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23rd February 2007

New figures show more than 90,000 people will die from mesothelioma in the coming decades

A North East MP has said there is an even greater need for cancer drug Alimta after new figures showed more than 90,000 people will die from mesothelioma in the coming decades.

Blaydon MP, David Anderson's comments came after scientists this week said one in 10 of all carpenters could be affected by asbestos related disease.

Mr Anderson is supporting a campaign to get chemotherapy drug Alimta made available on the NHS across the UK.

There is no cure for mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos but Alimta is said to help make sufferers more comfortable during their last months.

The drug could help scores of mesothelioma sufferers across the UK and in the North East but the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (Nice) will not be in a position to give guidance on the drug until September.

Cancer Specialists

Earlier this week cancer specialists from the London School of Hygiene and Medicine said almost 30,000 people have died from mesothelioma and a further 60,000 will die in the coming years.

They added that they expect 90,000 people to die from asbestos-related lung cancer.

Mr Anderson said: "We have known for a number of years that the number of deaths from mesothelioma would rise in the coming decades. However, these figures are shocking and strengthen the case for Alimta to be made available on the NHS.

"In addition, further research into ways mesothelioma can be treated must be commissioned to ensure victims in the future have the best possible chance for survival."

Funding study into the chemotherapy drug Alimta

Chris Knighton, founder of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF), which is funding research into Alimta at Newcastle General Hospital added: "For many years mesothelioma sufferers have simply been sent home to die. The MKMRF is funding the study into the chemotherapy drug Alimta in the hope it may provide victims some glimmer of light in an otherwise bleak future".

"There is no funding from government for research into mesothelioma and we hope that our charity will enable more people to benefit from Alimta and other treatments in the future."

Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Clear Answers' lawyers Thompsons Solicitors, who fight for compensation on behalf of asbestos victims, said: "The asbestos epidemic has only scratched the surface and these new figures only reiterate what we already knew, that the number of people affected by asbestos-related disease will only rise in the future".

"These figures support the need for treatments like Alimta on the NHS and highlight the need for further research into mesothelioma and how it can be treated."

Compensation Claim

Clear Answers' lawyers specialising in mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are able to offer further guidance on likely damages to anyone suffering from an asbestos-related illness, to the families of sufferers, or to anyone who suspects that they or a member of their family may be suffering from, or may have suffered from a work-related asbestos disease.

If you have a mesothelioma compensation claim and you decide to instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for yourself. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online claim enquiry forms.

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