What are the Goals of Mesothelioma Research?
Causes and Prevention: How does asbestos cause changes in the DNA of cells? If researchers can determine this, they may be able to find ways to prevent mesothelioma. Scientists are also trying to understand the role played by SV40, a virus that has been associated with mesothelioma. Mesothelioma research has also been effective in protecting the health of the community. As researchers learn more about which asbestos fibers can produce illness, they yield knowledge that allows us to minimize or eliminate exposure to asbestos in residential homes, the workplace and public buildings. Treatment: A great deal of mesothelioma research is dedicated to finding promising new drug treatments. One new approach that is being explored are anti-angiogenesis drugs, which destroy cancer cells by stopping their blood supply. Anti-growth factor drugs are also being studied, which interfere with substances cancer cells produce to stimulate their own growth. Another area of mesothelioma research involves