Affordable Mesothelioma Treatment Now Available

Over 600 Australians are diagnosed with the deadly cancer mesothelioma every year. But for many, the drug used to treat pleural mesothelioma, Altima, was beyond their reach due to its prohibitive cost.

Bernie Banton, an Australian resident who suffered from asbestos-related disease, decided to try and change that. He campaigned in favor of an affordable treatment for Mesothelioma, even as his health deteriorated.

Recently it was announced that the drug Altima would be available at a less expensive rate to Mesothelioma patients in Australia. The cancer drug will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which means that mesothelioma sufferers will pay just $31.30, instead of the previous price of $300 for each prescription.

Since campaigning for the cause, Bernie Banton lost his battle with the disease which was caused by asbestos exposure while working for a subsidiary of James Hardie from 1968 to 1974. Mr. Banton's treatments were covered by company insurance.

Is Mesothelioma on the Rise in Australia?

According to the Herald Sun, the disease is on the rise in Australia as diagnosis can come decades after asbestos exposure. The number of victims is predicted to hit 18,000 in the year 2010. A "second wave" of diagnoses is likely to appear among those that completed home renovations without proper safety precautions in place when the prior-1970s materials were removed.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a material made of mineral fibers that has been widely used in the construction and building industry for many years. Since the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) confirmed in 1964 that asbestos exposure can lead to the aggressive mesothelioma cancer, the use of abestos has fallen sharply.

Is Mr. Banton a Hero?

Many say yes. Despite his sickness, he had worked tirelessly to help other Mesothelioma sufferers in Australia by lobbying to provide inexpensive access to the drug Altima. Mr. Banton's wife, Karen, said that he was "ecstatic" from his death bed when he learned of the news that the drug was subsidized. He passed away from the disease in November of 2007. But his battle to help others with the disease was a success. It was his final legacy to help all Australians dealing with the disease.

Altima: New Hope for Mesothelioma Patients

Altima is a new cancer drug used to treat mesothelioma and is given in conjunction with cisplatin. Altima works by blocking specific enzymes that scientists found to play a role in the raid growth of mesothelioma tumors of the lungs. Altima is not a cure for mesothelioma, but clinical trials show patients treated with the drug had a median survival rate of 12 months compared to 9 months for patients treated with cisplatin alone. Altima is given intravenously every twenty-one days. The most common side effects are stomach upset, a drop in white and/or red blood cells, tiredness, mouth or throat sores and loss of appetite.

More information on Altima

Talk to your doctor or health care professional. Online information can be found at the Mesothelioma page at the National Cancer Institute.