March 2, 2015 – New Jersey asbestos lawyers at Shein Law are happy to report on some promising developments in mesothelioma research. A recent study by some of the nation’s top researchers has identified four genes that may contribute to the development of mesothelioma. The research team, comprised of scientists from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, and the NYU Langone Medical Center, were the first to examine the whole set of genes, which led to their novel discovery.
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity and is caused by asbestos exposure. Previous studies have revealed some of the types of genetic mutations caused by asbestos, but were confined to smaller sets of genes. Researchers in this study used a revolutionary technique called “whole exome sequencing” to gain a comprehensive look at which genes were affected by asbestos exposure.
Examining Genetic Patterns May Lead to Treatment Options
The exome is the one percent of the genome that actually contains genes, and also acts as the control center for protein production throughout the body. Researchers extracted DNA from tumor and blood samples of 22 mesothelioma patients and analyzed the genetic mutations in each. They found 490 genes that had undergone mutations, but they were able to identify four genes that were the most commonly affected among the patient group. This comprehensive examination of the genetic effects of mesothelioma may lead to further breakthroughs in mesothelioma diagnosis and mesothelioma treatment options.
Mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose, as it may lay dormant for 15 to 60 years after asbestos exposure before presenting symptoms. Once the disease begins to develop, however, a patient’s health deteriorates quickly, and there are few effective treatment options to stop the disease’s progression. Identifying the genes altered by asbestos can help develop better diagnostic tests, as well as more targeted therapies that can leave healthy cells unharmed.
New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers at the Shein Law Aggressively Fight for Victims’ Rights
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease, the experienced New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law can help you get the compensation to which you are entitled. Our knowledgeable, professional legal team will thoroughly review the facts of your case to determine who is responsible for your asbestos exposure and hold them accountable. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to discuss your case with a qualified New Jersey asbestos lawyer.