New Hope for Aussie Mesothelioma Victims -- MesoLink.org -- 06-08-04

It has been discovered that a herbal compound may have a positive effect on mesothelioma cancer cells, giving experts hope that it could lead to the development of a new and effective cancer drug.

The research was carried out by Professor Michael Millward and his team, based at Sir Charles Gardener Hospital, Perth, Australia. The compound, which they are now testing in human trials, is a derivative of Devil’s Weed, a herbal supplement often effective in treating arthritis. The team are hoping to treat around 25 patients with this compound by the middle of this year.

Animal and laboratory testing also showed positive results. Tumours were massively reduced in animals, and in the case of lab test, the cancer cells were killed off altogether. Most other chemotherapy drugs have this effect on other types of cancer, but not normally on mesothelioma. However, this compound actually invades the cell and gets right inside it, destroying it from the inside out.

There may still be a long way to go before the drug is approved for general use however. Professor Millward warned that, even though the drug has proven successful in trials so far, it will take another few years of clinical trials before approval is likely to be given.

However, it is hoped that the drug will make a life-changing difference to future mesothelioma victims when it is approved. Over ten thousand mesothelioma cases are expected to be diagnosed over the next fifteen years in Australia alone.