Pacific Meso Center Celebrates Grand Opening of First Free-Standing International Mesothelioma Research Laboratory on February 13

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, February 13^th the Pacific Meso Center (PMC) will celebrate the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated solely to the discovery of new treatments and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a cancer of the chest lining (pleura) caused by asbestos exposure.

As the first of its kind in the world, the PMC Research Laboratory is headed by a distinguished team of physicians and scientists focused solely on mesothelioma research in a collaborative effort that is independent of the limitations often imposed by academic and private medical institutions. The team includes one of the foremost experts in the field of mesothelioma research and treatment, Robert B. Cameron, M.D., who serves as PMC's scientific advisor. Dr. Cameron is a cardiothoracic surgeon and surgical oncologist, the director of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterans' Administration Medical Center, and a long-time proponent of lung-sparing surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma.  He organizes the Annual International Symposia on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, which is held each spring in Santa Monica, CA.

Scientists at PMC are developing innovative treatments based on the body's immune system which are capable of eradicating tumor cells. Additional projects include cryotherapy, (freezing cancer cells); mesothelioma breath screening, tissue banking, and medical informatics.

The Grand Opening will be held on Wednesday, February 13^th from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the PMC Research Laboratory, located at 10780 Santa Monica Blvd. in Los Angeles.

"We are very excited about the potential for new scientific discoveries aimed at the prevention and treatment of MPM," says Clare Cameron, executive director. "I believe our new dedicated facility, spearheaded by a remarkable team of scientists, will lead to novel approaches that will eventually eradicate this virulent form of cancer." Many of the latest discoveries will be presented at The 3^rd International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies, scheduled for Saturday, May 18^th, 2013 in Santa Monica, California.

About The Pacific Meso Center:

The Pacific Meso Center (PMC) is a division of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit medical research institute established in 2002 which is focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).  The exploration of innovative ideas forms the foundation of PMC's unique research program and provides the promise of future treatment breakthroughs.  PMC is dedicated to educating the public on asbestos-related diseases and informing them of their best treatment options.  PMC also connects newly diagnosed patients with patients that have been through treatment and provides assistance and emotional support.

For further information please contact:

Clare Cameron
310-478-4678  
[email protected].   
www.pacificmesocenter.org  or www.phlbi.org

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SOURCE The Pacific Meso Center