• Study will evaluate a new drug that suppresses cancer stem cells, a ground-breaking new
  

  Mesothelioma and cancer research

  science, as potential new treatment for pleural mesothelioma; an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, and is strongly linked to asbestos exposure

• In the UK, the number of deaths caused by the disease each year is growing and according to latest figures it is the most rapidly increasing cancer amongst women in the UK (3rd most for men)[i],[ii]
• Despite the UK’s control on asbestos in 1985, the number of mesothelioma patients is set to rise sharply over the coming years as mesothelioma can take between 30-40 years from exposure to asbestos to develop[iii]
• Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive disease, and even on currently approved treatment, the average survival time is only 12 months[iv]
• There is no cure; the only approved chemotherapy regimen prolonged life by 2.8 months from 9.1 to 11.9 months[v]
• Most at risk include builders, construction workers, railway workers, plumbers and gas fitters, dock workers,  electricians, roofers, painters and decorators and other tradespeople, along with their spouses[vi]
• Lord Saatchi will be presenting his medical innovation bill at a public consultation on Monday 24th at the House of Lords. The bill is designed to enable doctors to innovate new treatments and cures for cancer and other diseases.
• Should the bill be passed, its aim is to facilitate patients access to innovative treatments and clinical trials , like this one in cancer stem cell suppression.
• On the International Rare Diseases Day , Friday (28^th February). We want to focus the spotlight on the new developments in treatment options for patients fighting mesothelioma . Shifting the attention from the litigation around asbestos to raising awareness of the ongoing and continued research required for this disease.

Pleural mesothelioma, is an aggressive form of lung cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure, which has very limited treatment options and is associated with poor patient survival, with most having less than a year left to live once diagnosed.^iv

Eight leading UK cancer research centres are participating in a ground-breaking new study to evaluate a potential new treatment targeting cancer stem cells, and measure if the life expectancy of these patients could be prolonged. Cancer stem cells are often resistant to conventional chemotherapy, By targeting the cancer stem cells, it is hoped that the growth of the mesothelioma can be slowed or stopped, and a new treatment option for patients could be established. (Trials are taking place at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, Velindre Hospital, Cardiff, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Kings College, London and St. Batholomew’s Hospital, London, Wythenshaw Hospital, Manchester and Southampton General Hospital.)

Despite the UK’s control on asbestos in 1985, the number of mesothelioma patients is set to continue to rise sharply as mesothelioma can take between 30-40 years from exposure to asbestos to develop. In the UK, the number of deaths caused by the disease each year has grown to 2,543 in 2010 and it is the most rapidly increasing cancer amongst women in the UK (3rd most for men)[vii]^,ii

It is estimated that more than 9 out of 10 men and more than 8 out of 10 women with mesothelioma have been in contact with asbestos.^vii,[viii]

Most at risk of developing the disease include builders, construction workers, railway workers, plumbers and gas fitters, dock workers, electricians, roofers, painters and decorators amongst other tradespeople and workers who have had exposure to asbestos.^vi As the data on the increasing incidence in women show, the demographics are changing as asbestos is found in many places and secondary exposure is considered to be a great risk moving forward.

 

For patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are very limited treatment options beyond the one chemotherapy approved. By targeting cancer stems cells it is hoped that it will be possible to prolong patient survival and improve quality of life.