Mesothelioma Lawyers Blog
Boston mesothelioma attorneys know that this disease is brutal. 
As of yet, there is no known cure for a patient dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis. However, there is encouraging research that was recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine recently, suggesting that red wine – of all things – may actually hold the key to treatment.
It seems somewhat far-fetched, and of course, we’re a long way from any sort of a cure. But we’re happy that research is ongoing, and that scientists continue to explore the possibilities, as mesothelioma is an acute and fatal disease and a diagnosis is a death sentence. Our Boston mesothelioma lawyers work tirelessly to fight for justice on behalf of those who were sickened by asbestos exposure that resulted from the negligence of corporations that produced this material, long after the impacts to health were widely-known.
Here’s what we know of this research so far:
While the health benefits of drinking red wine have long been touted, researchers have discovered that an element called resveratrol could suppress high levels of the Sp1 protein and has shown to kill mesothelioma cancer cells.
The experiment was conducted on laboratory mice in Korea at the Soonchunhyant University.
Resveratrol, which is an antioxidant found in the skin of red grapes, has been shown in previous studies to reduce high cholesterol and halt damage to blood vessels. It’s an organic compound, and it’s well-known to have other health benefits.
This new study was conducted on laboratory mice that had mesothelioma.
Scientists believe that Sp1 plays a significant role in the development of certain cancers – namely, mesothelioma. If scientists can figure out how to minimize the explosion of Sp1 proteins in cancer patients, they may be able to lengthen the lifespan of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Of course, the researchers note that while this is a breakthrough, it’s not the end of the line as far as mesothelioma treatments. More research needs to be done to determine how these findings will translate for human patients.
And while it may seem a shot in the dark, it’s not uncommon that mesothelioma patients are willing to try almost anything, given the bleak prognosis for their condition. In most cases, the condition is treated with some combination of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. In most cases, the sooner the cancer is caught, the more effective those treatments will be.
Yet, as there is no cure, many patients view it as a prolonging of the inevitable.
Often, doctors will encourage their mesothelioma patients to try alternative treatments, particularly if the side effects are expected to be minimal. In this case, it seems patients require little convincing to try it.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Boston, call for a free and confidential appointment at (617) 777-7777.
Additional Resources:
Study: Red Wine Might Help Mesothelioma Patients, By Tim Povtak, The Mesothelioma Center
More Blog Entries:
Boston Mesothelioma Watch: Possible New Radiation Treatment, April 25, 2012, Boston Mesothelioma Lawyers Blog