The Australian Government has committed $6.2 million through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to establish a new national research centre for asbestos related diseases. Funds have also been provided for 11 research projects over a three year period.
The National Research Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases will be based at the University of Western Australia. Research projects will also be funded in Victoria and Queensland.
Research projects include:
A study of skin related diseases (epidemiology) and community consequences of asbestos exposure.
The development of sensitive serum markers for improved diagnosis, monitoring and screening for early detection of cancer caused by asbestos (mesothelioma).
An investigation of the importance of specific genes in asbestos-related disorders and their relationship to environmental factors.
The development of a national resource centre to test mice that will help understand the disease in humans and provide essential data for clinical trials.
An investigation of mechanisms to inhibit the body’s collagen production to slow growth in malignant mesothelioma tumours.
A combination of conventional therapies with immuno/gene therapies that encourage the body’s own anti-cancer immune responses.
An investigation of ways to improve the ability to measure patient responses to chemotherapy treatment.
An examination of chromosomal changes in cancer cells to help improve the early detection of mesothelioma.
The development of a sustainable community-based response to asbestos-related disease in Aboriginal communities.
A study of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a type of lung disease) who have been exposed to asbestos and cigarette smoke.
Remember: Asbestos-induced cancers such as mesothelioma kill more than 20,000 people worldwide a year, and 500 a year in Australia. The disease is often not diagnosed until many months after the exposure, which makes the disease difficult to diagnose.
Government coughs up for asbestos research 
