(openPR) - It has been reported that Southwest Oncology Group, a U.S. based clinical trial cooperative group, is currently testing a chemotherapy treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Presently, chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma is made up of pemetrexed and cisplatin. The drawback of this chemotherapy treatment is that in many cases, its effects are negligible. Southwest Oncology Group is currently testing the effectiveness of adding a new chemotherapy treatment known as cediranib maleate. The research involves conducting clinical trials on patients who have not received any type of mesothelioma treatment.

Cediranib maleate is also known as AZD2171 or Recentin. It is expected to stop the growth of new blood vessels which supply the mesothelioma tumor with the nutrients needed for growth. The current phase of clinical trials is studying the side effects of the new treatment and attempting to determine the most effective dosage.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used in many products even though many product manufacturers knew of the fatal dangers of asbestos. Some products that contained asbestos are brakes, floor tiles, roofing shingles and insulation material. Asbestos containing products can release invisible asbestos fibers which, if inhaled can lead to the development of mesothelioma decades later. People at highest risk for developing mesothelioma are those who worked with asbestos containing products. These people are mechanics, construction workers, electricians, plumbers and others.

Mesothelioma patients interested in learning more about this study can contact Jason Wentworth at hkader@weitzlux.com.

This press release was prepared by the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg. Weitz & Luxenberg is a 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 mesothelioma lawyers, visit www.weitzlux.com/mesothelioma-lawyer_1055.html.

For more information on mesothelioma cancer, visit: www.yourmesotheliomaweb.com.

Weitz & Luxenberg
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New York, NY 10003

Media contact:
Jason Wentworth
hkader@weitzlux.com
1-800-438-9786 ext. 5645