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Mar 15 2007 The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation today announced that an
additional $1 million has been awarded in research funding aimed at curing
mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, usually found in those exposed to
asbestos, in the form of a malignant tumor in the mesothelium of the lungs and
or abdomen. An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in
mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. People exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and
70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period
of asbestos disease. Symptoms of this incurable disease are persistent coughing
or coughing of blood, chest or abdomen pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
Researches are being conducted at various cancer centers all over the United
States as well as by pharmaceutical companies. But the fact is that it was
almost ignored for many years in terms of medical interest as well as research
funding which is why there are no effective treatment still for this malignant
disease, though there a new hope now for mesothelioma patients. Particular genes
and proteins involved in the disease are being discovered which enable powerful
biomarkers that can aid in detecting and monitoring the cancer. Mesothelioma
Applied Research Foundation has supported all these researches since 1999.
"Thanks to generous donors, this is now the third year in a row in which we have
been able to support critically-needed meso research at the million-dollars-per-
year level. This consistent support is enabling brilliant investigators around
the world to invest their careers in meso, and to pursue the detailed scientific
studies needed to develop effective treatments. As a result, we are seeing the
whole field make great strides forward," says Chris Hahn, the Executive Director
of the Foundation.
Projects have been submitted by thirty-four research teams from prestigious
universities around the world, thanks to the recently awarded grants. The
scientific advisers of the Foundation reviewed and scored them. The top ten were
awarded $100,000 each.
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