In California, the Pacific Heart, Lung; Blood Institute (PHLBI) is moving forward with mesothelioma stem cell research that could potentially change the standard method of treatment for this cancer. Mesenchymal stem cells are already used to treat certain types of autoimmune disease, but researchers at PHLBI are exploring the possibility of using them as a vehicle to deliver gene and molecular therapies directly to mesothelioma tumor sites.
Currently, a reliable therapy that results in long-term survival for pleural mesothelioma patients does not exist. The majority of patients still die within two years of diagnosis, even after aggressive multimodal treatment. According to mesothelioma specialist Robert Cameron – the scientific advisor at Pacific Meso Center, which is part of PHLBI – this new “cutting edge” stem cell strategy has the potential to increase long-term survival in patients, and also eliminate treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, which have significant side effects.
Researchers believe that stem cell therapy may be most effective at eliminating the residual cancer cells that are leftover after mesothelioma surgery. These residual cells are what eventually lead to recurrence. Also, since stem cells can remain in the body for a long period of time, they have the potential to be more effective than past therapies.
If you or one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you deserve to afford the very best medical care available. Please contact The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP today or call (410) 625-9330 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Baltimore mesothelioma lawyers. We serve clients Baltimore, Maryland, Washington D.C., and nationwide.
