Chemotherapy is not effective for treating patients with asbestos-related cancer, say British scientists.
Malignant mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was commonly used as building material-is often incurable.
But some experts thought that chemotherapy could help prolong patients’ lives and improve their quality of life.
However, new research published in the medical journal The Lancet, found no benefit with this treatment.
Exhibition
Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally in the environment. Due to its characteristics of strength and flexibility, this material was commonly used in various applications, mainly in construction.
However, when breathed, asbestos fibers can lodge and accumulate in the lungs and cause injuries and diseases such as mesothelioma.
Currently there are laws around the world to control the use of asbestos, but thousands of people die each year because the symptoms can appear up to 50 years after exposure. (more…)
