In a recent article published by The Guardian, it has been announced that a groundbreaking drug has been developed for treating mesothelioma, a cancer notoriously difficult to treat and linked to asbestos exposure. The drug, ADI-PEG20, was tested alongside chemotherapy in an international trial led by Queen Mary University of London.
The article highlights results published in JAMA Oncology, which showed that the drug has the potential to quadruple the three-year survival rates, marking the most significant breakthrough in two decades for this aggressive and deadly cancer. The trial involved patients from five countries and demonstrated a significant increase in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to those who received chemotherapy alone.
The drug works by depleting arginine levels, essential for tumour cell growth. This discovery, the culmination of two decades of research, offers hope to mesothelioma patients and their families, providing a much-needed treatment option for a disease with one of the lowest survival rates.
News Source: read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/feb/15/drug-offers-wonderful-breakthrough-in-treatment-of-asbestos-linked-cancer.
Asbestos Related Diseases – UK’s Largest Workplace Killer
Although asbestos use has been banned in the UK since 1999, the remnants of the substance continue to kill 5000 people across England and Wales each year.
It is approximated that around 300,000 non-domestic buildings and nearly 1,000,000 domestic buildings in the UK still contain asbestos. In addition, asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer, are still the number one workplace killer in the UK. These figures remain one of the highest mesothelioma rates in the world.
The announcement of a breakthrough treatment for mesothelioma brings much needed hope to those diagnosed with the disease and their families. However, despite this positive development, campaigners and industry experts continue to urge governments and employers to take stronger measures to protect workers and the public from asbestos exposure. You can read some of our previous articles on this topic:
- Protecting Workers From Asbestos Exposure EU Council Legislation
- Will Asbestos Be Removed From All Public Buildings Within 40 Years
- Parliamentary Debate About Asbestos
Asbestos Disease Claim UK
At Asbestos Awareness, we are dedicated to sharing information and highlighting the consequences of asbestos exposure. Having been exposed to asbestos, a person is at risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. Following such a diagnosis, it is essential to seek the appropriate legal advice promptly to ensure the best chance of receiving the deserved compensation.
Our site is owned and managed by Bridge McFarland, a UK-based law firm with a leading personal injury department dedicated to supporting clients in obtaining the compensation that they deserve as a result of an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.
To speak to our experienced personal injury solicitors today, please call 0800 987 8800 or email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk.
