The year 2024 witnessed significant developments in mesothelioma research, treatment, and legal battles, impacting patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare landscape. From regulatory milestones to innovative therapies and legal settlements, here's a review of the key events.
Asbestos Ban in the United States
In March 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the importation, sale, distribution, and use of asbestos, specifically chrysotile asbestos, the only type still being imported and used in the country. This decision marks a crucial step in public safety, as asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Asbestos exposure also leads to lung and ovarian cancers. The ban follows years of advocacy and review of health risks, with a multi-year transition period for specific industries like the chlor-alkali sector.
FDA Approves Keytruda for Pleural Mesothelioma
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for the treatment of unresectable pleural mesothelioma. Keytruda, an immunotherapy drug, enhances the immune system's ability to identify and attack cancer cells. This approval provides a new treatment option for patients with pleural mesothelioma who are not candidates for surgery. Previously, the FDA approved the combination of Opdivo and Yervoy as an immunotherapy regimen for this condition.
Johnson & Johnson's Bankruptcy Attempts Amidst Talc Lawsuits
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) continued to face legal challenges related to asbestos contamination in its talc-based products, particularly Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder. The company proposed a third bankruptcy settlement to resolve tens of thousands of cancer lawsuits, offering over $8 billion to victims. These lawsuits allege that trace amounts of asbestos in the talc caused ovarian cancer and mesothelioma in users. J&J's attempts to utilize the "Texas Two-Step" bankruptcy maneuver have faced criticism and legal obstacles, with judges blocking previous settlement attempts. This strategy aims to create a trust fund to compensate future victims while shielding the company from individual multi-million-dollar verdicts.
Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Recognized Among Top Hospitals
Several mesothelioma cancer centers were recognized in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Honor Roll. These specialized medical institutions offer comprehensive programs for mesothelioma treatment and patient support, staffed by experts in the field.
Pennsylvania Invests in Asbestos Remediation in Schools
The Pennsylvania state government allocated $75 million for environmental repairs in public schools, including the removal or repair of asbestos. This investment addresses a long-standing issue of asbestos exposure in schools, which has led to closures and lawsuits. In Philadelphia, numerous schools have faced closures due to asbestos contamination, impacting students and staff. One teacher even developed mesothelioma after working in Philadelphia schools for nearly 30 years.
Johnson & Johnson Settles with U.S. States Over Talc Marketing
Johnson & Johnson reached a $700 million settlement with 42 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., resolving an investigation into whether the company misled consumers about the safety of its talc products. The lawsuit, led by the attorneys general of Florida, North Carolina, and Texas, addressed concerns about asbestos contamination in talc and its potential health risks.
Immunotherapy Shows Promise in Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In a notable case, immunotherapy demonstrated significant efficacy in extending the life of a patient diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. A 74-year-old woman with peritoneal mesothelioma experienced a durable anti-tumor response after receiving Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab). While these drugs are FDA-approved for unresectable pleural mesothelioma, their use in this case highlights the potential of immunotherapy in treating other types of mesothelioma, even outside of clinical trials.
Avon Files for Bankruptcy Amidst Talc Lawsuits
Avon, a well-known beauty brand, filed for bankruptcy as part of a Texas Two-Step maneuver to address talc and asbestos cancer lawsuits. Similar to Johnson & Johnson, Avon faces lawsuits alleging that its talc products contained trace amounts of asbestos, leading to cancer. Approximately 200 talc and asbestos lawsuits have been filed against Avon Products in recent years.
