An incurable form of lung cancer, which often kills patients within a few years after symptoms begin to appear, is being treated with a cholesterol drug -- Lovastatin. Early on, scientists found that in initial studies of the drug, dating back 20 years, it had an unexpected and very powerful effect on killing cancerous cells within humans. At that time, however, the anti-cancer effect was considered too risky to continue studying because of the extremely high doses that were needed to be given to a cancer patient. Researchers put the study on hold, according to news reports, until recently when scientists at a Nashville, Tenn., clinic started providing the drug to pleural mesothelioma patients. Details of Lovastatin and its Cancer-Killing Potential Researchers have given little notice to Lovastatin as a treatment for mesothelioma cancer even though a stage-four melanoma patient had received treatments of Lovastatin in 2000 and currently remains cancer-free, nearly nine years later. Medical professionals aren't sure that Lovastatin can do much for pleural mesothelioma patients as it did for the melanoma patient, but it is being heavily researched. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the cholesterol drug induces apoptosis on mesothelioma cells. Apoptosis is also described as programmed cell death, according to the Reproductive and Cardiovascular Disease Research Group. Apoptosis occurs when a stimuli is introduced to a variety of cells in which the cells begin to commit cell suicide. The study looked at the morophologic changes, histologic evidence of nuclear condensation and degeneration, and flow-cytometric analysis of DNA content of the mesothelioma cancer cells treated with Lovastatin and determined it a potentially sufficient treatment for mesothelioma. What is Lovastatin? Lovastatin is part of a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). The drugs decrease the production of bad cholesterol within the body. It is often prescribed to patients as an oral pill that is taken in low-doses -- once every four weeks. Lovastatin does have reported side effects, which have not been fully studied on mesothelioma patients, however, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) the side effects include: * hives, rashes and itching * loss of appetite * flu-like symptoms * nausea as well as pain in upper right part of stomach * extreme tiredness * yellowing of skin and eyes * lack of energy * difficulty breathing and swallowing * swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles and * lower legs/calf muscles * muscle pain, tenderness or weakness * fever * unusual bleeding or bruising * hoarseness * constipation What to do If Diagnosed With Mesothelioma Mesothelioma cancer has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and around the world. Individuals who were exposed to a mineral known as vermiculite containing deadly asbestos may have had the condition for 20 or more years without any signs of the cancer within their bodies. Although asbestos was banned once mesothelioma became linked to asbestos exposure, the damage had already occurred. Unfortunately, asbestos is still used in many industries today and was so prevalent from the 1920s to the 1980s that millions of homes are contaminated with asbestos as well as hospitals, elementary schools and offices. Those who have suffered from mesothelioma cancer or feel they may have been a victim of asbestos exposure have the ability to consult a legal professional for a potential mesothelioma lawsuit. Such litigation may appear overwhelming to a victim, but can potentially offer monetary compensation for the heavy expenses associated with receiving mesothelioma medical treatments. Consulting a mesothelioma attorney is often a free legal service and may add peace of mind for mesothelioma victims, their families and friends.
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