(openPR) - The American Thoracic Society has reported that researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to the deadly mineral asbestos. The vaccine infuses a patient's nerve cell fibers with the tumor and triggers an immune system response to mesothelioma.

Findings of the study were published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The study was conducted on ten patients who were recently diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Three patients showed signs of tumor regression but it could not be concluded that the regression was due to the vaccine. All patients showed higher levels of antibodies after taking the vaccine.

Frequently, the risk of mesothelioma cancer can be traced to jobs that involve exposure to asbestos. Workers who come into regular contact with asbestos are often mechanics, boilermakers, plumbers, pipe fitters, sheet metal workers and welders. Asbestos exposure occurs through inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers. Inhaled asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and other major organs. The asbestos fibers can remain within the body for decades. Asbestos diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis often develop 30 or more years after exposure to asbestos has occurred.

Asbestos fibers are not visible to the human eye. Exposure to asbestos can be prevented by using protective clothing and respirators. In addition, it is important to retain a licensed asbestos removal contractor to remove asbestos from a work area before workers begin work in an area that may contain asbestos.

This press release was prepared by the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg. Weitz & Luxenberg is a New York law firm that specializes in providing legal services to those who have been diagnosed with asbestos cancers such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Weitz & Luxenberg provides free information on jobs involving the risk of mesothelioma at www.mesotheliomajobs.com. For information on legal services provided by Weitz & Luxenberg, visit www.weitzlux.com.

Weitz & Luxenberg
700 Broadway 3rd floor
New York, NY 10003

Media contact:
Jason Wentworth
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