Researchers Probe Asbestos-Related Illnesses and Emerging Treatments

The chemical and mineral compound known as asbestos has been recognized for its unique insulating properties for hundreds of years. By the late nineteenth century, asbestos began to be used widely to improve the insulation of homes, business, and other structures, a practice that continued until the mid-1980s.

Over the course of the twentieth century, troubling signs that asbestos may cause health problems began to amass. However, several of the most prominent manufacturers of asbestos building products undertook a campaign of deception and obfuscation, seeking to hide evidence of the health dangers of asbestos exposure.

By the 1980s, overwhelming evidence of the ill effects of asbestos prompted many governments to ban the substance. The medical literature proved beyond a reasonable doubt that asbestos exposure could be linked to conditions such as mesothelioma, tumors, cancers, asbestos warts, and abestosis. Less conclusive links have been found connecting asbestos exposure to respiratory conditions such as pleural plaque and diffuse pleural thickening.

The massive medical fallout from the widespread use of asbestos as a building material continues even today. Meanwhile, in developing nations such as India and China, asbestos is still commonly used to insulate buildings and electrical wiring. Scientists around the world are engaged in the pursuit of more answers about asbestos and its negative health impacts. This week, we'll review the findings of three recent studies from the front lines of asbestos research.

Researchers Uncover Link between Asbestos Exposure and Autoimmune Disorders

While the connection between asbestos exposure and cancer, mesothelioma, and other diseases has been recognized since the 1980s, scientists are now beginning to explore other health problems that can arise through exposure to the long-banned insulating material. One recent study conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle suggested that a link may exist between occupation exposure to asbestos and an increased risk for autoimmune disorders.

Specifically, the authors found that individuals who had been engaged in professions that placed them in close proximity to asbestos stood a much greater chance of dying of systemic autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, than did their counterparts who had little or no occupation risk of asbestos exposure.

The study also found a similar risk between other environmental contaminants that are often present in some workplaces, such as pesticides, solvents, and benzene. In order to confirm these findings, the authors suggested that future studies be carried out that involve detailed occupational risk analyses among autoimmune disease sufferers.

Current Estimations of Asbestos-Related Disease May be Too Low, Study Shows

Researchers in Australia conducted a long-term epidemiological study of asbestos-related disease as a means of developing a model for future disease projections. Based on the results of the study, which was recently presented at a lecture hosted by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, past attempts to predict asbestos-related diseases have fallen far short of the mark.

According to the findings, future cases of asbestos-related diseases such as respiratory problems, cancer, and mesothelioma may far exceed currently-accepted projections. In some cases, the rate of asbestos-related illnesses may prove to be as much as 35% higher than currently predicted.

The main difference between the new model and past projections of asbestos-related disease is that it was once believed that the year 2010 would be the peak for such health problems. According to new information, it is now believed that the peak of asbestos-related diseases may occur much later, perhaps as late as 2060. Based on this information, the researchers urged public health officials and health advocacy groups to adjust their asbestos prevention and intervention strategies accordingly.

New Chemotherapy Treatment Boosts Survival Rates in Cases of Mesothelioma

The primary form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma, is notoriously resistant to most forms of treatment. However, the findings of a new study conducted by scientists at the Clatterbridge Center for Oncology in England may offer new hope for patients afflicted with this disease.

An innovative chemotherapy formula that combines the drugs pemetrexed and cisplatin was shown to be far more effective in the treatment of mesothelioma than the current protocol. Not only did the combination drug lengthen the lives of patients with the disease, but it also significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life, according to the study participants. Although more research will be necessary to affirm the safety of the drug, this breakthrough may be a promising first step for mesothelioma patients.

If you're concern about the risk of asbestos-related health problems, talk to your doctor to develop a personalized risk and prevention plan. Please check back here each week for more of the latest medical research news.