Research Reinforces Gene Mutation Links to Mesothelioma

More than ever, Dr. Michele Carbone at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center believes early testing for genetic mutations can lead to fewer cases of malignant mesothelioma and a longer survival time for many who do contract the disease. Lives can be saved. Years can be added. “It could change the way we treat these patients,” Carbone told The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. “And, in some cases, it could prevent the cancer entirely.” Carbone is director of thoracic oncology at University of Hawaii and a world leader in identifying the role of genetics in the development of mesothelioma cancer. He led a team of researchers and scientists who recently identified how mutations of the BLM gene were making individuals more susceptible to developing mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos, the primary cause of the disease. Their findings were published in December by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, also known as PNAS. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences named the study Paper of the Month. “Testing should be offered to anyone with mesothelioma,” Carbone said. “Testing could also identify someone who is at higher risk for the disease, allowing them to take precautionary measures to avoid any asbestos exposure.” BAP1 Gene Mutation for Mesothelioma Testing of family members of mesothelioma patients also would help determine if they are more susceptible to the cancer. Less than half of mesothelioma p...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: news