HomeResearch

Researching Mesothelioma Under the Direction of Dr. Robert Cameron

Researching Mesothelioma under the direction of Dr. Robert Cameron - Pacific Mesothelioma Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Dr. Robert Cameron is committed to making the Pacific Mesothelioma Center a worldwide leader in researching mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer that is uniformly fatal and in dire need of novel diagnostic, screening, staging, and treatment approaches. Dr. Cameron has been at the forefront of developing innovative therapies for extending the lives of mesothelioma patients. Dr. Cameron’s research plan for PMC includes programs involving Immunotherapy, and Screening/Early Detection/Prevention.

 Immunotherapy:  There is significant data and experience which indicates that mesothelioma may be successfully treated with manipulation of the immune system. Reports in the medical literature reveal success using immunotoxins and interferon. PMC plans to aggressively pursue the use of immune stimulating factors in the treatment of mesothelioma.

Accomplishments

PHLBI was created as a specific and special category of “non-profit” 501(c)(3) entity referred to as a “research organization.” This makes both PHLBI and PMC unique among nearly all 501(c)(3) foundations. As a research organization, PMC funds both “internal” as well as “external” research projects. In doing so, PMC has sought to coordinate the funding of early stage projects under a unifying research approach or “theme” and not to simply fund random unrelated small projects. This increases the likelihood of success since all projects fit together under a larger “plan.” The principle approach of the PMC research program in MPM involves two major areas:

  1. Treatment through the development of biologic or “targeted” therapies administered in conjunction (adjuvant) with rational lung-sparing cytoreductive surgery in order to convert MPM into a chronic treatable and survivable disease.
  2. Prevention through biologic and/or chemical manipulations in order to prevent the development of MPM in the first place.