The Pacific Meso Center

Worthington & Caron, PC Supports Mesothelioma Research Through the Pacific Meso Center

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, his son Roger donated $250,000 to the Pacific Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's research lab named after Punch. The Pacific Meso Center is a division of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit medical research institute.

PHLBI's Research Projects

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 eight 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 physicians 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.

Punch Worthington’s Legacy

According to his son, 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. 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 asbestos disease. With his gift in Punch's memory, Roger Worthington will have given over $750,000 to the Institute.