Yong Rare
Posted in Prints on 03/14/2010 03:01 pm by admin |
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New medical research, which has isolated a gene that appears to protect against lung cancer, has been welcomed by Asbestos campaigners as a potentially massive breakthrough.
Mesothelioma, which is caused by ingesting asbestos dust, has resulted in the deaths of many former manual workers in the UK. Around 2000 people every year are diagnosed with the disease, resulting in a great cost to the NHS and terrible suffering for patients, who have to undergo chemotherapy and other cancer battling medical procedures.
Breakthrough offers hope
The new research, by scientists at the University of Nottingham, has revealed a possibility for treating not just mesothelioma but other forms of cancer as well. The scientists discovered that lung cancer samples they analysed were missing a gene called LIMD1, which they believe acts as a tumour depressant in the body.
Ed Yong from Cancer Research UK commented that: "This study fills in another piece of the lung cancer puzzle. Now we know that LIMD1 is one of an elite group of genes that defend our cells against changes that could lead to cancer. Without its protection, cells become more vulnerable to cancer-causing chemicals, such as those found in cigarette smoke."
The families of mesothelioma victims also welcomed the news and hoped that the breakthrough would also lead to progress in isolating a gene which will protect against the asbestos related disease. Anne Craig, whose husband David died of the disease said that she hoped for a cure for the illness.
"This breakthrough could have very significant implications for research into mesothelioma. Researchers discovered that people without this particular gene were more likely to die from lung cancer, but seemed to be protected if they had it. I would hope this could mean a gene in the lungs could also help protect people against mesothelioma," she said.
Personal injury claims
Mesothelioma is one of the major causes of personal injury claims related to work in the UK and many thousands of families have won compensation from their loved-ones former employers. A recent ruling in the high-court found that relatives were also able to claim compensation from insurers even if the company that was responsible for the disease had gone out of business. This ruling was especially vital because mesothelioma takes many years to become apparent.
As well as the workers themselves, relatives of workers have also been affected by the disease. In a recent case, a pensioner has been awarded a £250,000 payout after his wife was exposed to asbestos while washing his clothes. Patricia Eccles washed her husband Alfred's clothes regularly for 10 years and the dust that built up on the ex-pipe fitters uniform caused her to develop the disease.
"I'm angry with the company and myself, and feel guilty because Patricia caught the disease from my clothes. The money won't bring Patricia back, but it will at least ensure Joanna's care for the future," said Mr. Eccles.
With the damage caused each year by the disease, it is vital that progress is made towards preventing future cases and this looks more likely after this research according to Anne Craig.
"I think this could potentially be great news for those with mesothelioma, plus their loved ones," she added.
Darrell has more articles pertaining to personal injury and other legal related articles.