Drug Finds New Use as a Possible Mesothelioma Treatment, Baron and Budd Reports
DALLAS (PRWEB) July 08, 2014 -- A recent study indicates that a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could help to not only enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma, but could also help prevent the disease from spreading, reports the national law firm of Baron and Budd. The study was published in the April 2014 issue of PLOS ONE. (http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0093711)
The drug, copper-enhanced disulfiram, was originally approved by the FDA in 1951 to treat alcoholism. Its brand name is Antabuse. Doctors have not only used it to stop alcohol cravings, they have also used it to help cocaine users break the habit. The drug works in the bloodstream to alter the way alcohol is metabolized. When someone consumes alcohol while taking Antabuse they typically experience vomiting, headaches, nausea and dizziness.
Researchers at Wayne State University’s Karmanos Cancer Institute found that disulfiram, when mixed with copper, helps to stimulate the process (known as apoptosis) that leads to the death of damaged cells. It does so without any toxicity or local inflammation. Used in mice injected with mesothelioma cells, researchers found that the disulfiram/copper combination stopped mesothelioma tumors from growing. In addition, the combination also helped make certain kinds of chemotherapy drugs more effective.
Previously, researchers found the disulfiram/copper mix was also effective in treating lung, colon and breast cancer cells. The FDA has not yet approved disulfiram for treatment of mesothelioma or other forms of cancer. In order for that to happen, a Phase I clinical trial would have to be performed.
“The work being performed by the Wayne State researchers could prove to be an incredibly significant step in the fight against mesothelioma,” said Russell Budd, managing director of mesothelioma law firm Baron & Budd. “We continue to admire – and be amazed by – the progress these and other tireless medical professionals continue to achieve.”
For nearly four decades, the national law firm of Baron and Budd has represented patients suffering from mesothelioma as well as their family members. Call 1-866-855-1229 or visit our website at http://www.fightmesothelioma.com if you would like to learn how we may be able to help you or someone you know fighting this disease.
ABOUT BARON & BUDD, P.C.
The national mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has a more than 30-year history of “Protecting What’s Right” for asbestos sufferers and their families. As one of the first law firms to successfully litigate an asbestos lawsuit, Baron & Budd continues to actively represent veterans, industry workers and others who are suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos. Baron & Budd achieved the largest mesothelioma verdict ever in the state of Texas, a $55 million verdict for an asbestos sufferer and his family in El Paso, Texas. Contact Baron and Budd at 1.866.855.1229 for additional information on mesothelioma treatments, mesothelioma cancer doctors and treatment centers and mesothelioma attorneys.
Amanda Billo, Baron & Budd, http://baronandbudd.com, +1 (214) 991-1051, [email protected]
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