LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC), a division of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous $100,000 gift from Roger G. Worthington, of the law office Worthington & Caron P.C. The donation will be used to further the PMC's ground-breaking research on malignant pleural mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer affecting the lining of the chest.
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The PMC's scientific researchers are currently investigating novel immunotherapy approaches that may potentially enhance the effectiveness of cryoablation. Cryoablation is an alternative, minimally-invasive procedure that is showing promise in mesothelioma patients. The procedure involves using extreme cold (cryo) to destroy tissue (ablation) in a relatively safe and quick manner. Through the use of a needle, compressed argon gas is applied to the targeted tissue— killing the cancer cells it touches. Researchers are particularly interested in combining the benefits of cryoablation with cancer vaccines.
Additionally, Mr. Worthington's donation will also be applied towards the third annual The Greatest Escape Motorcycle Ride and the fourth annual 5K Walk/Hike for Meso, of which Worthington & Caron P.C. is the Presenting Sponsor. The ride will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2015 and will feature model and actor Fabio as the Celebrity Grand Marshal. The 5K Walk/Hike will be on Sunday, September 27, 2015. All proceeds from both events will go towards mesothelioma research and improving the quality of life for mesothelioma victims.
"I am pleased to be able to provide this donation to the PMC to support their fundraising efforts, and additionally to support the laboratory for their immunotherapy and cryoablation initiatives," said Roger Worthington. "I know if I was a mesothelioma patient, I would want to know that there is a treatment option out there after surgery that can potentially annihilate recurring tumors and delay the onset of this devastating disease."
Roger Worthington is a long-time advocate for mesothelioma research. In 2005, in honor of his father Punch Worthington, Ph.D., Roger helped establish the David "Punch" Worthington Lab at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. The Punch Worthington Lab is the home of innovative research on novel strategies for the treatment of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other occupational cancers. Sadly, his father passed away in 2006 from lung-cancer caused by asbestosis.
"This gift from Roger Worthington is truly transformative not only for the PMC, but also for mesothelioma research. His generosity will be instrumental in continuing PMC's immunotherapy research and help translate that into real therapies. Everyone at PMC is incredibly grateful for this donation and Roger's continued support," said Dr. Robert B. Cameron. Dr. Cameron is a pioneer in the field of mesothelioma, Director of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at UCLA, Professor of Surgery at UCLA and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He is also one of the PMC's Scientific Advisors.
About Us: Established in 2002, PHLBI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution. The PMC, a division of the PHLBI, is focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The PMC serves a growing number of mesothelioma victims by supporting the nation's first-of-its-kind research lab which provides laboratory-to-the bedside research that improves mesothelioma victims' lives and longevity. www.PacificMesotheliomaCenter.org
Contact: Clare Cameron
(310) 478-4678
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