Mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases subject of Wake Forest study

Nov 2, 2009

The Wake Forest School of Medicine and the FirstHealth of the Carolinas Clinical Trials Department have partnered for a research study that is taking a look at the development and progression of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung diseases and cancers. The principal investigator in this study is Dr. Jill Ohar of Wake Forest University, and she has been researching mesothelioma and its causes for over 20 years. She stated that her research has found that mesothelioma tends to run in families and is associated with a family history of cancer, suggesting a genetic susceptibility.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials for many decades, and workers were exposed to the toxic substance in a variety of industries, including construction, fireproofing, and asbestos mining and milling. Family members could also be exposed when people who worked in these industries brought the fibers home on their clothing.

When people are exposed to asbestos, they are at risk of developing many different forms of asbestos-related lung disease. Asbestosis and pleural plaque are two forms of lung scarring, which ends up being progressive in approximately one-third of workers who have been exposed to asbestos. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are two forms of cancer that can be caused by asbestos exposure. When compared to non-smokers who have not been exposed to asbestos, people who have been exposed are five times more likely to develop lung cancer. If they are also smokers, that risk goes up exponentially.  The amount of asbestos inhaled and the length of the exposure can affect the severity of asbestos-related fibrosis, and it can take decades before symptoms of disease develop.

The Wake Forest study is examining genetic markers and environmental factors in mesothelioma patients. The study is being conducted at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital’s Chest Center of the Carolinas, and participants are required to complete a two-page survey and have a one-ounce blood sample taken. Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma can contact FirstHealth Clinical Trials or Dr. Jill Ohar for more information.

For the full story, go to Richmond County Daily Journal.

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