Scientists work on new mesothelioma treatment

Adelaide scientists are developing a new treatment for an aggressive asbestos-related lung cancer.

They are racing against time with predictions home renovations will soon generate a third wave of victims.

Associate Professor Sonja Klebe from Flinders University said her work targets key growth factors that feed the mesothelioma tumour.

“A completely different strategy to what anyone else has done so far,” she told 7News.

Using drugs and gene therapy, trials on animals are encouraging.

“It showed a significant improvement in the survival of the animals that received the treatment,” Assoc Prof Klebe said.

While asbestos is now banned, the disease is forecast to peak at about 900 cases in Australia annually by 2020.

This prediction leads on from the fact there is so much asbestos out in the community, and because mesothelioma can take decades to develop.

Asbestos fibres can be dislodged and made airborne by any suspecting technician, tradesman or home renovator.

Former electrician Peter Beinke was diagnosed a year ago.

“It is important research because it affects so many people… so any research that can be done to prolong life, make life more comfortable, is excellent.

And that research is even more important with forecasts of a third wave of victims.

“There is definitely a prediction of a third wave,” Assoc Prof Klebe said.

“Children that have been present during home renovation, the housewives who wash the clothes of the home renovator - shaking the dust out of those clothes.”