Research Foundation Applauds the DoD for Doubling Its Funding Available for Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) applauds the Department of Defense's (DoD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program for doubling the funding available to mesothelioma researchers.

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) January 31, 2015

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) applauds the Department of Defense's (DoD) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program for doubling the funding available to mesothelioma researchers. This Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) increased from $25 million available during 2014 to $50 million available in 2015.

According to the DoD's website, the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) was established to support innovative and competitive research in cancers specifically designated by Congress as relevant to military service members and their families. Members of the military are exposed to hazardous environments due to the nature of their service and deployments and, thus, are at risk for the development of different types of cancers.

The Meso Foundation was instrumental in making mesothelioma an eligible topic within the DoD's research programs. The first ever DoD award for mesothelioma occurred in 2008 when one investigator obtained over $1.3 million for research. A total of $9.3 million has been awarded to mesothelioma research through the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program and the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program, both divisions of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, which is administered by the Department of Defense since Fiscal Year 2008.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lining of the lung, abdomen, or heart known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. With the life expectancy of less than one year after diagnosis, medical experts consider it one of the most aggressive and deadly of all cancers. An estimated one-third of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed while serving in the Navy or working in shipyards. Currently, few treatment options exist. There is no cure.

ABOUT THE MESOTHELIOMA APPLIED RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Meso Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma and easing the suffering caused by this cancer. The Meso Foundation actively seeks philanthropic support to fund mesothelioma research; provide patient support services and education; and advocate Congress for increased federal funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is the only non-government funder of peer-reviewed scientific research to develop life-saving treatments for this extremely aggressive cancer. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $9 million to research. More information is available at http://www.curemeso.org.

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/02/prweb12486173.htm