It has long been known that those exposed to significant quantities of asbestos run a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma. It’s also well known that the disease often does not present until it is too late to do much about it, other than try to make the little time that remains as comfortable as possible for the person. Furthermore, it is clear that there is currently no known cure for mesothelioma.
An exciting new discovery from medical researchers has not changed any of those things. But it does offer hope that change could be in closer reach.
A newly published paper documents the findings of a collaboration between Sbarro Health Research Organization and Sbarro Institute for Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research, both at Temple University, Philadelphia, with the Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center at the University of Siena, Italy.
Gene expression
The study focused on determining which genes were expressed differently in the bodies of those known to have malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). By working this out, it allows future research to focus on creating tests to notice when someone has those different gene expressions. For example, they might work to develop a test that looks for biomarkers known to indicate a particular gene expression associated with MPM. They could then run this test on people who were exposed to significant quantities of asbestos in their job to allow an earlier diagnosis of MPM.
Future research could also focus on what could be done to prevent those genes from expressing as MPM or to cure people of it by reversing the change in expression.
For the present, those affected by asbestos exposure should consider learning more about their options for compensation.