Australian researchers might have found a new antibody that can be used to fight mesothelioma, a cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos.
While the antibody could possibly be used to fight other kinds of cancer, such as leukemia, the researchers have decided to run clinical trials in asbestos mesothelioma and also glioblastoma patients.
KaloBios Pharmaceuticals (based in San Francisco) developed an antibody called the KB004 antibody. It is currently being used in clinical trials in leukemia patients in the United States and Australia. The clinical trials are only using patients with solid tumors.
The KB004 antibody targets Epha3, a protein that experts think is essential to the survival of cancer cells in the human body. Epha3 is found in the blood vessels and the supporting tissues around cancerous tumors. The KB004 antibody essentially prevents the cancer cells from “feeding” and continuing to grow. The KB004 antibody goes after the micro-environment surrounding the tumor rather than attacking the tumor itself.
Researchers also found Epha3 in cells and blood vessels found in prostate, colon, breast, brain, and lung cancers. Once all of the funding is in place, the researchers plan to test the KB004 antibody on mesothelioma patients.
It has been suggested that antibodies might also encourage the body to fight the cancer cells.
Asbestos Mesothelioma
Asbestos was most commonly used before 1990, but its use has been severely restricted due to the asbestos health risks.
Hundreds of thousands of people have, or will have, died from mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos in shipyards alone, but many have died as a result of asbestos exposure in construction sites or the home and workplace.
Asbestos mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining of the lungs, making it slightly different from lung cancer though they share many similar symptoms. (Asbestos has also caused lung cancer in many people.) Asbestos mesothelioma is rare, but very deadly.
Thousands of mesothelioma lawsuits and mesothelioma class action lawsuits have been filed. It can take between 15 and 35 years after asbestos exposure for a person to be diagnosed with asbestos mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual mesothelioma lawsuit or asbestos class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, mesothelioma lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
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If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or cancer in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or chest cavity, you may be able to take legal action against the companies responsible. Don’t delay – in most states the statute of limitations is two years to file an asbestos lawsuit after you’re diagnosed. Obtain a free and confidential case evaluation be filling out the form below.
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