Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania recently published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery the results of their medical study of a potential mesothelioma treatment combining surgery and light.  The medical findings are reported to be both promising and safe with additional studies needed. Focusing his law practice on the fight for justice for individuals injured by the devastating effects of asbestos exposure, Philadelphia Mesothelioma lawyer, Ben Shein of the Shein Law Center, is encouraged by these findings in that the Benjamin Shein Foundation, a charitable organization, regularly supports research for the cure and treatment of mesothelioma.

Multimodal Mesothelioma Treatment is a Lung-Sparing Technique

Radical pleurectomy and decortication (P/D) is a two-step procedure that includes the removal of the involved thickened pleural lining, followed by an attempt to remove any visible tumor growth.  The affected lung is scraped to remove the maximum amount of cancer cells.  The lung is left intact.  The goal of treatment is to allow the lung to more easily expand.  Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a unique type of treatment that uses a light sensitive drug and light to target and kill cancer cells.  The procedure involves a patient being injected with a photosensitizing medicine.  Both healthy and cancerous cells absorb the drug.  After several days, the drug has left the healthy cells but remains in the mesothelioma cells.  A laser light is then focused on the tumor where it produces a kind of oxygen that kills the cancer cells and sometimes the blood vessels that supply the tumor.

Statistics Show Encouraging Results for Mesothelioma Patients

Thirty-eight patients participated in the University of Pennsylvania study.  Ninety-seven percent of the patients had stage III/IV mesothelioma and eighty-two percent had the epithelioid type.  All of participants underwent the pleurectomy and decortication in combination with the photodynamic therapy.

Thirty-five of the 38 patients also received systemic therapy.  Complete resection was obtained in 37 of the patients.  There was one post procedure mortality from a stroke.  Unusually long survival rates were experienced among the participants.  The median survival rate was 31.7 months for all the patients. 

Thirty-one of the 38 patients had the epithelial type of mesothelioma. They showed a longer median survival rate of 41.2 months when compared to those with the nonepithelial subtype.  In addition, this group also had a slower rate of disease progression.  However, the time it took for the disease to reoccur was not prolonged.  In conclusion, it was noted that this treatment approach is safe and shows promising results.  The researchers have suggested that additional investigations will be necessary to better understand the results and are currently underway at the University.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyer Ben Shein Is Here To Help

Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyer Ben Shein has witnessed firsthand the pain and suffering that a mesothelioma diagnosis can cause and has dedicated his practice to helping the victims and their families.  If you or a loved one has suffered from exposure to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, it is imperative for you to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.  Mr. Shein can guide you through the complex litigation process while he fights to secure the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve.  For a thorough review of your case, call Mr. Shein at 1-877-Sheinlaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact him online.

May 9, 2012 – The Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas recently issued new protocols to be employed in mass tort cases, including asbestos litigation. The new protocol affects many aspects of mass tort lawsuits.  For example, the new rules prohibit reverse bifurcation of a case unless the parties agree otherwise – now requiring that the fault issues of the case be heard at the same time as  the nature and extent of injuries can be presented. Though pre-trial appearances are unlimited, pro hoc vice counsel (out-of-state lawyers) are now limited to no more than two trials per year in Philadelphia. Unless otherwise agreed by defense counsel or upon a showing of special circumstances, all discovery must take place in Philadelphia.

The new protocols particularly impacts asbestos lawsuits. Though there are exceptions, in general for asbestos cases scheduled for trial after February 29, 2012, plaintiffs will now be assembled in groups of at least 8 and not more than 10 based on the appropriateness of the application of the same law (i.e. applicable state law), the occurrence of the same disease (i.e. mesothelioma, lung cancers, other cancers and non-malignancy cases), and representation by a common plaintiff’s law firm.  Now more than ever, plaintiffs suffering the tragic effects of asbestos exposure will find it necessary to seek only the most experienced Philadelphia asbestos attorneys to guide them through the complex requirements of asbestos litigation.

Conference To Discuss New Mass Tort Rules

Recognizing the complexities and potential impact of the new mass tort protocols, Harris Martin Publishing has scheduled a conference on the subject, “Examining the Court’s New Mass Tort and Asbestos Protocols”.  The Conference will be held on June 5, 2012, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia. Featuring Judges Sandra Mazer Moss, John W. Herron and Arnold L. New of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, discussions will include an update on various mass tort protocol initiatives such as deposition protocols for doctors and corporate officers and federal-state coordination of claims. Also, both plaintiff attorneys and defense attorneys will present their respective views on the new rules, and speakers will present a practical guide to the new mass tort program. Additionally, Philadelphia asbestos attorney Benjamin Shein of the Shein Law Center will present on the topic of the impact of the new rules on the future of asbestos lawsuits.  If you have questions about the new mass tort and asbestos litigation protocol, contact Mr. Shein at 1-877-Sheinlaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact him online.

For more information on the Conference, click here.

An estimated 100,000 people die each year from asbestos-related cancers and illnesses, with 2,000 to 3,000 new cases being diagnosed each year.  The closing of the Chrysotile Institute is a major breakthrough for lobbyists around the globe working to ban the mining and exportation of asbestos.  The Philadelphia asbestos attorney, Benjamin Shein of the Shein Law Center, is hopeful that the Chrysotile Institute closure will have a positive effect on the movement to completely ban the use of asbestos.

Canadian Exports of Asbestos Continue to Asian Countries

Under pressure from Canadian lobbyists, the use of Chrysotile asbestos has been greatly reduced in Canada.  At the same time, however, the exportation of asbestos has significantly increased to Asian countries.  India, China, and Southeast Asia have fewer restrictions on the use of asbestos, which makes it easier to export the product to their ports. 

In 2011, the Canadian government prevented the adding of Chrysotile asbestos to the United Nation’s list of restricted substances.  If the Chrysotile asbestos had been added to the list, Canada would have been required to label shipments of Chrysotile as a restricted substance, which alerts the receiver of its potential danger.  The receiver could then decide to refuse the shipment, making the export process even tougher for Canada.  Without the influence and support from the Chrysotile Institute, it will be difficult for advocates of asbestos mining to continue to promote the use of this product, and possibly it will be added to the list of restricted substances in the near future.

Some experts are not surprised by the closing of the Chrysotile Institute.  After 130 years of Canadian mining, the last remaining mine in operation was closed last year.  However, despite national and international opposition, the Quebec government is offering a leading asbestos industry corporation a loan of $58 million dollars to re-open the Jeffrey Mine in a Quebec town ironically named, “Asbestos.”  The offer remains open contingent on the corporation supplying the additional $25 million dollars needed to bring the mine back into operation. 

Compensation for Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases

Though the use of asbestos products continues, victims of asbestos exposure do not have to suffer silently from the catastrophic consequences.  The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at Shein Law Center have extensive experience representing victims of asbestos-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.  When mesothelioma and asbestosis strike, families suffer great financial burdens through loss of wages, medical expenses, and medication.  A renowned Philadelphia asbestos attorney, Benjamin Shein has recovered significant damages and compensation for his clients and their families.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related disease, call the Shein Law Center today at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) for a free consultation or contact us online.

National Clinical Trial Recruiting Pleural Mesothelioma Patients for Clinical Trial

The National Institute of Health Clinical Center is currently seeking eligible patients suffering from epithelial pleural mesothelioma who have not had any prior treatment with chemotherapy and whose disease is not curable with surgery to participate in a clinical trial.  The trial involves a genetically engineered immunotoxin drug manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, Inc. called SS1(dsFV)PE38, also known as SS1P.  The purpose of this trial is to study the side effects and best dose of SS1P when administered together with Premetrexed and Cisplatin with the goal of improving survival rates.

The standard treatment for pleural mesothelioma has been a combination chemotherapy regimen of Premetrexed and Cisplatin that can help delay the progression of the disease.  Researchers are hoping that using the immunotoxin SS1P in combination with the chemotherapy agents mentioned above would improve outcomes.  It has been found that mesothelioma cancer cells have a certain protein in them called Mesothelin.  SS1P contains a bacterial toxin that is linked to an antibody that recognizes the protein Mesothelin and can bind to it.  Researchers hope that the antibody will selectively target the tumor cells and kill them without damaging healthy cells.

Patients who are accepted into the mesothelioma clinical trial will be given SS1P in combination with Pemetrexed and Cisplatin.  A dose of the SS1P will be administered to a small group of patients.  If this group experiences no significant side effects, the dose will be increased for the next group.  The dose will continue to be increased with each new group until the maximum tolerated dose is determined.  Researchers will also study the side effects of this combination treatment and how the body breaks down the immunotoxin drug.  Evaluations during the trial include physical examinations, blood and urine tests, and disease assessments including scans and x-rays.

Our Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help Victims Suffering From Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one has suffered from exposure to asbestos, and developed mesothelioma, it is imperative for you to contact a Philadelphia mesothelioma attorney such as the experienced and dedicated lawyers at Shein Law Center.  Once you make the decision to pursue your rights, our Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers will guide you through the complex litigation process as we advocate for you and your family. We will fight to secure the financial compensation that you rightfully deserve for your pain and suffering, medical treatment, and loss of wages.  For a thorough review of your case, we encourage you to contact our Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at 1-877-SHEINLAW (877-743-4652) or contact us online.

Pfizer settled in 2004, on behalf of Quigley, by offering 430 million dollars to the majority of the asbestos exposed plaintiffs. Seeking injunction protection from further lawsuits, Quigley filed for bankruptcy. As a result, certain types of Quigley-related asbestos lawsuits were prevented by the bankruptcy court ruling. In May 2011, a New York federal judge overturned the 2004 bankruptcy ruling and the recent April 2012 ruling by the appellate court upheld the New York federal judge’s decision.

In its recent court ruling, the federal appeals court stated that if a company is putting out their own product manufactured by another company, it is subject to the same liability as if it were the manufacturer. This ruling is based on manufacturer liability and allows asbestos victims to sue Pfizer under Pennsylvania Law.

Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Center Will Fight for Asbestos Victims

The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at the Shein Law Center are skilled litigators who are prepared to take on the huge corporations who attempt to deter, delay and avoid lawsuits and judgments that are meant to hold them accountable for their negligent.  Our personal injury attorneys have represented victims of asbestos exposure in Pennsylvania and the surrounding states for more than 25 years.  If you or a loved one is suffering from Mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, call our office at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) to schedule an appointment with one of our Philadelphia asbestos attorneys or contact us online.

Officials have reported that only small amounts of asbestos were found in the building and only in areas that are off limits to the general public; however, lab results show that an outdated fireproofing asbestos material was found in the hallways, catwalks and some seating sections. Asbestos materials such as these can cause mesothelioma and other serious asbestos-related diseases. Experts continue to say that no amount of asbestos in the air is safe.

New York Islander Will Move to Brooklyn

If the asbestos abatement process is not finished by the end of the summer or if the health risk continues and forces county officials to close the arena, the team has plans to move to the soon-to-be finished Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York, at least temporarily. A deal with the NHL requires the Islanders to play on Long Island. The Barclay Center located in Brooklyn, NY, is on the western tip of Long Island. A move forced by the asbestos hazard at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum would keep the team from taking on debt to build a new facility and may help them find a way to get out of the team’s current lease which expires in 2015.

Call Our Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorneys Today

The Pennsylvania asbestos attorneys at the Shein Law Center in Philadelphia specialize in representing individuals and their families affected by asbestos-related diseases and deaths. Our asbestos attorneys have many years of experience and knowledge to support you and your loved ones who may have been exposed to asbestos products. We stay informed on the latest developments in mesothelioma treatments and litigation and utilize all information available to assist you in every way possible. Contact our Pennsylvania asbestos attorneys today at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact us online to get the help you need.

Heart Disease and Stroke More Likely for Women Exposed to Asbestos

The study monitored over 90,000 asbestos workers, who were an average age of 35 when their first medical examination took place. Most of the women involved in the study worked in asbestos manufacturing, while most of the men worked in asbestos removal.  The study period ran from 1971 to 2005 and compared the number of deaths from stroke or heart attacks against the expected number of deaths that would occur in the general population. Women exposed to asbestos were 100% more likely to die of a stroke and 89% more likely to die of heart disease. Men asbestos workers were 63% more likely to die of stroke and 39% more likely to die of heart disease.

Recognized Asbestos-Related Diseases

Studies taking place over the last 70 years have shown how dangerous and, in most instances, fatal asbestos exposure can be. Asbestos-related diseases cause approximately 10,000 deaths per year in the United States; 30-40 percent of those deaths are from Mesothelioma. Medical professionals continue to link other cancers, including colon, kidney and GI cancers to asbestos exposure. This study by Britain’s Health and Safety Laboratory linking fatal stroke and heart disease in asbestos workers to asbestos exposure means that asbestos-related deaths may actually be underestimated.

Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Center Help Victims Exposed to Asbestos

The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at Shein Law Center are dedicated to advocating for sufferers of asbestos exposure. With offices in Philadelphia and New Jersey, our attorneys have a long history of successfully representing the victims of asbestos-related diseases and their families, obtaining the just compensation they deserve for their losses resulting from asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one is suffering from an asbestos-related illness, call us today at 1-877-SheinLaw (1-877-743-4652) or contact us online to discuss your concerns with a knowledgeable, compassionate asbestos attorney.

Proposed Canadian Bill to Block Import of Asbestos Brake Pads

Existing Canadian health and safety legislation bans manufacturing of asbestos products, ensuring that brake pads manufactured in Ontario do not contain asbestos materials. This legislation has erroneously led auto mechanics to believe that they are safe from brake pad asbestos exposure because unknown to them more than $2.6 million worth of asbestos-laden brake pads entered Canada in 2011. Canadian border agents are not required by the federal government to verify that companies are properly labeling imports containing asbestos. This lack of regulation makes it impossible for auto mechanics to determine if the dust released from the car and truck brakes they are working on contains toxic fibers.

Newly proposed legislation in Ontario is intended to make the workplace safer for auto mechanics by banning the importing of asbestos brake pads. The proposed bill will be the first to block imports of asbestos-laden brakes pads from entering the Canadian market. Although Canadian and American manufacturing companies have replaced the materials in brake pads with safer alternatives, other countries continue to manufacture asbestos-containing brake pads and this proposed bill will stop those products from entering Ontario.

Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Center Help Mesothelioma Victims

The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at the Shein Law Center are encouraged by any effort on the part of the world’s governments to ban the manufacturing, importing and use of asbestos-containing products. We have represented many auto mechanics who have fallen victim to mesothelioma as a result of unchecked asbestos exposure at work.  We have counseled and supported family members who have lost love ones and who themselves have been stricken with an asbestos-related disease as a result of secondhand asbestos exposure.  If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, call our Philadelphia office at 1-877-743-4652 to speak with one of our experienced, knowledgeable asbestos attorneys today or contact us online.

The European researchers conducted the study with 2,466 males over a twenty year time span, beginning in 1987. The data was collected from various health reports from the French National Mesothelioma Surveillance Program and the French Network of Cancer Registries. The results of this study reinforce the obvious: that young workers need to be trained to take precautions where exposure to asbestos materials is part of their job. Young and inexperienced workers may be uninformed and lack understanding about the occupational hazards associated with exposure to asbestos-related products.

Until asbestos products are completely banned worldwide, knowledge and precautionary actions may be the only way workers handling the deadly material can prevent falling victim to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Employers and workers should attend safety meetings and training on the risks of asbestos and how to avoid exposure. Employees should be skilled in indentifying asbestos-laden areas and products in the workplace. It is important that young workers follow workplace protocol and use personal protective equipment and clothing. They should have a thorough understanding of the long-term effects of asbestos exposure to gain a full understanding of the importance of following guidelines.  Furthermore, by being educated about the best protective measures to use concerning their workplace clothing, young workers will not inadvertently expose the people they live with to any airborne asbestos materials at the end of their work day.

Philadelphia Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Center Support Asbestos Awareness

The Philadelphia asbestos attorneys at the Shein Law Firm focus their practice on helping mesothelioma victims and their families. As advocates for victims of asbestos exposure, they support asbestos awareness, research and education.  If you or a loved one has been harmed by first-hand or second-hand asbestos exposure, contact the Philadelphia offices of Shein Law Center to discuss how their asbestos attorneys can help you.

The FDA’s Orphan Drug Designation Program provides hope to victims of serious diseases, such as mesothelioma, for potentially effective treatments that would not otherwise get the funding and FDA approval needed for further research. The Program provides incentives for drug companies to develop products for rare diseases – those diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, or affect more than 200,000 people but whose treatment drug sales are not expected to recover the costs of developing and marketing the drug.  The goal of the Orphan Drug Program is to find preventative treatments and cures for these uncommon diseases.

“Orphan Drug” status permits drug developers to use smaller testing samples to achieve FDA authorization to continue research.  This status also gives a drug company unique tax incentives and a complete seven year period of exclusive rights against generic drug rivals. The Program has fostered the development and marketing of more than 350 drugs and products for rare diseases since 1983.  In contrast, in the ten years prior to 1983, fewer than 10 such drugs were made available to victims of rare diseases.  

New Mesothelioma Drug Granted “Orphan Drug” Status

Since Mesothelioma is an “Orphan Disease” under the Program, it is noteworthy when a new treatment for mesothelioma is granted an Orphan Drug designation, allowing its developers to focus on the advancement of the drug rather than the costs in time and money. For example, a new mesothelioma drug, CBP501, developed by the Japanese drug company CanBas and recently awarded Orphan Drug status by the FDA, offers new hope in the treatment of the deadly disease. The drug is in the early stages of testing, but it is believed that the drug will be effective in treating asbestos-related cancer when it is combined with traditional chemotherapy. Its Orphan Drug designation will ensure further research and testing.

Contact Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys at the Shein Law Center for More Information

The Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at the Shein Law Center are diligent in staying informed on the latest asbestos-related cancer treatments and drug developments. We believe this is the best way to serve our clients and support their struggle with the deadly disease. Throughout our many years of representing victims and their families who have fallen victim to mesothelioma, we have strived to provide not only quality legal representation, but also offer useful information and resources to utilize in their day-to-day efforts to live with the disease.  Call our Philadelphia office today to speak with one of our experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys.