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Mesothelioma and Australia

The number of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in Australia is very high in comparison to other countries. This is largely because of the extensive use and mining of asbestos from many years ago, when regulations surrounding the toxic mineral were less strict. Experts in the region predict the incidence rate of pleural mesothelioma will not peak until after 2010 and perhaps as late as 2017, primarily because the latency period of development ranges between 20 and 50 years after exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment

In January 2009, the world’s largest disease and research institute, named in honor of Bernie Banton, officially opened in Sydney, Australia. The center’s actual title is the Bernie Banton Centre at Sydney Concord Hospital. The center was designed to study developments of asbestos-related diseases, including pleural mesothelioma. The Asbestos Disease Research Institute at Concord is the first stand-alone research facility of its kind.

Treatment for pleural mesothelioma usually consists of palliative care, aimed at relieving symptoms and prolonging life expectancy. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Other alternative methods that help boost the immune system may be recommended as well.

The most common chemotherapy drugs for pleural mesothelioma include Alimta, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Onconase and Gemcitabine. Alimta is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medication specifically designed for the treatment of mesothelioma. These chemotherapy drugs can be administered through either an IV or in pill form. For some patients, more than one of these medications may be used in combination with each other to improve results.

Asbestos and Legal Issues

Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products have long been held responsible for exposing people to asbestos and their development of pleural mesothelioma. One such company initially based in Australia is James Hardie Industries, who has had thousands of legal claims filed against them due to using asbestos in their products. In early 2007, $184.3 million was placed in a fund to hopefully cover the needs of asbestos sufferers.

Asbestos was widely used in the construction industry throughout Australia. The naturally occurring mineral was commonly used to build homes, schools, buildings and industrial facilities. Asbestos was in such high demand that Australia actually began mining and exporting it to other countries, which became another way for Australian residents to be exposed.

According to a study by the University of Sydney, about 18,000 asbestos-related cases are expected by the year 2020, many of these consisting of pleural mesothelioma patients. On December 31, 2003, Australia placed a nationwide ban on importing and using all forms of asbestos.

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