New York, NY (PRWEB) May 26, 2012

New York mesothelioma lawyer Joseph W. Belluck voiced optimism today about new medical research that examines the role played by a protein that has been linked to the development of malignant mesothelioma.

An international team of researchers from New York, Hawaii and Italy, including Dr. Harvey Pass of the NYU School of Medicine, conducted the study, which was recently published in the online journal, Cancer Research, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported this week.

The study identifies the role of the protein, HMGB1, in the growth and development of mesothelioma. When inhibiting the HMGB1 using antibodies in laboratory mice, the researchers observed that it had reduced the growth of mesothelioma cells in the mice and extended their survival.

According to the Star-Advertiser, those findings have been welcomed as an important step in improving the prospects for early detection of mesothelioma and developing strategies for prevention.

As an attorney who has worked closely with mesothelioma sufferers and their families, Im very optimistic about this new research and the hope it provides for all of those who must deal with this devastating disease, said Belluck, a founding partner of the New York personal injury firm, Belluck & Fox, LLP.

Our firm will continue to encourage and support all efforts to improve our understanding of this disease, to improve treatment and, hopefully, to move us closer to finding a cure.

Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer that impacts the outer lining of the lungs and abdomen. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring heat- and fire-resistant mineral. Asbestos has been used in a variety of equipment, industrial machinery and consumer products.

Mesothelioma victims typically show disease symptoms many years after exposure to asbestos in an occupational setting. The disease is terminal, but aggressive therapy can prolong the lives of patients who are diagnosed early.

The New York mesothelioma lawyers of Belluck & Fox, LLP, have a history of providing legal assistance to those who have suffered mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, including obtaining two verdicts in the Supreme Court of New York in August 2011 for a combined total exceeding $ 51.5 million. (Dummitt v. A.W. Chesterton, No. 190196/10; Konstantin v. 630 Third Avenue Associates, No. 190134/10).

About Belluck & Fox, LLP

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $ 400 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazines Best Lawyers in the New York Area and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazines Best Lawyers in the New York Area and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journals Largest Verdict of the Year.

Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America’s best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.

For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.