Pratt & Whitney Scientists to Complete Brain Cancer Study By 2009

Jul. 28–EAST HARTFORD — Scientists hired by Pratt & Whitney to examine whether several brain cancer cases resulted from conditions in the workplace said Wednesday that they remain on course to complete their work by 2009.

After meeting with Pratt officials and representatives of the state Department of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh scientist Gary Marsh and his study co-director, Nurtan Esmen of the University of Illinois at Chicago, said their work has not been impeded by the need for more funding from Pratt.

Marsh said his research team needs $2.9 million more, while Esmen needs an additional $1.4 million.

Begun three years ago, the long-term cancer study has ballooned to encompass at least 210,000 people who worked at seven Pratt facilities between 1952 and 2002.

Originally, the study was to take in 80,000 employees.

The study into rare brain cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme was prompted by the deaths of more than three dozen workers from the cancer since the 1960s.

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