Silicosis and the Quartz Industry: A New Chapter or a Temporary Fix?

In September 2025, Business of Home published a sobering look at the artificial stone industry’s reckoning with accelerated silicosis—a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling nano-sized particles of crystalline silica and other toxins in traditional artificial stone. The article, “Is low-silica stone the path forward for the quartz industry?” spotlights the aftermath of a landmark $52 million verdict awarded to Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, a 34-year-old artificial stone fabricator who required a double lung transplant after years of exposure to toxic crystalline silica and other toxins in artificial stone.

A Shift in Materials—But Is It Enough?

Following the Reyes Gonzalez case and Australia’s nationwide ban on artificial stone, major manufacturers like Caesarstone and Cosentino have introduced “low-“ and so-called “zero-silica” alternatives. According to their advertising, Caesarstone’s new “Icon” line contains less than 1% crystalline silica, while Cosentino’s Q0 surface boasts recycled content and claimed minimal silica levels.

As of this week, California’s Department of Public Health has recorded 391 silicosis cases and 22 deaths linked to artificial stone in California alone. The median age of diagnosis is just 46. These are not isolated incidents—they are a public health crisis.

Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Lung Cancer

Chest X-ray showing the rib cage, spine, and both lungs. The heart is visible slightly to the left of the center. The image displays varying shades indicating bone and soft tissue, which can be crucial evidence for victims considering filing a Mesothelioma or artificial stone silicosis lawsuit.

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Map of the U.S. showing 2023 maximum weekly workers’ compensation benefit payments by state, shaded in varying greens; values range from $617 to $2,025.

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What is Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy?

NIR-PIT is an innovative cancer treatment that uses a specially designed antibody attached to a light-sensitive molecule called IRDye700DX. The antibody is engineered to recognize specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells. Once the drug binds to its target, physicians expose the tumor to near-infrared light, typically at a wavelength of about 690 nanometers. This light activates the drug and triggers a unique form of cell death that selectively destroys the targeted cancer cells while largely sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Unlike traditional photodynamic therapy, which relies on oxygen and the production of reactive oxygen species to kill cancer cells, NIR-PIT works through a different mechanism. The activated drug rapidly damages the cancer cell membrane, causing the cell to swell and rupture. Researchers have described this process as “photochemosis” which is a distinctive form of cell death that occurs almost immediately after treatment.

Why Lung Cancer is an Ideal Candidate

Lung cancer may be one of the best settings for NIR-PIT. The lungs contain large amounts of air, which allows the near-infrared light to penetrate tissue more effectively than in many other organs. This characteristic improves the ability of physicians to deliver light deep into the chest and activate the therapy where it is needed.

Researchers have also identified numerous molecular targets that are frequently overexpressed on lung cancer cells, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2, mesothelin, and other tumor-associated antigens. Because NIR-PIT can be adapted to different targets simply by changing the antibody component, this technology offers remarkable flexibility. This means that treatments can potentially be tailored to the biological features of each patient’s tumor.

More Than Just Tumor Destruction

One of the most exciting parts of NIR-PIT is that it does more than just kill cancer cells. The sudden destruction of tumor cells releases cancer antigens and danger signals that stimulate the body’s immune system. This process, known as immunogenic cell death, can activate dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells, helping the body to recognize and attack cancer cells that may exist elsewhere.

Potential for a Systemic Anti-Cancer Response

This immune activation raises the possibility of a systemic anti-cancer response, meaning that treatment directed at one tumor site could potentially help control disease throughout the body. Researchers believe that combining NIR-PIT with immune checkpoint inhibitors may further enhance these effects and improve long-term outcomes. Early studies have shown encouraging signs of synergy between these treatment strategies.

Current Progress and Clinical Development

NIR-PIT has already achieved an important milestone. In Japan, an EGFR-targeted NIR-PIT therapy received approval in 2020 for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer. This represented the first clinical approval of the technology and demonstrated that the approach can be successfully translated from laboratory research to patient care.

NIR-PIT Research in Lung Cancer

For lung cancer, research remains largely in the preclinical and early clinical stages, but momentum is growing rapidly. Scientists are investigating a wide range of targets and exploring new light-therapy techniques, including catheter-based systems and image-guided approaches that could improve treatment accuracy for tumors located deep within the chest.

Advances in Light Delivery

Another area of ongoing development is light delivery. While the lungs are particularly favorable for NIR light penetration, some tumors remain difficult to access because of their location within the chest. Investigators are exploring fiber-optic catheters, bronchoscopy-guided systems, and image-guided techniques that could allow physicians to precisely illuminate tumors while minimizing treatment of surrounding tissue. These technological advances will be essential for expanding the clinical application of NIR-PIT to a broader range of patients.

Safety and Future Potential

A recent review highlighted the accumulating evidence supporting NIR-PIT as a highly specific treatment capable of repeated applications with an encouraging safety profile. Because the therapy selectively targets cancer cells and minimizes damage to normal tissues, it has the potential to reduce many of the toxicities associated with conventional therapies.

Looking Ahead

Although challenges remain – including identifying the best targets, refining light-delivery methods, and demonstrating long-term clinical benefits in large trials – the future of NIR-PIT appears bright. It offers a glimpse into a future where therapies are increasingly precise, personalized, and effective. As research continues, near infrared photoimmunotherapy may become a powerful addition to the fight against one of the world’s most devastating cancers.

Discuss Your Legal Options After Toxic Exposure

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer after possible asbestos exposure, occupational exposure, or another known toxic exposure, you may have legal options. Understanding the source of exposure can be an important step in protecting your rights and your family’s future.

Brayton Purcell LLP helps people and families affected by asbestos-related diseases and toxic exposure injuries. Contact our team today to discuss your situation and learn whether you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim.

Speak with Brayton Purcell LLP today to learn more about your legal options.

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FAQs

1What is near-infrared photoimmunotherapy?

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy, or NIR-PIT, is a cancer treatment approach that combines a targeted antibody with a light-sensitive molecule. After the drug binds to cancer cells, near-infrared light activates the therapy and causes selective cancer cell destruction.

2How is NIR-PIT different from traditional cancer treatments?

Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can affect both cancerous and healthy cells. NIR-PIT is designed to target specific proteins on cancer cells and activate treatment directly at the tumor site, which may help reduce damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

3Why may lung cancer be a good candidate for NIR-PIT?

The lungs contain large amounts of air, which can allow near-infrared light to penetrate tissue more effectively than in some other parts of the body. Researchers are also studying multiple molecular targets found on lung cancer cells, including EGFR, HER2, mesothelin, and other tumor-associated antigens.

4Is NIR-PIT currently approved for lung cancer?

NIR-PIT has achieved clinical approval in Japan for recurrent head and neck cancer, but research for lung cancer remains largely in the preclinical and early clinical stages. Scientists continue to study targets, light-delivery methods, and clinical outcomes.

5Can NIR-PIT activate the immune system?

Researchers believe NIR-PIT may do more than destroy targeted tumor cells. The sudden release of cancer antigens and danger signals may stimulate immune activity, including dendritic cells and cytotoxic T cells, which could help the body recognize and attack cancer cells elsewhere.

6What challenges remain for NIR-PIT in lung cancer?

Key challenges include identifying the best molecular targets, improving light-delivery methods for tumors deep in the chest, and demonstrating long-term benefits in larger clinical trials.

7Can lung cancer be related to asbestos exposure?

Some lung cancer cases may be associated with asbestos exposure, especially among people who worked in industries where asbestos-containing materials were used. Anyone diagnosed with lung cancer after possible occupational or environmental exposure should consider speaking with a qualified attorney about potential legal rights.