How apoptosis features in a mesothelioma compensation claim

Sufferers making a claim for mesothelioma compensation will not need to be told how resistant their asbestos cancer is to treatment. Scientists are very aware of this cancer's aggression and are investigating reasons why it should be so and methods of counteracting it.

One line of enquiry is to look at apoptosis. This term refers to the natural, programmed death of body cells; this is a natural part of being alive, but studies have shown that asbestos fibres are able to interfere with the process of death and replacement that body cells go through. Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells refuse to die, when apoptosis fails.

One study, for example, added asbestos fibres to cultured mesothelial cells. Many underwent apoptosis, with DNA damage being among the reasons given for this. However, the study's authors suggest that those that did not suffer cell death could go on to cause an accumulation of mutated, apoptosis-resistant cells, and then lead to mesothelioma itself.

Apoptosis research is given as one of the key interests at Bart's Hospital, UK. The researchers on that project state that they are currently looking into dysfunctional proteins that feature in the development of the disease, and sites of resistance to the treatments. It is hoped that these will offer new treatment possibilities for asbestos cancer sufferers.

Another research team has flagged the possibility of using anti-survivin oligonucleotides to encourage normal apoptosis; this is a form of gene therapy that attacks survivin, a substance that prevents cell death occurring naturally.

These lines of research, among others, have found promising results that point to potential asbestos cancer treatments being developed in the future, but none has reached the breakthrough moment of an actual cure.

Seeking mesothelioma compensation with personal injury specialists
Asbestos-related diseases, which can also include asbestosis, lung cancer and emphysema, can often be shown to be industrial diseases, and the employer who exposed you to the potentially-lethal material can often be held liable (or their insurers, where the employer has closed).

If you are unsure whether your case qualifies, you should discuss it with an expert. Here at YouClaim, we offer a free phone line to our expert advisors, who can discuss the specific details of your case with sensitivity and with no commitment asked of you.

If you decide to proceed, or if you are already sure that you qualify, we can also provide you with access to some of the UK's finest personal injury solicitors, who can take your case forward, as quickly as possible, to its best conclusion.

The fact that all of our no win, no fee lawyers are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority means that you have a guarantee of quality, and our determination to represent asbestos compensation claims on an absolutely free basis gives you a guarantee that your claim will cost you nothing.

To see how we can help you on your way to 100 percent compensation, call us on 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively, use our online chat window, or leave us a claim form so we can call you back at a time of your choice. We'll strive to help in your cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma compensation claim.