Mesothelioma, a cancer usually caused by asbestos, which affects the lining of the lung or abdomen, is extremely aggressive and the cancer cells multiply and grow as blood vessels bring more food and oxygen to them. Now, researchers from the University of Leeds in England, think that they have found the key to blood vessel formation which might lead to a new treatment for the disease.
They say that they have discovered a gene that plays a vital role in the formation of the blood vessel s. and research leader, Professor David Beech of the Leeds University School of Medicine, says that blood vessels emerge, like a river system and are created depending on how much blood is flowing.
The researchers found that the gene Piezo1, which is present in the lungs, bladder and skin, as well as in red blood cells, alerts sensors that blood is flowing, and therefore, new vessels should be formed.
The team is now working to understand the effects of manipulating the gene on cancers and heart diseases as both of these diseases rely on blood vessels and blood flow to form and grow.
Beech says that the findings are promising although they are in the early stages.
Three thousand Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year and almost the same number die from it each year. In the UK, someone dies every five hours from mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with any an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. To find out how we can help you recover for your asbestos related claim, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.
