In a recent report, from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, researchers believe they have determined the protein source that cancerous mesothelioma cells use in order to migrate from one part of the body to the other. They estimate that 90% of mesothelioma deaths occur because the cancer spreads and harshly affects or destroys the body’s major organs. If they’re able to isolate the protein that the cancerous cells use in order to migrate, then they can stop mesothelioma from being able to spread.
Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Oftentimes, this cancer will begin in the linings of lungs, abdomen, and heart, but will migrate to attack the organs themselves, which is why it’s so deadly. If researchers find a way to stop this migration, they could extend the lives of many mesothelioma sufferers.
The protein that the researchers have isolated is called PGC-1a and helps cancerous cells to store energy that they can utilize while the cells move from one organ to another. Scientists have found that they can suppress this protein and it seems to half the cancerous cells’ mobility.
Oftentimes, those exposed to asbestos were not made aware of or protected from its dangers by their employer. While employers had knowledge of the negative effects of asbestos, they still allowed their workers to inhale it. If this is the case for you or someone in your family, you have recourse to file a lawsuit and receive damages for your suffering. Please contact our Baltimore mesothelioma lawyers today so we can help. Or call us at (410) 625-9330.
