Lawsuit Alleges Roundup Caused Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

According to allegations raised in product liability lawsuit recently filed against Monsanto by an Illinois man, use of the company’s popular weedkiller, Roundup, caused diffuse large-B-Cell non-Hodkin’s Lymphoma

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Charles Cushman in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on September 16, indicating that Monsanto knew or should have known about the risk that Roundup may increase the risk of cancer, yet withheld warnings from consumers.

Cushman indicates that he began using Roundup for both agricultural and residential use in the mid 1980s, spraying the popular herbicide on a regular basis to kill weeds. As a result of the exposure to Roundup, and the active ingredient glyphosate, Cushman indicates that he developed diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma in 2008.

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Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), consisting of 30% of all newly diagnosed NHL cases every year. It causes rapidly growing and spreading tumors that can cause swelling in the neck, armpits and groin, as well as fevers, night sweats, and weight loss. Treatment of DLBCL usually involves chemotherapy and an antibody that targets the tumors cells. If properly diagnosed and treated, the overall five-year survival rate is about 58%.

Cushman’s case raises allegations similar to a large number of other Roundup cancer lawsuits filed in recent months by farmer, professional landscapers and others regularly and consistently exposed to the popular glyphosate-based herbicide.

The Roundup litigation has emerged since the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) declared that glyphosate is a probable human carcinogen last year, sparking a world-wide concerns about the widespread use of Roundup and Monsanto’s failure to warn about the importance of limiting exposure.

Cushman’s claim also points to evidence that other ingredients in Roundup could be a health risk as well, including the surfactant polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA). The lawsuit indicates that Monsanto failed to properly test the herbicide and that it’s continued insistence that Roundup is safe puts others in danger.

“Rather than performing appropriate tests, Defendant relied upon flawed industry-supported studies designed to protect Defendant’s economic interest rather than Plaintiff and the consuming public,” the lawsuit states. “Despite its knowledge that Roundup was considerably more dangerous than glyphosate alone, Defendant continued to promote Roundup as safe.”

As Roundup diffuse large b-cell lymphoma lawyers continue to review and file claims for individuals throughout the United States, it is widely expected that several thousand similar complaints will brought against Monsanto in courts nationwide in the coming months and years.

Cushman presents claims of defective design, failure to warn, negligence, and breach of implied warranties, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, which are designed to punish Monsanto for recklessly disregarding the safety and health of consumers.

Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Mike Mozart via Flickr Creative Commons

6 Comments

  • LoisOctober 17, 2016 at 7:43 pm

    I also had NHL in the 4th stage, Large B cell. I had 6 monthe of Chemo an another IV the next day for 6 months. Then I had a stem cell transplant at Loma Linda University Hospital...no. 29 in 2001 Nov.

  • SaraOctober 7, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    In 2013 I was diagnosed with Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma at Marietta Memorial Hospital I have taken 23 radiation treatments and still doctoring every 6 months. We own a farm and used Round-Up to kill weeds.We bought it at Walmart.

  • JacquelineOctober 2, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    I have used Roundup, recently as well as for several years. Eight or nine years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma with 7 tumors as described above. I had all the symptoms and chose Immunotherapy because chemotherapy weakens the blood cells (Natural Killer cells)'which attack cancer cells whereas immunotherapy strengthens NK cells which fight the cancer cells. After treatment a[Show More]I have used Roundup, recently as well as for several years. Eight or nine years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma with 7 tumors as described above. I had all the symptoms and chose Immunotherapy because chemotherapy weakens the blood cells (Natural Killer cells)'which attack cancer cells whereas immunotherapy strengthens NK cells which fight the cancer cells. After treatment all tumors disappeared. Recently I have had night sweats and a very small lump in my neck. I am watching it. I am getting rid of Roundup now I know it causes recurring Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma!

  • dennisSeptember 30, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    I also used glyphosate at home and work. Little did I known I would develop non-hodgkins lymphoma two years ago. One of the cancer masses was in my nasal cavity applying pressure on the vagus nerve creating syncope and seizures. The first rounds of chemo were suggested to be monitored in the hospital and the night before my chemo was to start I had a seizure in the hospital while going to the bath[Show More]I also used glyphosate at home and work. Little did I known I would develop non-hodgkins lymphoma two years ago. One of the cancer masses was in my nasal cavity applying pressure on the vagus nerve creating syncope and seizures. The first rounds of chemo were suggested to be monitored in the hospital and the night before my chemo was to start I had a seizure in the hospital while going to the bathroom. I broke two ribs and than manage to get back in bed. The PIC line installed to administer the chemotherapy ended up creating a pulmonary embolism. After 6-2 day treatments, 3 weeks apart, the cancer appears to be in remission.

  • KatherineSeptember 29, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    I used this when I was pregnant with my daughter. She developed ITP. She had it for about three years. She has now went into remission but I often wondered if that is what caused her to be sick. The doctor has told me that she will probably develop lupus before she is 30. There needs to be more test on this product.

  • CarolSeptember 28, 2016 at 12:42 am

    My husband died from non-hodgkins lymphoma in March of 2016. When we were in Rochester for part of his care I filled out many pages for a study concerning this. He had been exposed to Roundup at work and at home.

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