As director of the Swedish Cancer Institute’s Lung Cancer Program, Eric Vallieres, M.D., has a special interest in lung cancer and mesothelioma. Dr. Vallieres is one of only a handful of mesothelioma experts in the country. He is also one of the few surgeons to perform extrapleural pneumonectomy, a radical surgical treatment for mesothelioma. Education and
Tawee Tanvetyanon, M.D. is a medical and research oncologist with expertise in thoracic cancers and cancers of the head and neck. He specializes in both lung cancer and mesothelioma. Dr. Tanvetyanon has devoted clinical and research time to working on this cancer, including using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Education and Early Career Dr. Tanvetyanon was born
Though Georgia-Pacific is best known for its paper products, the company also manufactures construction materials like drywall, which were once made with asbestos. While Georgia-Pacific has not used asbestos for decades, it continues to face lawsuits and billions of dollars in settlements from workers who developed asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma. Georgia-Pacific History and Asbestos In
Mesothelioma cancer among veterans is an unfortunate reality. Rates of asbestos-related diseases are high in veterans because of the military’s extensive asbestos use. Veterans exposed during service are eligible to make claims for benefits like health care and disability compensation.
Asbestos and mesothelioma trust funds were created by companies who negligently exposed workers to asbestos. Many of these companies had to create trust funds as a requirement of receiving bankruptcy protection and to ensure victims would receive compensation for their illnesses. The trust funds set aside over $30 billion for current and future claimants.
Marcelo DaSilva, M.D. is an experienced thoracic surgeon who specializes in lung cancer, lung cancer screening, and innovative treatments for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. He is currently the Medical Director of Thoracic Surgery for AdventHealth Orlando. Dr. DaSilva is from Brazil but has specialized in cancer and mesothelioma in the United States for over
Jacques P. Fontaine, M.D. works at Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center where he is part of the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center. He adds his experience and talent to developing new multidisciplinary approaches to treating patients with mesothelioma. Dr. Fontaine is also an associate professor of surgery at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine. Education
Rodney Landreneau, M.D. is a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon specializing in cancer treatment, including lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma. Dr. Landreneau began his career in Louisiana but worked in western Pennsylvania for several years. In 2011, he was nominated a top regional doctor by Pittsburgh Magazine. Early Education and Career Dr. Landreneau grew up in
Labor unions protect the interests of their members, including protecting them from unsafe working conditions that involve asbestos exposure. Unions are essential for raising awareness among members and advocating for their safety. How Unions Protect Workers from Asbestos Although strictly regulated, asbestos can still be found in some workplaces, requiring proper protection for those working
GAF, the General Aniline and Film Corporation, also known as G-I Holdings, is a roofing and construction materials company. GAF roofing and construction components used asbestos for years, leading to thousands of asbestos lawsuits. Eventually, GAF sought bankruptcy protection and reorganized with a trust fund to help pay asbestos claims. GAF History and Asbestos GAF