The Meso Foundation commends nineteen Members of the House of Representatives, led by Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), for sending a letter to the Director of the National Cancer Institute urging him to further progress in mesothelioma research.
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) January 30, 2014 
On January 10, 2014, nineteen Members of the United States House of Representatives sent a letter to the Director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Harold Varmus, urging him to focus on mesothelioma research. The letter urges Dr. Varmus, to create a scientific framework for mesothelioma stating that “mesothelioma, a frequently terminal cancer for which there has been very little diagnostic or treatment progress, deserves immediate attention.”
The bipartisan letter was sent by Congresswomen Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and was signed by seventeen additional Representatives (full list is included at the bottom of this bulletin). The Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act of 2012 was signed into law by President Obama on January 2, 2013 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (Public Law No. 112-239), giving the Director of the National Cancer Institute the ability to identify deadly cancers for which to establish scientific frameworks that will guide research efforts.
Mesothelioma is one of the most deadly cancers, with only a five to ten percent five-year survival rate. With only one FDA-approved treatment for mesothelioma that extends life by only three months, many patients have to resort to off-label use of chemotherapies, drastic surgery, or participation in clinical trials. There is no test currently available for early detection of mesothelioma.
“Our community has advocated for an increased focus on mesothelioma research for many years,” said Meso Foundation’s executive director Mary Hesdorffer. “We are overjoyed to see so many of our elected officials recognizing the immediate need for mesothelioma research.”
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has independently funded over $8.7 million in peer-reviewed mesothelioma research to date.
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. Approximately 3,500 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year and an estimated one-third were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in shipyards.
ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund peer-reviewed mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer reviewed scientific research to establish effective treatments for mesothelioma and, ultimately, a cure for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $8.7 million to research. More information is available at https://www.curemeso.org. Congressional Representatives Who Have Signed the Letter to the NCI: Betty McCollum D-MN, Chellie Pingree D-ME, Leonard Lance R-NJ, Jim Moran D-VA, Sam Farr D-CA, Don Young R-AK , Gwen Moore D-WI, Glenn Thompson R-PA, Mike Honda D-CA, Julia Brownley D-CA, Henry Johnson D-GA, Carol Shea-Porter D-NH, Nita Lowey D-NY, Frank LoBiondo D-NJ, Carolyn Maloney D-NY, Jason Chaffetz R- UT, Michael Michaud D-ME, Michael Turner R-OH, Karen Bass, D-CA.
