Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious potential health issues including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Mesothelioma is an aggressive, deadly cancer that is rarely diagnosed in early stages because there are few detected signs and symptoms of the disease. Most cases are not diagnosed until twenty years or longer after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled asbestos fibers become lodged in thin membranes surrounding vital organs such as the lungs, stomach and heart. Prolonged fibers in the organ lining cause severe inflammation and chronic cell death that releases HMGB1, a molecule presumed to be directly related to mesothelioma tumor growth. According to a previous study by the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, people exposed to asbestos had elevated levels of the molecule HMGB1 and scientists determined that it has a role in the initiation and progression of malignant mesothelioma.
Current research at the University of Hawaii revealed that aspirin, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, may prevent HMGB1 activity and reduce or slow down malignant mesothelioma growth. The Cancer Center researchers, the first to study the benefits of aspirin in treating mesothelioma, found that aspirin used in mice inhibited or blocked the carcinogenic effects of HMGB1 and improved survival of the treated animal. Although the research is promising, scientists admit more studies are necessary.
The detailed findings, published in Cell Death and Disease, show impressive results with early stages of mesothelioma. Researchers theorize that aspirin could delay, or even possibly prevent, the growth of malignant mesothelioma for people exposed to asbestos in high risk occupations. University of Hawaii scientists may have discovered a new possible tool for fighting cancer. In addition, they give doctors and patients more advance knowledge relating to mesothelioma.
Families are overwhelmed when a loved one receives a mesothelioma or asbestos-related illness diagnosis. The experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler offer free consultations to determine if you or your family member may qualify for compensation for medical treatment, bills, pain and suffering or lost wages. We are committed to serving mesothelioma clients throughout the Delaware Valley in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with offices located in Center City, Philadelphia. Submit an online inquiry or call us at 800-369-0899.