Immunotherapy and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that usually forms in the soft tissue around the lungs and affects thousands of people each year. The United States alone sees 3,000 new cases annually, and 80 percent of these cases can be attributed to asbestos exposure. Although some people have lived for several years once diagnosed with this disease, the life expectancy is usually 6-18 months.
There have been no new FDA approved treatments for this disease since 2004. Chemotherapy, the traditional treatment, is not as effective as desired.
However, an oncologist at Regions Hospital Cancer Care Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, is evaluating the effects of combining two different FDA approved drugs to treat this disease. The drugs are nivalumab (Opdivo) and ramucirumab (Cyramza). Both drugs are prescription medicines used to treat the advanced stages of various cancers.
If the combination is successful, it could mean that mesothelioma patients will no longer have to undergo chemotherapy, increasing the chances for a better-quality life.
Immunotherapy Trial to Expand
Although the immunotherapy trial is currently at Regions Hospital, three other sites are expected to open soon. The trial will run until 2021 and enlist 35 participants who have not responded to the traditional chemotherapy treatment. Patients will receive immunotherapy intravenously every two weeks. The medications will be administered separately, but in back-to-back doses.
Benefits of Immunotherapy
For treating mesothelioma, chemotherapy is, in some sense, considered the last but only resort. If a patient does not respond to chemotherapy, there are no other known treatments thought to be effective. If a patient does respond to the chemotherapy, the chemo usually stops its attack on the cancer at some point.
Unlike chemotherapy, immunotherapy does not kill cancer cells. Instead, it activates the immune system to attack the cancer, avoiding the destruction of healthy cells and tissue, which is the drawback to chemotherapy.
The benefits of this are twofold. Once the immune system is activated, it is expected to remain active in its attack on the cancer. Secondly, using the immune system to fight mesothelioma is a natural process which keeps healthy cells and tissue intact.
Side-Effects of Immunotherapy
The side effects of immunotherapy are reportedly mild and manageable. Most are a result of an over-active immune system. The most common side-effect is an itchy skin rash, but some patients may experience:
- Digestive issues
- Mild cough
- Fevers
- Arthritis symptoms
However, patients are discouraged from “putting up” with side-effects. Instead, they should stay in touch with their doctors throughout treatment. Side-effects can be managed by immune system depressant drugs and other strategies.
Dover Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumpler, P.A. Protect the Rights of Those Exposed to Asbestos
If you would like more information about the immunotherapy trial for mesothelioma or filing a claim for an asbestos related illness, contact an experienced Dover mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. to discuss what compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries. We work with clients throughout Delaware from our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown. Contact us online or call us at 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation.
Take-Home Asbestos Case Decision Reversed
Delaware’s Supreme Court recently reversed a dismissal of a “take-home” asbestos case. This precedent-setting ruling overturned a Delaware law that protected companies from being liable to workers’ spouses. It also increased the liability to include companies that manufacture industrial process products.
The Court unanimously decided that an employee’s wife, who had frequently laundered her husband’s asbestos-contaminated clothes, had a valid toxic tort claim against the manufacturers that provided the products to his employer. Certain contaminants such as asbestos or lead can be absorbed into a worker’s clothing. If worn or taken home, it can expose other members of the household to the dangerous toxins. The clothes can spread small yet unsafe amounts of toxic material into the home. In this situation, repeated exposure to the contaminated clothing may have caused the victim’s cancer.
Court Case and Appeal
The original case was brought by the estate of the victim, who passed away in 2015 from lung cancer. Jacobs & Crumplar represented the Plaintiffs in the case. Court documents showed that the employee (the Plaintiff’s husband) made pipes and pipe fittings for a living, and regularly handled asbestos products at work. His wife was responsible for washing all of his work clothes, and this exposed her to asbestos.
Before her death, the victim sued two industrial product manufacturers, claiming that their negligence caused her disease. The Court originally dismissed the case, citing a Supreme Court precedent that maintained an employer was responsible to its employees only, not to their spouses.
On appeal, lawyers for the estate argued that worker should have been warned about the hazards of laundering contaminated clothing off-site. The defendants argued that the employer managed the workplace, and any changes to tort and liability standards could open the doors to a bombardment of asbestos lawsuits.
The New Ruling
Chief Justice Leo E. Strine Jr. acknowledged that family members of workers exposed to asbestos on the job can suffer serious injury and even death as a result of take-home exposure. The ruling makes manufacturers responsible for providing employees with safe laundering directions, as well as downstream usage dangers. Chief Justice Strine added that it was “neither fair nor efficient” to protect employers that did not appropriately inform their workers about product hazards and their safe usage. Additionally, spouses who wash a worker’s clothing should be considered “foreseeable plaintiffs,” and as such, may sue for breach of care.
Delaware Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other deadly asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one has become ill from asbestos exposure, we can help with your case. Call a Delaware asbestos lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. at 302-656-5445 for a free case evaluation or contact us online. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, we represent clients in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and nationwide.
Differences Between Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can affect the lungs, but it is not lung cancer. There are differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer and it is important to understand them to ensure patients receive the correct treatment for their disease.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma, attacks the lungs, hence the misconception that it is the same as lung cancer. However, the name pleural mesothelioma is so named because the cancer develops on the pleura, the protective lining of the lungs. Lung cancer tumors are usually inside the lungs.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
Patients with pleural mesothelioma often have pleural thickening, which is heavy scarring in the lining of the chest cavity. They can also experience pleural effusion or a build up of fluid in the chest cavity. While most lung cancer patients do not show pleural thickening, it is relatively common for them to show pleural effusion, making correct diagnosis difficult.
Mesothelioma occurs far less often than lung cancer, which is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Every year, there are roughly 222,500 new cases of lung cancer versus about 2,800 cases of all four types of mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer
The primary cause of mesothelioma is long term exposure to asbestos. Now banned from general usage, asbestos was once heavily used in everything from insulation to household products. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and ship building are at particularly high risk for asbestos exposure. Secondary exposure is also possible for people who work in an environment where asbestos materials were used and then disturbed in renovations.
Asbestos is so dangerous that no level of exposure is acceptably safe. When fine particles of asbestos dust are inhaled, they lodge in the lining of the lungs and settle there. Decades later, the disease appears. Mesothelioma can take up to 20 to 50 years to develop.
The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking. Typically, lung cancer symptoms appear between 10 and 30 years after a person starts smoking. There is no direct link between mesothelioma and tobacco use; however, smoking may complicate the treatment of mesothelioma. Heavy smokers often have a hard time with chemotherapy and cannot withstand surgery because of their reduced lung or heart function.
Because mesothelioma is less common than lung cancer, it is important that patients work with doctors experienced in mesothelioma treatment with access to the latest information. Certain patients may respond to aggressive treatment available only in special practices or clinics, even those whose mesothelioma is unresectable.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Suffering from Mesothelioma
If you or someone you love was exposed to asbestos and suffers from mesothelioma, talk to the dedicated Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for experienced counsel about your legal options. We handle all types of personal injury claims with a special focus on asbestos and mesothelioma cases. Call 302-656-5445 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment in one of our conveniently located offices. We proudly serve clients in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, and throughout the state.
Chemical Exposure Injuries
Individuals can be exposed to dangerous chemicals in a variety of ways including workplace exposure. Some of the more common toxic tort cases involve exposure to toxins such as black mold, asbestos, lead paint, and workplace chemicals. Toxic tort cases may result from contamination caused by the dumping of chemical waste into soil or groundwater, the airborne release of poisonous gases, or defective medication manufacturing. Unlike injuries suffered in a car accident or other types of personal injury tort cases, the medical injuries resulting from toxic chemical exposure may not be as visible and may not occur immediately following the exposure.
Bringing a Toxic Tort Case
Individuals who have sustained injuries resulting from toxic exposure may be entitled to compensation from multiple responsible parties. If an individual can demonstrate injuries caused by a breach of a legal duty, they may be entitled to substantial compensation. A breach of legal duty can occur when a party acts negligently, violates environmental regulations, or creates a defect in a manufactured product. In addition to the party responsible for contaminating the environment with the toxin, such as the company that dumped the toxic waste, the landlord that failed to remedy a black mold situation, or the manufacturers and distributors of the toxic substance may also owe compensation to injured individuals. If toxic exposure occurs at work, the individual also may seek compensation under the Delaware Workers’ Compensation system.
Toxic tort cases must be filed within the statute of limitations, a set period after the exposure or injury occurs. In toxic tort matters, this may be more difficult to determine, as an injured individual may not realize that they have sustained injuries right away. Individuals may not develop health problems, including diseases like cancer or mesothelioma, for many years after the initial chemical exposure. Many states have a special discovery rule to allow injured individuals to file their toxic tort cases within a reasonable time after the injury is discovered or should have been discovered.
The Causation Problem
One of the most significant obstacles in bringing a toxic tort case is proving that the individual’s injuries were caused by the toxic chemical exposure. Injured individuals must show that the chemical exposure was the immediate and direct cause of their health problems. This can become difficult with certain medical conditions, including cancer or respiratory conditions, which often have multiple simultaneous factors leading to their development. For this reason, it is critical that individuals and families of those harmed by exposure to toxins see an experienced attorney to handle their toxic tort claim.
Wilmington Toxic Tort Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Those Harmed by Chemical Exposure
Given the complications that often accompany a toxic tort matter, including issues related to the statute of limitations and causation, injured individuals should seek the counsel of an experienced Wilmington toxic tort lawyer to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, attorneys at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are ready to assist individuals who have suffered health problems due to chemical exposure. To schedule your free confidential consultation today, call 302-656-5445 or contact us online. We represent clients throughout Delaware, including those in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
Asbestos Found in Makeup Marketed to Children
The non-profit consumer watchdog group Unites States Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), tested makeup products containing talc and found three that contained high levels of asbestos. All three products came from the Illinois-based retailer Claire’s. Claire’s sells fashion accessories and jewelry mainly to girls and young women nationwide.
Talc is a common ingredient in many cosmetic products and can contain asbestos. Asbestos is a highly toxic substance that has been banned from many commercial uses, because exposure can lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma. Using it on skin over time increases the risk of skin cancer. There is no amount of asbestos exposure that is considered to be safe.
The products affected were Claire’s shadow and highlighting kit, compact powder, and the contour palette. PIRG called on the FDA to perform regular testing of cosmetics for harmful chemicals, and further said Claire’s should pull the items from sale immediately. A statement from Claire’s categorically denied the accuracy of the testing done by PIRG, saying the methods used are obsolete and unreliable.
Concerned Mother Sparks Recall
In December, Claire’s voluntarily recalled nine makeup products after a lab in North Carolina showed positive tests for asbestos in those products. A concerned mother had sent her child’s glitter makeup kit from Claire’s for testing. She was shocked to find that the makeup marketed to children contained tremolite asbestos. To determine the extent of the problem, she and another bought 17 different Claire’s makeup products from nine different states and found that every single one contained tremolite asbestos.
The tests were conducted at Scientific Analytical Institute by a scientist who expressed concern that the products had been bought within two weeks of the testing. The scientist said this meant that it was unavoidable that other children had also been potentially exposed to the toxic substance.
In January 2017, Claire’s announced that new testing from two certified independent labs confirmed that their products are free of asbestos and completely safe. As of March 2018, however, debate about the safety of these products remained ongoing.
According to the executive director of Massachusetts-based PIRG, expert opinion holds that nothing that contains asbestos should be put on the body. Asbestos-related diseases generally develop slowly, over long periods of time, after particles of the substance are inhaled and lodge in the respiratory system. The average latency period for mesothelioma from exposure to diagnosis is 35 to 40 years.
Compensation for Asbestos-Related Diseases
There are several avenues of compensation available to those who have suffered harm from exposure to toxic chemicals or substances. These include
- Workers’ Compensation for workers who develop an occupational illness
- Toxic tort claims against parties who were obligated to protect others from hazardous substances
- Product liability claims against the manufacturers of products containing harmful substances
Delaware Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Consumers Harmed by Exposure to Toxins
Contact Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. to speak to an experienced Delaware asbestos lawyer if you may have been exposed to asbestos. For more than 30 years, our firm has been dedicated to helping injured people. Call us at 302-656-5445 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation in our Wilmington or Georgetown offices. We represent clients throughout Delaware including Dover, New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.
Many Mesothelioma Patients Never Receive Treatment
According to new data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), between 20 and 30 percent of people with malignant mesothelioma never receive any cancer treatment. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can be effective in helping people live longer with the disease. The NCI study found that nearly one-third of pleural mesothelioma patients go without treatment that could add years to their lives.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by breathing in asbestos mineral fibers. Because asbestos is extremely durable, it was used in many building and commercial applications before its link to cancer was fully-understood. Most asbestos exposure happens in factories, construction sites, and during renovation of older buildings.
There are four types of mesothelioma, named for the part of the body where they originate. Patients with both pleural and non-pleural mesothelioma were included in the NCI study. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for 80 – 90 percent of all asbestos-related cancer cases. It is found in the chest wall and the lungs, often causing chest pain and shortness of breath.
Mesothelioma treatment involves a combination of surgery, drug-therapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. There is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, but treatment can significantly improve patients’ prognosis.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually appear decades after the initial exposure to asbestos. Most pleural patients are older males, but recently, there has been an uptick in the number of females diagnosed with the deadly disease. Patients over 70 with pleural mesothelioma are less likely to get treatment than younger people with other forms of the cancer. Only 27.1 percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma received surgery, according to the NCI report.
Emerging Treatments for Mesothelioma
Even though several forms of emerging mesothelioma treatments are currently available, only around five percent of pleural patients participate in trials. Several immunotherapy drugs are currently awaiting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy treatments designed to boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer are an option for patients who have not been successful with chemotherapy or who are not candidates for surgery. Photodynamic therapy, which uses special light to kill cancer cells, is another promising treatment on the horizon. Gene therapy, which repairs genetic defects that cause cancer cells, can potentially be used to prevent many forms of cancer.
The NCI study does not address the reasons why certain populations are less likely to receive life-extending mesothelioma treatment. However, it does highlight the need for equal access to all forms of treatment for every patient living with asbestos-related cancer. Until a cure is found, patients can improve symptoms, feel better, and live longer than ever before with treatment.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
Patients who are exposed to the dangerous substance asbestos usually do not show signs of mesothelioma for years or even decades. That does not mean that it is too late to hold negligent manufacturers or employers responsible or to pursue financial compensation for your injuries. The Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at the law firm of Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have extensive experience handling tough asbestos cancer cases. We have the knowledge and skill to help you or your loved one find justice.
Call 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer today. Our offices are located in Wilmington and Georgetown to serve clients throughout the state of Delaware.
Women’s Risk of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer most commonly diagnosed in older, male military service members and blue-collar workers who were exposed to asbestos. However, the disease has become increasingly common in women, who now comprise nearly one-quarter of all mesothelioma diagnoses. The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database shows this cancer affects over 3,000 people in the U.S. every year. The data also shows that incidence rates have increased by 8 percent in women when compared to their male counterparts. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports mesothelioma deaths have increased 2 percent since 2011. It is now more important than ever for women to know the signs and symptoms of this deadly cancer.
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a substance used heavily in industrial and manufacturing products before health concerns and litigation sparked regulatory action. Asbestos, possessing fire-resistant properties, was added to cement, drywall, tile floor adhesive, and even insulation. It was commonly added to brake and clutch pads for military tanks and jeeps and used as insulation in U.S. Navy boiler rooms, which would later have an effect on many veterans.
Although widely utilized and versatile, asbestos is also highly toxic when its microscopic fibers are ingested or inhaled. Asbestos fibers are released into the air when the material is worn down, cut, or disturbed. Once disturbed, the microscopic fibers can penetrate ventilation and water systems, exposing many people to harm. Construction workers were often at great risk of exposure as construction sites were laden with asbestos-infused materials. Asbestos was also commonly utilized in schools and office buildings.
Prior to the 1970s, little was known about the dangers of asbestos. As it can take anywhere from 20-50 years for symptoms to appear in victims, few were concerned about the health effects at the time asbestos was in heavy use. Serious health complications such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other forms of asbestos-related lung cancer are caused by asbestos inhalation.
Secondary Exposure Risk
Consistent and substantial exposure to asbestos is the greatest risk factor for mesothelioma; however no amount of asbestos inhalation is safe. Recent reports have highlighted the risks associated with secondary exposure, in which asbestos fibers are brought home on clothing and hair, thus jeopardizing others in the home. Recent SEER data shows that an increasing number of younger women are being diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestosis, suggesting that they may have contracted the disease via secondhand exposure.
Since 2011, a great many women have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which indicates that asbestos fibers may have been ingested. When swallowed, the fibers become lodged in the digestive system, which can later form malignant tumors that press on organs. Because this type of cancer is so rare, many doctors do not know how to properly diagnose it, prolonging suffering in victims.
Women experiencing hardship from asbestos related diseases may be entitled to compensation. Victims and their families are urged to speak to an experienced and reputable asbestos lawyer who can advise them of their rights and legal options under mesothelioma law.
Wilmington Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Advocate for Women Harmed by Exposure to Asbestos
If you or a loved one is suffering from a preventable injury or disease, contact Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today. Our dedicated Wilmington asbestos lawyers have years of experience dealing with complicated mesothelioma litigation and personal injury matters. Our offices are conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware to serve those upstate and downstate, including those in Dover, Delaware. Call a Wilmington mesothelioma lawyer at 302-656-5445 today to schedule a free consultation or contact us online.
Mesothelioma Survival Rates Improving
While there is still no cure for mesothelioma, survival rates are improving – giving victims of this rare but aggressive cancer new hope for the future.
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to or ingestion of asbestos fibers. Asbestos has been used for centuries in a variety of applications because of its high durability and resistance to chemical changes.
In the 1960’s, researchers connected asbestos exposure to certain health problems and diseases, including mesothelioma. In spite of this knowledge, asbestos was not banned from commercial use. In the United States, the use of asbestos peaked in 1973. Around this time, asbestos was used in more than 3,000 consumer products.
Why Patients Are Living Longer
There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, yet improved survival rates are giving patients more hope than ever before. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 10 – 50 years to appear after initial exposure to asbestos. Once diagnosed, there are many different factors that affect a patient’s prognosis. The location where the cancer originates in the body and the cancer cell type both affect a patient’s lifespan. The patient’s age, sex, genes, and stage of cancer also factor into survival rates.
The push for a multi-pronged approach to treating mesothelioma offers patients new hope for better health and longer lives. For many patients, surgery, along with radiation or chemotherapy, are effective in removing tumors and slowing the disease’s progression.
One Florida man diagnosed with late-state pleural mesothelioma found results with an experimental new drug called Opdivo, offered by a local practice specializing in emerging therapies not yet approved by the FDA. The drug has been successful so far and has fewer side effects than the chemotherapy he first received upon diagnosis. Originally given 4-6 months to live, the man is now in remission and enjoying life with his family.
Another new treatment is showing promise for mesothelioma patients. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) injects a drug into the veins of mesothelioma patients. When activated by light, the drug kills cancer cells with few side effects. PDT, cancer “vaccines,” and viruses designed to attack cancer cells are also currently in clinical trials.
Legal Recourse for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma patients are living longer than ever before, yet they still require extensive, ongoing medical treatment. Medical costs for mesothelioma patients can be daunting, especially for those left physically unable to work. Victims suffering from mesothelioma can hold employers and manufacturers responsible for their exposure. For the survivors suffering from the loss of a loved one to mesothelioma, financial compensation from a mesothelioma claim can help to supplement the loss of income needed to provide for the future.
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. The dangers of asbestos exposure have been known for decades. Employers and manufacturers that expose workers and consumers to asbestos should be held responsible. Because mesothelioma symptoms can take up to fifty years to appear, proving asbestos exposure cases can be challenging.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplary, P.A. Fight for Those Affected by Exposure to Asbestos
The Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at the law firm of Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. tackle the most complex cases to ensure you receive the compensation you need to access the best medical care available. Schedule a consultation with a skilled Delaware mesothelioma lawyer by calling 302-656-5445 or complete our online contact form. Attorneys at Jacobs & Crumplar are proud to serve clients throughout the state of Delaware, including those in Wilmington, Georgetown, and Dover.
Asbestos Exposure – Who is at Risk?
Despite the known link between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, asbestos is not completely banned in the United States and risk for exposure still exists. There is no known cure for mesothelioma which can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure occurs. Asbestos exposure can happen at work, at home, or in schools, and can occur naturally in the environment. Secondary exposure is also possible when workers who are unaware of the presence of asbestos on the worksite wear contaminated clothing home and expose their families.
At first, asbestos was hailed as a miracle fiber for its many applications. Before it was recognized as a hazardous substance, it was used in some 3,000 household and industrial products. Certain industries have the most concentration of past and current asbestos use. As such, these workers are most at risk for asbestos exposure. The construction industry is number one for workers’ risk, including but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, drywallers, painters, plasterers, insulators, masons, tile setters, roofers, and sheet metal workers. Many more day laborers, such as cleaning crews, can also suffer asbestos exposure without realizing it. This is because asbestos particles can become airborne and be inhaled or contaminate clothing.
Another group at high risk include those in the shipbuilding industry, including ironworkers, machinists, electricians, boilermakers, welders, ship fitters, and mill wrights. Those in the Navy who used the ships have an exposure risk as well. Asbestos has been used in many materials by the Armed Forces in their trucks, tanks, military barracks and mess halls, and for aircraft gaskets, engine shields, and brakes.
Stealth Exposure
Stealth or secondary exposure can occur in cases of contaminated office and business spaces and schools. A substantial number of people have developed mesothelioma without having worked directly with asbestos in industrial settings. Any building material tainted with asbestos that is subsequently disturbed for renovations can expose workers and building occupants to asbestos dust. Examples include vermiculite filler for insulating homes, putty containing asbestos, and housing developments built upon asbestos contaminated soil. It should be stressed that there is no level of asbestos exposure that is considered safe or acceptable.
The 9/11 Health Care Law
First responders on the scene of the World Trade Center’s collapse on September 11, 2001 were subjected to air heavily contaminated with the dust and debris from the disaster. Many hundreds of tons of asbestos were used in building the twin towers. The air contained harmful particles that, after being inhaled, traveled through the respiratory system, settling in the chest and lungs. Years later, many of the workers who helped sift through the rubble to look for victims are developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases and cancers. A fund has been established that offers free medical care to first responders, firemen, policemen, medical personnel, volunteers, and residents, if they developed mesothelioma or other cancers after 9/11.
Wilmington Asbestos Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Victims of Mesothelioma
If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and is suffering from mesothelioma, the Wilmington mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help. We have extensive experience helping victims of asbestos exposure obtain justice and compensation for their illness. Call 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we assist individuals and families throughout the state.
FDA Approval of Keytruda with Chemotherapy
Keytruda is the brand name for the drug pembrolizumab, manufactured by Merck & Co. pharmaceuticals. Many are optimistic that Keytruda will be a viable and powerful treatment option for those suffering from pleural mesothelioma. The FDA recently approved Keytruda for use in combination with two common chemotherapy drugs, pemetrexed and carboplatin.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the protective membrane that lines the body’s internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleural mesothelium located in the chest cavity, but the condition is also known to begin in the abdomen or around the heart. The main risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When people are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis, it is usually due to the type of work they perform, with construction work being a common occupation that results in exposure.
Keytruda is an immunotherapy drug that helps the body’s immune system identify and destroy cancer cells. It has been used in over 400 clinical trials across the world. It has never before been studied specifically with respect to its effect in treating mesothelioma when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. The FDA has recently approved Keytruda for use in treating melanoma, head and neck cancers, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
A protein known as PD-L1 is common in many types of cancer, but only in half of mesothelioma patients. This recent FDA approval is the first time Keytruda has been approved for use in treating tumors that do not express the PD-L1 protein.
Keytruda Use in Treatment of Mesothelioma
A recent clinical trial demonstrated that patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancers like mesothelioma exhibited much better results than those who had not taken Keytruda. These results prompted the FDA to approve Keytruda’s use in mesothelioma patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Over half of the patients taking Keytruda responded well, compared to just 29 percent who took chemotherapy alone. According to a research scientist at Pacific Mesothelioma Center, these clinical trials have shown that the combination of Keytruda and chemotherapy could result in a new first-line treatment for mesothelioma.
The results of the clinical trials have a lot of people feeling optimistic. The median progression-free survival was 13 months for those who received the combination, and just 8.9 months for those who only received chemotherapy. According to the lead researcher of the clinical trial, this is an important milestone in treating all types of lung cancer, not just mesothelioma.
The lead researcher noted that physicians should continue to consider each patient on a case-by-case basis when deciding whether Keytruda is right for them. They should continue assessing each patients’ biomarker status, histology, and other clinical factors in determining the best course of treatment.
The most common side effects in patients taking Keytruda were nausea, fatigue, and constipation. A small percentage suffered acute kidney problems.
Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Obtain Maximum Compensation for Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can help you identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable. To schedule a consultation, contact the respected Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. today at 302-656-5445 or 800-355-1818 or complete our online contact form. We represent clients in asbestos exposure cases in Dover, Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, as well as those throughout the state.