A drug used to treat high cholesterol is now being administered to help fight tumors.  The treatment, lovastatin, is part of a new trial in which it stopped or eradicated tumors in 80% of patients.

Lovastatin was introduced in 1980 to fight lipids and lower cholesterol.  In early studies, researchers noticed a strange side effect: the drug killed cancer cells in laboratory trials.  In order to safely administer the drug, researchers have had to combine lovastatin with other treatment plans.  According to NeoPlas Innovation Director of Research Dr. Stephen Cantrell, "When we have administered a precisely timed regimen of low-dose interferon with lovastatin, tumors have begun regressing, sometimes within just a few weeks."

The lovastatin regimen is expected to fight a number of malignancies, including mesothelioma.  The drug's initial trial occurred in 2000; a patient who then had stage 4 melanoma remains disease-free today.

Unlike chemotherapy, lovastatin's most commonly reported side effect is fatigue.  Patients will not experience nausea, hair loss, vomiting, or immune system suppression.  For the full press release on lovastatin, click here.

For information on clinical trials and studies, visit the MesoRC page here.

In a continued effort to provide visitors with the most comprehensive mesothelioma and asbestos-related resources, MesoRC is pleased to announce the addition of the Mesothelioma Ongoing Clinical Trials page to our site. This page provides visitors with important information regarding more than 40 current mesothelioma clinical trials taking place throughout the U.S. and Canada. These clinical trials focus on a variety of different treatments and therapies ranging from experimental chemotherapy to innovative new drug treatments.

While the MesoRC has always had lots of general information pertaining to clinical trials, visitors had to go offsite to find information on clinical trials that were currently taking place. This is no longer an issue as we are now able to bring the clinical trial resources and information straight to you in a concise, user-friendly way.

Recent consideration has been set forth by the MesoRC to embark upon a patient focused mesothelioma event. The format and focus of the event has yet to be decided, as we are trying to obtain as much feedback as possible before making any final decisions.

We want to hear from you!! We want to know what types of speakers you'd like to hear from, what format you would like the event to be, what topics are of interest to you, etc.

So, if you have a few seconds and want to share your thoughts with us, please fill out our quick Survey by Clicking Here.

Thank you!

NEWTON, MA, June 27, 2008 — The Law Offices of James Sokolove (LOJS), dedicated to providing greater access to the civil justice system, introduced more features to the ground-breaking community site, Mesothelioma Resource Center (MesoRC) to include a Community Marketplace and a Tribute Wall. The MesoRC website also provides a powerful one-stop informational resource for victims and families affected by this rare and aggressive cancer. Since its launch in September 2007, the site has seen continuing growth in traffic, and more importantly, in the dedicated involvement of its community.

The new MesoRC Community Marketplace offers insightful books on mesothelioma and other cancers, and novelties that seek to raise awareness of mesothelioma. With 2,500 new cases diagnosed annually in the US, mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, is often called an orphan cancer. As such, there are few research funds and often little help for patients who want to seek treatment at the twelve medical centers focused on advanced treatment options. LOJS may receive compensation from some of websites with links on MesoRC.com. LOJS donates all compensation received from websites based on these links to charitable organizations that benefit mesothelioma patients.

Another new MesoRC feature is the Tribute Wall to remember those affected by mesothelioma. This rolling recall of names by family, friends and loved ones is dedicated to the memory of mesothelioma victims.

You can read the Full Press Release Here

It is a common misconception that asbestos exposure and mesothelioma are no longer causes for concern.  Because asbestos use was at its height in the 1970s, many people assume that 40 years later the substance is not a threat.

Recently, however, there have been several devastating and highly public stories about the harms of asbestos exposure.  As one editorial reminds us, it was just weeks ago that Carter administration White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan died of mesothelioma.  Just prior to that, a Scientology cruise ship was docked due to dangerous levels of blue asbestos within the boat; concerns about the health of actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise brought the story to the forefront of media attention. 

Aside from celebrities and public figures, asbestos continues to put the average American at risk.  The most pressing danger is the prevalence of asbestos in homes and buildings constructed around the '70s.  Decades ago, asbestos use was encouraged by the government because of its resistance to fire and its durability.  Now we know, however, that if these fibers become loose, they pose a serious threat to anyone who may inhale or swallow them.  Additionally, asbestos disposal is not always properly conducted, exposing the public to further harm.  On the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, authorities have warned beach-goers to refrain from eating, drinking, or disturbing the sand on the shore should asbestos be stirred up and ingested. 

Asbestos and the diseases it can cause are still very real and very pressing threats.  Although its use is discouraged, it is not outlawed.  Even when the dangers of asbestos became publicized, products containing the toxin continued to fill stores.  Just mere months ago, a popular children's toy was found to use loose asbestos powder as one of its main components. 

As researchers work to develop cures for asbestos-related diseases, the public can make strides towards improvement.  Visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to learn how you can raise awareness and encourage your Congressman push for an asbestos ban.