Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide has been associated with a higher likelihood of developing anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a severe type of cancer that arises when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, proliferate uncontrollably.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using or being exposed to Roundup, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against Monsanto and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
What is Roundup?
Introduced to the U.S. market in 1974, Roundup contains glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide used to kill weeds that compete with crops such as soybeans, corn, and cotton. Roundup is most commonly used in commercial farms, home gardens, and nurseries. Nearly all corn, soybeans, and cotton produced in the U.S. are sprayed with glyphosate-based weed killers, including Roundup.
Meta-Analysis Finds Link Between Roundup and Lymphoma Cancer
In April 2014, a meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [1] found that glyphosate toxicity is a likely cause of blood cancers in the lymph glands, specifically subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma like anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The review looked at three decades of epidemiologic research on the link between cancer and exposure to agricultural pesticides like Roundup.
Related Article: Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit Update
What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?
Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that occurs when white blood cells called T-cell lymphocytes divide and grow out of control. Over time, these T-cell lymphocytes build up in parts of the body like the lymph nodes, lungs, or skin. ALCL is more common in children and young adults than in older individuals.
ALCL Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of anaplastic large cell lymphoma include:
- Fever
- Backache
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
- Night sweats
- Tiredness
Staging
Most cases of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma progress to an advanced stage very quickly. About half of the patients are diagnosed when ALCL is at an early stage (Stage I or II), but the remaining half are diagnosed after cancer has reached an advanced stage.
The progression of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is as follows:
- Stage I: When cancer involves only one lymph node region or lymphatic structure;
- Stage II: When the disease involves two or more lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm;
- Stage III: When ALCL involves two or more lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm;
- Stage IV: When the cancer has grown beyond the lymph nodes.
Treatment
No matter what form of anaplastic large cell lymphoma you have, there are treatments to help. Treatment options depend on what type of ALCL you have and where it is in the body. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for systemic ALCL, when the cancer is in your lymph nodes and other parts of the body. A kind of chemotherapy called CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) is used for both ALK-positive and ALK-negative ALCL.
Related Article: Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Roundup Lawsuit
Prognosis and Survival Rate
Many patients with newly diagnosed ALCL respond well to chemotherapy regimens like CHOP, although long-term disease outcomes vary depending on the subtype and other factors. Patients with ALK-positive disease usually respond favorably to CHOP or CHOEP (CHOP plus etoposide). By contrast, patients who are ALK-negative have slightly lower prognosis and survival rates with similar treatments. In some cases, higher doses of chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation may be recommended.
Monsanto Fraud
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that at least two laboratories hired by Monsanto to conduct studies on the safety of Roundup have committed fraud [2]. Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories (IBT) was hired by Monsanto to study Roundup toxicity levels in the early 1970s. EPA audited data obtained from IBT and found “routine falsification of data” and convicted IBT executives of fraud. Monsanto then hired Craven Laboratories in 1991 to perform studies for Roundup. Later that year, the owner of the company and three of its employees were indicted for fraudulent laboratory practices.
FAQs
Is there a statute of limitations for filing a Roundup lawsuit for ALCL?
The statute of limitations varies by state but generally ranges from one to six years from the date of diagnosis or discovery. Acting promptly is crucial to ensure your legal rights are protected.
What types of evidence are needed for a Roundup lawsuit for ALCL?
Evidence may include medical records, proof of Roundup use, employment records, and expert testimony linking glyphosate exposure to your ALCL. Comprehensive documentation is essential for a strong case.
Can agricultural workers file Roundup lawsuits for ALCL?
Yes, agricultural workers and others with prolonged exposure to Roundup who develop ALCL can file lawsuits. Their extensive contact with the herbicide may strengthen their cases.
Can I join a class action lawsuit for Roundup-related ALCL?
You may be able to join a class action or file an individual lawsuit. Consulting with an attorney will help determine the best legal strategy for your situation.
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See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have a Roundup Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Roundup Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you have cancer from Roundup, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.