New hope for silicosis sufferers

The trial, which is in its early stages, has been made possible by a three-year funding commitment from Zaparas Lawyers.

"The funding has enabled us to undertake this important research and may have huge benefit for Victorians and others impacted by silicosis around Australia and the world,” said Dr Ryan Hoy, lead respiratory clinician at The Alfred’s Occupational Respiratory Clinic.

Respiratory specialists at The Alfred are investigating whether the use of a targeted anti-inflammatory drug is the key to turning the tables on the debilitating illness, hoping it will suppress and ultimately stop inflammation in the lungs caused by inhaled silica particles, Dr Hoy said.

"Silica dust can harm the lungs through multiple mechanisms.”

"It is directly toxic to lung tissue, and it also affects the cells responsible for clearing the dust, leading to inflammation followed by scarring of the lung tissue."

"In severe cases like progressive massive fibrosis, it can cause respiratory failure. Our goal is to prevent that."

Since 2019, more than 200 workers in Victoria, predominantly men in their 20s and 30s, have been diagnosed with silicosis, primarily as a result of exposure to silica dust generated during the manufacturing and installation of artificial stone kitchen benchtops.

The physical and psychosocial impacts of silicosis can be debilitating, with many patients unable to return to work due to shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue and persistent cough.

There are currently no approved treatments for silicosis, which is why the team at The Alfred is continuing the fight to find one.

“While steroid-based medications have been used to treat some of the symptoms of silicosis, this is not a viable option for patients given the side effects associated with its long term use."

Zaparas’ Partner, Yianni Zaparas said as one of Victoria’s largest personal injury law firms Zaparas Lawyers was proud to be supporting local research, and the health and safety of the community.

“To contribute in any way to the improvement of the wellbeing of individuals suffering from silicosis around Australia and potentially the world is humbling,” Mr Zaparas said.

The Alfred’s Occupational Respiratory Clinic, which operates in partnership with WorkSafe Victoria, is an Australian-first clinic for workers exposed to silica or diagnosed with silicosis. It is the only service of its kind in a public hospital in Australia.

Community members seeking more information about the trial should email: AORC.Research@alfred.org.au

Pictured: Dr Ryan Hoy (middle) with Senior Associate Kehela Vandenberg and firm Partner Yianni Zaparas from Zaparas Lawyers.