-Manville Corp. in which Dr. Anthony Lanza of Met Life didn't say asbestos exposure could be fatal. Smith also says the employer defendants had known of the existence of mesothelioma, its relationship to asbestos exposure and ways to monitor for asbestos since at least 1964.Smith seeks punitive damages from all of the defendants because their actions were willful, wanton, malicious and in reckless disregard of the safety of himself and others. He says he suffered serious bodily injury, endured great pain and suffering and mental anguish, incurred medical expenses, lost earnings and earning capacity, and was otherwise damaged. Smith's wife sues for loss of spousal consortium, loss of financial support, loss of general services, companionship and society. She says she will continue to suffer from those losses. Also, she says she has rendered nursing care and other services to husband and will continue to do so.Smith says the injuries to his lungs are permanent and severe and that his longevity is diminished. Also, he says his physical activities has been curtailed.In addition to physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life, Smith says he needs medical and hospital treatment.However, the suit says he couldn't follow his usual occupation, thus his earning capacity was greatly diminished and he became uninsurable and couldn't not get life or health insurance to protect family from financial hardship in event of his sickness, hospitalization and/or death.Smith seeks joint and several compensatory damages to be determined by a jury plus interest. He also seeks punitive damages to be determined by a jury. From the employer defendants, he seeks damages to be determined by a jury and punitive damages. His wife also seeks damages for loss of consortium.The complete list of defendants is A&I Company (a West Virginia company), Adience Company, Airco Inc., Airco Welding Products, American Optical Corporation, Anchor Packing Company, Atlas Industries Inc., A.W. Chesterton Company, Beazer East Inc., Carborundum Corporation, Certainteed Corporation, Crown Cork & Seal Company (USA) Inc., Flowserve FSD Corporation, FMC Corporation, Garlock Inc., Georgia-Pacific Corp., Hercules Incorporated, Industrial Holdings LLC, Industrial Supply Solutions, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, Nitro Industrial Coverings Inc. (a West Virginia company), Ohio Valley Insulating Company Inc. (a West Virginia company), Owens-Illinois Inc., Persingers Incorporated, Pulmosan Safety Equipment Corporation, Riley Power Inc., Unifrax Corporation, Union Carbide Chemical and Plastics Company Inc., Uniroyal Inc., Viacom, Vimasco Corporation (WV), Wheeler Protective Apparel, Wheelabrator-Frye Inc. and Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. The Smiths seek a jury trial. The case has been assigned to a visiting judge.

Innovive acquires rights to cancer immunotherapeutic

Innovive Pharmaceuticals has licensed worldwide development rights for a WT1 heteroclitic peptide immunotherapeutic from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Innovive anticipates commencing phase I trials in the first half of 2006 to study the compound in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma.
WT1 is expressed in most leukemias and in a variety of solid tumors. WT1 expression is a known indicator of poor outcome in acute leukemia.
The compound, INNO-305, is unique among WT1 peptide cancer immunotherapeutics because of its ability to stimulate CD8 and CD4 T-cells. It is believed that stimulating both types of T-cells may result in a more robust and ubiquitous immune response.
INNO-305 also utilizes heteroclitic technology in which the wild-type WT1 sequences are altered to improve the immunotherapeutic's ability to activate T-cells.
"Myeloid leukemias respond to activated T-cells, either through bone marrow transplant or donor leukocyte infusion; therefore, we believe that an immunotherapeutic approach against a validated target in this setting holds great potential," said Dr David Scheinberg, an inventor of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

INNOVIVE Pharmaceuticals Licenses WT1 Peptide Cancer Immunotherapeutic from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Vaccine is First WT1 Heteroclitic Peptide Immunotherapeutic to Specifically Target CD4 and CD8 Activation
INNOVIVE Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Manhattan, announced today that it has licensed worldwide development rights for a WT1 heteroclitic peptide immunotherapeutic from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. INNOVIVE anticipates commencing Phase I trials in the first half of 2006 to study the immunotherapeutic (INNO-305) in the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma.
WT1 is expressed in most leukemias and in a variety of solid tumors. WT1 expression is a known indicator of poor outcome in acute leukemia.
INNO-305 is unique among WT1 peptide cancer immunotherapeutics because of its ability to stimulate CD8 and CD4 T-cells. It is believed that stimulating both types of T-cells may result in a more robust and ubiquitous immune response. INNO-305 also utilizes heteroclitic technology in which the wild-type WT1 sequences are altered to improve the immunotherapeutic's ability to activate T-cells.
"Myeloid leukemias respond to activated T-cells, either through bone marrow transplant or donor leukocyte infusion; therefore, we believe that an immunotherapeutic approach against a validated target in this setting holds great potential," said David A. Scheinberg, M.D., Ph.D., an inventor of the immunotherapeutic and chairman, Experimental Therapeutics Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where the initial Phase I trial will be conducted.
"Recent clinical data from other WT1 peptide immunotherapeutics stimulating CD8 T-cells has been very positive. We believe that the heteroclitic nature of INNO-305 and its potential to activate CD4 as well as CD8 T-cells makes it an excellent addition to INNOVIVE's growing pipeline," said Steven Kelly, president and chief executive officer, INNOVIVE Pharmaceuticals Inc.
INNO-305 is the third compound in INNOVIVE'S pipeline. The others are INNO-105 and INNO-406. INNO-105 is a naturally occurring peptide that inhibits cell growth and division by interacting with OGFr, a unique receptor found on the nuclear membrane of a wide range of malignant cells. The company recently announced it had enrolled the first patients in a Phase I clinical trial of INNO-105 in adult patients with advanced solid malignancies. INNO-406 (formerly known as NS-187) is an orally bioavailable, rationally designed, dual Bcr-Abl and Lyn-kinase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). INNO-406 is expected to enter Phase I trials this year.
About INNOVIVE Pharmaceuticals
INNOVIVE Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a privately held biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York. The company's mission is to acquire, develop and commercialize novel therapeutics addressing significant unmet medical needs in the fields of oncology and hematology. For additional information, visit www.innovivepharma.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause INNOVIVE's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Among other things, there can be no assurances that any of INNOVIVE's development efforts relating to its product candidates will be successful. Other risks that may affect forward-looking information contained in this press release include the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of INNOVIVE's product candidates, the risk that the results of clinical trials may not support INNOVIVE's claims, INNOVIVE's reliance on third-party researchers to develop its product candidates and its lack of experience in developing pharmaceutical products. INNOVIVE assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Tommy G. Thompson, Former Secretary of Health and Human Services, Joins Alfacell Corporation as Special Advisor

Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL - News), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel ribonuclease (RNase) therapeutics for cancer, today announced that Tommy G. Thompson, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and four-term Governor of Wisconsin, has joined the Company as a Special Advisor.
Secretary Thompson will chair the newly-created Alfacell Business Policy Committee, which will include members of the Company's senior management team and Board of Directors. The committee will focus on advancing and executing strategies associated with key initiatives in areas such as finance, government relations, and regulatory affairs, as well as corporate governance and development.
"I am extremely pleased to serve in this new role with Alfacell, a rising company with an unwavering commitment to developing potential breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer," stated Thompson. "I first became familiar with Alfacell as Governor of Wisconsin, where the Company manufactures its products. I came to learn that Alfacell is a pioneer and global leader in ribonuclease-based drug therapies, with ONCONASE being the most advanced anti-cancer agent in development from its novel technology platform. I look forward to working closely with Kuslima Shogen and the strong management team at Alfacell, and to the prospect of successful outcomes from the Company's ongoing clinical programs."
"It is tremendously exciting to welcome Secretary Thompson, a preeminent global authority on myriad healthcare issues, to our experienced leadership team," stated Kuslima Shogen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alfacell. "It is apparent that he shares our enthusiasm for the Company's vision, business plan, technology platform and positioning for near- and long-term growth."
Shogen added, "We are confident that Secretary Thompson's diverse experience, knowledge and passion for the advancement of innovative solutions for global healthcare challenges will lead to invaluable guidance to Alfacell as we move closer to filing a NDA for ONCONASE® (ranpirnase), our lead investigational drug candidate, build and expand relationships with industry partners, and further develop our product portfolio."
About Tommy G. Thompson
Tommy G. Thompson, the former Health and Human Services Secretary and four-term Governor of Wisconsin, is Chairman of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and a partner at the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.
At Deloitte and Akin Gump, Secretary Thompson is building on his efforts as HHS Secretary and Governor to develop innovative solutions to the health care challenges facing American families, businesses, communities, states and the nation as a whole. These efforts focus on improving the use of information technology in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices; promoting healthier lifestyles; strengthening and modernizing Medicare and Medicaid; and expanding the use of medical diplomacy around the world.
Secretary Thompson has dedicated his professional life to public service, and is one of the nation's leading advocates for the health and welfare of all Americans. He served as HHS Secretary from 2001 to 2005, and as Governor of Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001, making state history when he was re-elected for a third term in 1994 and a fourth term in 1998. The Secretary began his career in public service in 1966 as a representative in Wisconsin's state Assembly. He was elected assistant Assembly minority leader in 1973 and Assembly minority leader in 1981.
Secretary Thompson has received numerous awards for his public service, including the Anti-Defamation League's Distinguished Public Service Award. In 1997, the Secretary received Governing Magazine's Public Official of the Year Award, and the Horatio Alger Award in 1998. He has also served as chairman of the National Governors' Association, the Education Commission of the States and the Midwestern Governors' Conference. Secretary Thompson also served in the Wisconsin National Guard and the Army Reserve.
About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for cancer, using its proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology platform. ONCONASE® (ranpirnase), Alfacell's lead investigational drug candidate, has been successfully administered to over 850 patients with a variety of solid tumors, and is currently being evaluated in a Phase IIIb trial for malignant mesothelioma (MM) and a Phase I / II trial in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). For more information, please visit www.alfacell.com.
This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the Company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials, the Company's ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

First U.S. Jury Verdict Linking Asbestos From Welding Rods to Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Affirmed by New York Appeals Court

In the second major verdict against the U.S. welding industry in little more than a week, a New York State appeals court on Dec. 29th affirmed the first-ever jury finding that asbestos-containing welding rods, sold in the billions up to the early 1980's, had caused lung cancer and mesothelioma, Attorney Jerome H. Block of the nationally known mass toxic tort law firm of Levy Phillips and Konigsberg, LLP announced.
The New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, in a published decision, upheld the July 2003 jury verdict in favor of, Angel Gomez, who died following the trial, and the late Daniel Tucker. Both men worked with and around asbestos-containing welding rods. The jury awarded Gomez a total of approximately $3.19 million against Lincoln Electric Company ("Lincoln"), reduced 25 percent since Gomez was a cigarette smoker. Tucker's estate was awarded a total of approximately $3.5 million split between Lincoln and Hobart Brothers Company ("Hobart").
Lincoln, publicly traded, and Hobart, a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly traded Illinois Tool Works, Inc., "had argued that their asbestos product was different and incapable of causing lung cancer and mesothelioma. The jury rejected these arguments, and now their verdict has been unanimously upheld by the appellate court," Block said.
On Dec. 20th an Illinois appellate court upheld a 2001, $1 million negligence and product liability award against Lincoln, Hobart, and Airco/The BOC Group, Inc. After a four-week trial a jury found that manganese fumes from the defendants' welding rods caused central nervous system injury resulting in the plaintiff's Parkinson's disease.
The welding rods at issue in the Gomez and Tucker cases, known by their American Welding Society Classification "6010," were and continue to be a top-selling, all-purpose welding rod. Up to the early 1980s, these rods were coated with a mixture containing 5% to 15% asbestos, according to trial testimony. "We proved that asbestos from the coating of these rods would be released in the air and breathed in by workers like Mr. Gomez and Mr. Tucker who had no idea that asbestos could kill them," Block explained. For at least a half century, from the 1930's through the early 1980's, Lincoln manufactured billions of asbestos-containing welding rods, which were commonly used in industry, Block noted. In addition to welders, others who worked around them were endangered by these rods, Block added.
Case Filed As: Christine Wiegman, Individually and as the Administratrix of the Estate of Daniel Tucker, Plaintiff-Respondent, v A C & S, Inc., et al., Defendants, The Lincoln Electric Company, et al., Defendants-Appellants.; Angel Gomez, Plaintiff-Respondent, v A C & S, Inc., et al., Defendants, The Lincoln Electric Company, Defendant-Appellant.

Promising Research in Early Detection of Mesothelioma

January 9, 2006 -- Mesothelioma, once a rare cancer, has become more prevalent in the past 50 years. The incidence of this aggressive disease, which has no cure, is expected to rise through 2015. Until recently, mesothelioma was considered universally fatal. Patients treated with the best available therapy have survived 13 to 25 months in some studies, and with only supportive care the median survival is about 9 months. Studies investigating the diagnosis of mesothelioma have recently reported promising results, which may help reverse this tragic trend.If caught before spreading beyond the lungs, there is a much greater chance of successfully treating the disease. Once mesothelioma has spread, the disease quickly overcomes its victim. With earlier detection, current treatments would be more effective, more aggressive treatment could be developed and life expectancy could rise dramatically. One of the challenges of treatment for mesothelioma patients is the inability to detect the aggressive cancer in its early stages. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is very challenging to diagnose until the advanced stages. Because the onset of disease is delayed for as much as 30 years beyond exposure, symptoms are vague and the diagnostic tools are not efficient or specific, many cases are not diagnosed until the disease is advanced. To date, screening through serial chest x-rays and pulmonary function testing has not been effective in detecting the disease in its earlier stages. While some asbestos related disease has been detected, these methods cannot differentiate between mesothelioma and benign lung disorders. Computer tomography (CT) can detect even small tumors, but also does not distinguish between malignant lesions and benign lung changes. Thus, the stumbling block to early diagnosis is distinguishing early stage cancer from other lung problems. Biomarkers, or naturally occurring chemicals that can be detected in the blood have been linked to many specific cancers. Studies have shown a link between the substance TPA and mesothelioma, but this correlation had not yet been proven. Ca 125, a known marker for ovarian cancer has also shown promising but unconfirmed results in detecting early stage mesothelioma. According to a recent article published in the December 2005 New England Journal of Medicine, a recent study of the protein osteopontin produced encouraging results. Comparing patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, patients exposed to asbestos but disease free and healthy control subjects, revealed clear differences in the patients with malignant disease. Although more research is needed to confirm the accuracy of this investigation, a strong correlation between osteopontin levels and mesothelioma was found.A significantly higher concentration of osteopontin was detected in patients with diagnosed cases of mesothelioma compared to subjects with asbestos exposure. When compared, the levels of osteopontin were not significantly different in unexposed control subjects versus those subjects exposed to asbestos. Nearly 78% of mesothelioma patients showed elevated osteopontin levels. Levels were elevated in both patients with early stage disease (Stage I) and advanced disease. In over 85% of cases, osteopontin levels differentiated patients with mesothelioma versus benign lung conditions. Definitive detection of mesothelioma in the earlier stages makes surgical removal of tumors possible before the disease has had a chance to spread. Once spread occurs, the effectiveness of surgical treatment drops dramatically. In end–stage disease, surgery is simply a palliative measure to improve breathing capability with little of no curative value.While it is not clear that this information will lead to longer survival, we do know that the earlier treatment can begin, the better chance for a prolonged life expectancy and with time, hopefully a cure.