The British Lung Foundation is working with the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund to support new research which could lead to better treatments for mesothelioma, an incurable asbestos-related cancer that affects the tissues lining the outside of the lung and the chest wall (pleura). 

Following a competitive grant application process, Dr Stefan Marciniak at the UniversityofCambridge was selected from a large field of excellent applicants, to be awarded the funding for his project, which will study the relationship between cell stress and mesothelioma. The grant is worth £118,839 and will run over two years. 

Dr Marciniak heads a research group at the University ofCambridge. He is also a chest physician, specialising in diseases of the pleura. Through his research he hopes to gain a better understanding of why the cancer progresses. This will help scientists to create new ways of combating the disease.

 The study will look at proteins which are produced by a part of the cell called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Previous research by this group has shown that when these proteins are not made correctly, ER stress occurs and that ER stress is increased in mesothelioma cells. To investigate whether ER stress is linked to the progression of this cancer, the team will analyse tissue samples of mesothelioma. Furthermore, they hope to determine whether the amount of ER stress can predict the speed at which mesothelioma develops and the success of chemotherapy treatments. 

Speaking about the research, Dr Stefan Marciniak, said: "I am thrilled to be awarded the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund grant by the British Lung Foundation. As a chest physician I treat patients with pleural disease.  I hope to be able to take my findings out of the laboratory to improve the treatments available to my patients in the future." 

Dr Noemi Eiser, Honorary Medical Director for the British Lung Foundation, said: "Someone dies from mesothelioma in the UK every five hours. Research grants, like the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, are so important in furthering our understanding of this cruel lung disease. This study could really make a difference to the way we treat people with the disease in the future." 

Spokesperson from June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund, Dr Kate Hill said: "The June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund is committed to supporting research that will find new ways to provide real benefits for patients.  Choosing just one research study to fund from amongst the high quality applications we received was a difficult decision. We are convinced that Dr Marciniak's work has the potential to make a major contribution to current knowledge about mesothelioma and its treatment." 

Later this year, the British Lung Foundation will launch their annual Action Mesothelioma Day on 2^nd July. The day aims to raise awareness of the disease and improve the care and treatment for patients. It will also highlight the risk of asbestos exposure, particularly amongst the at-risk groups e.g. tradespeople.

For more information go to www.lunguk.org/actionmeso