by Mary Hesdorffer, NP, Executive Director, Meso Foundation
Through our peer reviewed research grant program, the Meso Foundation supports the most promising research projects in the field of mesothelioma. Cutting edge research is crucial to the lives of those affected by mesothelioma, and it is the key to finding a cure for this cancer.
The Meso Foundation’s grant program has been ongoing for 14 years. Until the Foundation was founded and the program was developed, there was little movement in the field of mesothelioma research. In fact, there was no treatment yet approved for this disease. Pharmaceutical companies and Bio Tech companies were producing new agents every year, but in order for mesothelioma to be considered for these drugs, a better understanding of the disease was needed.
This year, I am pleased to announce that pharmaceutical companies have taken a big interest in mesothelioma. Companies are hosting global and national clinical trials based upon much of the groundwork that developed from the research funded through our grant program.
To date, the Meso Foundation has funded 94 projects and awarded $9 million. The funded research has taken place in 6 different countries and has resulted in 180 published pieces. We are taking mesothelioma research to the next level.
Among the research we have funded, there has been an interest in examining patients’ responses, or lack thereof, to therapies. Tumors are unique to the individual, and we know that some patients will have a very good response to a therapy and some will not. The goal is to understand why they differ in order to filter out those who will not benefit from a prescribed treatment and refer them to more appropriate therapy.
Over the past few years, I have attended a number of mesothelioma conferences, both here and abroad. I am proud to inform you that our funded researchers are the most recognized names in the field. They have made a personal commitment to both the Meso Foundation and the scientific community to continue this work.
Our current grant cycle recently ended, and we received applications from 39 research projects. After the peer review process, our Scientific Advisory Board submitted 10 projects to be considered for funding. In the current economic climate, we cannot fund all of these grants, and it is a shame that promising research will go unfunded this year. We are a small disease with little outside interest, and to remain a viable organization and continue funding research, we depend upon philanthropy.
Please consider donating to the Meso Foundation through our year-end fundraising campaign. Visit curemeso.org/savelives to support our research grant program, among our other vital programs and patient services. Your support saves lives!
