Worthington donates $250,000 to mesothelioma
research
San Pedro, CA - Aug. 15, 2007 - "It is
sharing that keeps the engine of humanity working, and shines
a light on the issues that really should be out there for
open, and unapologetic discourse." June Breit,
mesothelioma patient, warrior, and survivor.
David "Punch" Worthington, Ph.D, went down
swinging. Larger than life, he was an outdoorsman, a boxer,
a geneticist, a union organizer, and a father. He left an
enduring sense of social justice as a legacy for his
friends, his sons, and the research lab that bears his
name.
On the first anniversary of Punch's death, son Roger
has donated $250,000 to the Pacific Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute's research lab named after Punch. "Punch
had an extraordinary love of life and a profound respect
for people. He thought that the best way to counter
injustice was to stand up and fight it," Worthington
said. "He was also a scientist and he'd be proud
of our work in both preventing and treating asbestos
cancers."
Terry Lynch, political and legislative director for the
Asbestos Workers Union, offered this fitting tribute:
"Reflecting on the one year anniversary of the passing
of our dear friend, it is a tremendous source of pride for
me to be associated with the Pacific Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute on behalf of the Asbestos Workers Union. It is
very appropriate that the centerpiece of PHLBI is named in
honor of Punch. The David 'Punch' Worthington
Research Laboratory is located at the David Geffen School
of Medicine at UCLA. Punch was truly a great American who
fought the good fight on many fronts, including his brave
battle with lung cancer. While Punch continues to be
missed, he will always be a tremendous inspiration to all
of those who knew and loved him."
Punch died on August 25, 2006, from asbestos cancer. His
estate donated $90,000 to the Pacific Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute to further prevention, treatment, and cure
for abestos disease. With his gift in Punch's memory,
Roger Worthington will have given over $750,000 to the
Institute.
Worthington will present a check to PHLBI on Monday, August
27, at an informal noon ceremony on the lawn outside Cafe
Med at UCLA Medical Center. All are welcome to attend.
Click here for
directions.
PHLBI's research
projects include:
Mesothelioma Induction: Molecular pathways in
carcinogenesis. The long latency period between asbestos
exposure and the development of mesothelioma provides an
opportunity to study the molecular pathways in the
pathogenesis of asbestos-related cancer. Studying the
developmental biology of these tumors in exposed animals
and in established tumor lines will allow targeted
therapies to be devised to treat malignant pleural
mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy enhances the body's
natural defense system. Other cancer treatments already
utilize immunotherapy. Data and experience suggest that
mesothelioma may be treated by manipulating the immune
system. One promising treatment option is the immunotoxin
interleukin-4 or IL-4. PHLBI currently has 8 projects
related to immunotherapy. The first phase of hyperthermia
treatment is already underway, and the overall project is
ongoing.
Interferon Alpha: An immediate goal for mesothelioma
treaters is controlling the disease with chronic
suppressive therapy. A prime molecule for this type of
approach has been identified as interferon alpha. A small
selection of patients currently undergoing weekly
injections of interferon alpha is doing well. Some are in
their second year of treatment.
Disease Prevention: Anti-inflammatory agents like Celebrex
are available for prevention of colon cancer in high risk
individuals and for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
PHLBI's research also focuses on preventing further
blood vessel formation to stop tumor growth. A
Celebrex clinical trial is ongoing at UCLA and is
available to asbestos workers who also smoked.