The School of Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is partnering with the Clinical Trials Department of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in North Carolina to conduct a clinical trial investigating the genetic causes and factors leading to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Wake Forest is one of the nation's leading cancer research centers, conducting more than 200 clinical trials investigating cancer. FirstHealth operates as an acute care hospital and referral center for a fifteen county region in the Carolinas.
The principal investigator of the study is Dr. Jill Ohar. A professor of genomics at Wake Forest, Ohar's primary interest for over twenty years has been studying the genealogy of inhalation diseases related to occupational exposure, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Clinical trials aim to increase understanding of causes and genetic factors that lead to cancer and other illnesses. The goal of mesothelioma clinical trials is to discover new methods of diagnosis and treatment into the disease, including alternatives to standard frontline treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The current clinical trial led by Ohar aims to identify the genetic factors that may make one more susceptible to mesothelioma. Being able to do so could greatly help in earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment by identify high risk patients before cancer has advanced to late stages.
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.
Exposed workers and family members would then not show signs of mesothelioma until many years after initial contact, anywhere from 10 - 40 years after. Once diagnosed, prognosis is usually poor. To date, despite increase in research, mesothelioma remains an incurable form of cancer. Preventing any exposure is essential, for even a single incident of inhalation can lead to an asbestos related disease.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest. The latency period between time of first exposure and development of symptoms is long, making diagnosis difficult. Over 3,000 Americans each year develop mesothelioma, suffering from one of the most painful cancers caused by asbestos exposure.
Dr. Jill Ohar's aim of the study is to identify the genetic foundations that cause predisposition to mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases, hopefully discovering why certain populations are more at risk. She hopes that by teasing out genetic factors, improvements will occur with diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to participate in this clinical trial, contact FirstHealth at 910-715-2200 or Dr. Ohar at 866-487-2344. 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 at 800-440-4262.
More Information:
Sally Clapper represents the law firm of Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason,
mesothelioma lawyers that have given legal representation to people with mesothelioma for over 25 years. The firm has several expert
asbestos lawyers and is recognized as one of the leading plaintiffs' mesothelioma law firms in the country.
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