According to news reports, Columbia University has just entered Phase II of its mesothelioma clinical trial in which two chemotherapy drugs are being tested. The trial is aimed at treating malignant pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma, which are two of the more deadly types of mesothelioma. The trial will involve approximately 29 individuals and will last nearly six months.

Two of the drugs that will be tested include oxaliplatin and gemcitabine. According to TransWorldNews, oxaliplatin is "a platinum-containing organic compound which targets cancer cells by inhibiting or specifically preventing replication and repair of the cancer cells‚ DNA." Oxaliplatin is from Sanofi Aventis and is manufactured as Eloxatin. The drug is commonly used in the treatment of colon and colorectal cancers, according to news reports. Gemcitabine, which is from Eli Lilly and Company is manufactured as Gemzar. The drug, according to TransWorldNews is "a cancer drug which similarly targets the replication processes of cancer cells‚ DNA by inhibiting the production of the cellular material which is necessary for DNA synthesis." Gemzar alone is used to treat patients of ovarian, lung, pancreatic and breast cancer. Combined, researchers are hoping the drugs will effectively treat and decrease mesothelioma symptoms. Recently a study from the Respiratory Disease Clinic Heckeshorn in Berlin from December 2008 found that, "a therapy of oxaliplatin and gemcitabine applied every 21 days in mesothelioma patients resulted in an increased rate of control for the disease‚ progression."

Developing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of lung cancer that has been linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers and asbestos dust. Asbestos is part of a mineral known as vermiculite that was heavily mined during the late 19th century and the early 20th century. It was mined across the country until the 1970s and 1980s when health and governmental regulators discovered the potential risks involved in inhaling the deadly fiber.

However, asbestos can still be found in a number of products today, approximately 3,000 applications, according to the U.S. government. Some of the following are potential uses including:

• thermal, electrical and sound insulation
• cement
• plastic
• resins
• filtration and liquid sterilization
• friction materials
• asbestos textiles
• paper fabrication
• flooring felts
• roofing products
• pipeline wrapping
• brake and clutch pads

Garnering Mesothelioma Assistance

It is imperative for individuals who suffer from mesothelioma to receive both legal and medical assistance from knowledgeable professionals. Because mesothelioma is often a deadly disease, receiving quality medical attention is a necessity in order to prolong the condition‚ onset and decrease the pain associated with the disease.

Additionally, it may be necessary to locate a mesothelioma attorney who can provide a free legal consultation as to the details surrounding a mesothelioma lawsuit. An individual may be able to receive monetary funds as compensation for their condition and the mesothelioma side effects, which can often be painful and debilitating for a patient. To learn more about a mesothelioma lawsuit, individuals should contact a mesothelioma law firm.