Simian Virus 40 and Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare but fatal disease that develops in the epithelial lining of the lung, stomach, heart, vaginal or testicular tissues. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common form, accounting for 80–90 percent . A history of heavy and long-term exposure to asbestos is an established cause of MPM. Though controversial, some medical researchers and scientists have stated that those exposed the Simian Virus 40 (SV40) and asbestos may have an increased risk of developing the disease.
What is the Simian Virus 40?
SV40 is a polyomavirus (tumor virus) found in rhesus monkey kidney cells. The poliovirus was grown in primary rhesus monkey kidney cell tissue cultures. The virus is used in cancer research as studies have shown tumor development in animals when the virus is not dormant.
Later research reports indicated that the SV40 virus caused tumors in hamsters and cell cultures.. Evidence that SV40 could cause tumors prompted subsequent research into whether the presence of SV40 played a role in the development of human cancers such as mesothelioma.
Simian Virus 40 and Mesothelioma?
While SV40 could be capable of causing cancer, several studies have failed to prove that SV40 was the sole cause of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Research that indicated otherwise was found to have flawed methodology or contaminated laboratory samples. The U.S. Government upholds the view that there is no evidence that SV40 is associated with mesotheliomaand asbestos exposure remains the only cause.
Legal Implications of a Correlation Between SV40 and Mesothelioma
Since the late 1970s, when asbestos exposure was definitively linked to the development of mesothelioma, hundreds of U.S. Companies have paid out billions in settlements of mesothelioma claims. Litigation is ongoing as links between mesothelioma and certain cancers are connected to products that contained asbestos.
Mesothelioma cancer is a destructive and painful disease. Those diagnosed have a poor prognosis; typically about one year. Seeking the advice of GPW Law could help you recover compensation for medical care and provide for loved ones.
