Scientists Continue Work on New Mesothelioma Medications

Scientists Continue Work on New Mesothelioma Medications











Cancer research continues to improve on a daily basis with new developments, expanded research facilities, and an ever increasing desire to successfully treat one of the leading causes of death in the world. One specific area that sees dedicated research is mesothelioma treatment. There is still no universally accepted treatment regimen for mesothelioma cancer, however, researchers have recently discovered a potentially lifesaving new medication.



In a new study published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, researchers have discovered a potentially beneficial response to deadly mesothelioma cancer cells. The study is concerned with sodium selenite, the most common water-soluble form of selenium.



Selenium was discovered by Jons Jakob Berzelius in 1817 as a byproduct in the production of sulfuric acid. It came to medical notice later because of its toxicity to humans working in industry, and later was exonerated when scientists discovered it was an essential nutritional factor in humans. In 1996, continuing research showed a positive correlation between selenium supplementation and cancer prevention in humans. Selenium in small amounts, such as through a multivitamin supplement, are generally regarded as safe and even beneficial to human nutrition. In large quantities, however, it is toxic to mamamalian bodies, though it is rare that any healthy adult receives more than their daily allotment of selenium.







Selelenium has been shown in several studies to prevent chemically induced carcinogens in rodent studies, though there have been confliciting studies in humans debating the efficacy of selenium supplements. Under the most recent study, sodium selenite has been shown as an antioxidant that can kill mesothelioma cells in cell cultures. What's more, the sodium selenite has been shown not to significantly damage healthy cells in the body; this is an enourmous step forward in the treatment, as most traditional cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, often damage health tissue and cells in the patient's body.



The ramifications of this study are profound; if there is a simple and effective way to address the chronic and deadly condition of mesothelioma cancer and asbestos exposure, it could save the lives of millions of people all over the world. According to reports, the chemical selenite triggered cell death in 15% of sarcomatoid (cancer) cells, compared to just 8% of epithelioid mesothelioma cells. Total cell death after 24 hours of treatment was about 25% in the epithelioid cells and 30% in the sarcomatoid cells. Granted, these results took place in a laboratory setting and actual treatment may be years away. Regardless, this breakthrough provides at least a small amount of hope to those experiencing mesothelioma.







Mesothelioma is a serious and debilitating cancer, oftentimes coming with a grim prognosis. Patients diagnosed with asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure often find it in their best interest to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Generally speaking, asbestos exposure results from working in an industry which has either utilized asbestos in manufacturing or production, or has been involved in handling materials containing asbestos, either directly or indirectly. It is usually the case that an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can provide the patient with access to a mesothelioma lawsuit, thus increasing the possibility of receiving monetary compensation as a result of their exposure.





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