Leading Cancer Institutes Partner To Study Mesothelioma

Jill Ann Ohar, M.D. is the principal investigator of this study. She is a professor of medicine at Wake Forest whose primary interest is in the genetics of occupational diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. The purpose of clinical trials is to research causes and genetic factors leading to disease. Clinical trials also look for novel therapies to treat mesothelioma, including alternative combinations of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Dr. Ohar is hoping to uncover genetic factors that may predispose one to malignant mesothelioma. If done, this could help to identify high risk patients must sooner, which could aid diagnostic and treatment efforts.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring carcinogenic mineral that was routinely added to many construction and industrial materials until government regulations restricting its use were established in the early 1980’s. Until then, most workers in the shipping, automotive, construction, fireproofing, milling and mining industries were likely to be exposed in the course of their daily work. Exposure occurred directly to the worker, but also indirectly to family members when asbestos fibers were carried home on clothing or on the body.

Once exposed, workers or family members

may not develop symptoms of the disease until decades after initial contact. The prognosis, once diagnosed, is usually poor. There is currently no cure available. Stopping further exposure is critical.

Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers lodge in the mesothelium, or protective lining surrounding the lungs, heart and abdomen. Early diagnosis is difficult due to the long latency period between exposure and development of symptoms. More than 3000 alone in the United States develop mesothelioma, a particularly painful form of cancer.

Dr. Ohar’s aim is to analyze the clinical and genetic differences between those that develop mesothelioma and those that don’t in hopes of creating a profile of high-risk individuals. By doing so, the study could improve mesothelioma treatment as well as survival rates, accelerating diagnosis and intervention.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to participate in this clinical trial, contact First Health or Dr. Ohar. To get more information regarding mesothelioma and to learn about getting help financially to cover medical costs of treatments, please contact one of our asbestos lawyers who specialize in representing clients diagnosed with mesothelioma.