Australian scientists may be on the brink of a historical breakthrough for people who suffer from the deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
Mesolthelioma affects only a fraction of people exposed to the deadly substance, but it is fairly common in Australia with 650 new cases per year.
The disease, which is currently incurable, takes approximately 35 years to emerge, and kills with in 18 months of diagnosis.
Preliminary tests with the treatment have reportedly been very promising, with remarkable results in tests on mice with malignant mesothelioma.
Institute director Professor Nico van Zandwijk and his team are currently working towards being able to test the treatment on human subjects. First stage trials at the end of 2013 will determine the optimal and safe dose.
Professor van Zandwijk says he does not want to raise false hope, but he is cautiously optimistic the treatment will work.
”I think the whole concept is sound and we feel very reassured,” he said.
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Source: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/asbestos-cancer-breakthrough-20130731-2qzk8.html#ixzz2ao38Q793
