Joseph R. Testa, PhD, of the Fox Chase Cancer Center has edited a newly published book titled “Asbestos and Mesothelioma” to serve as a resource for researchers and medical professionals in the field. Mary Hesdorffer, NP, Executive Director at the Meso Foundation co-authored one of the book’s chapters.
More information about the book follows:
“Asbestos and Mesothelioma,” a new book edited by Joseph R. Testa, Ph.D., was recently published by Springer, as a part of its Current Cancer Research series. This volume is comprised of a multidisciplinary assessment of carcinogenic mineral fibers and malignant mesothelioma. Opening chapters include an extensively illustrated review of the physical and carcinogenic aspects of asbestos and fibrous erionite, the epidemiology of mesothelioma, and the history and future of asbestos-related diseases, including in high-risk communities such as Libby, Montana. Subsequent reviews present up-to-date information about mesothelioma pathology and the contribution of asbestos-induced inflammation and genetic factors, including the role of inherited mutations of BAP1 in mesothelioma susceptibility. Next are chapters about DNA mutations, gene signatures, cell signaling, and epigenetic mechanisms characteristic of mesothelioma, along with mechanistic lessons from genetically engineered mouse and 3-D models of mesothelioma tumorigenesis. Additional chapters provide an update of novel biomarkers of response to asbestos exposure and underlying malignancy, as well as overviews of current surgical, chemotherapeutic (including clinical trials of novel molecularly targeted agents), radiotherapeutic, and immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of mesothelioma. The volume concludes with two reviews focused on the psychological, medical, and legal challenges facing mesothelioma patients and their families.
Mary Hesdorffer is a co-author of Chapter 17, Challenges Facing Mesothelioma Patients and Families: Medical/Legal Intersections. The chapter focuses on the medical and legal aspects of lawsuits to obtain compensation when mesothelioma was possibly caused by asbestos exposure. The text examines the emotional and stress factors that can arise when going through litigation and therapy simultaneously; disclosure issues in regards to medical data and records; the involvement of the mesothelioma patient and their family members when it comes to collecting testimony and documents about the possible asbestos exposure; and more.
The Meso Foundation is pleased to have taken part in the production of this book that will serve as an important resource as mesothelioma research advances.
