Mesothelioma Non-Profit Research Institute Launches Informative Web Site

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), a medical research non-profit focusing on mesothelioma cancer, recently launched a new patient resource Web site to help mesothelioma patients and their families.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Because of the aggressive nature of the cancer, treating it with just one mode of therapy typically results in a poor response. However, when doctors combine therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, an improvement in survival is commonly recorded.

The recently launched Web site offers information for mesothelioma patients and details the research efforts and accomplishments of Dr. Robert Cameron, a world renowned mesothelioma surgeon. Dr. Cameron is the scientific advisor of the PHLBI, in addition to his roles as the director of the mesothelioma program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.

PHLBI’s medical research is under the direction of Dr. Cameron, innovator of the lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication (PD) surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma and has performed the procedure on more than 300 patients. Research programs at PHLBI currently focus on immunotherapy, screening, early detection and prevention of mesothelioma.

Utilizing Dr. Cameron’s more than 20 years of experience in treating mesothelioma patients, PHLBI is supported by a leading mesothelioma expert and dedicated to the advancement of mesothelioma research and treatment.

Additional information on mesothelioma and current treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

Mesothelioma Screening Techniques May Improve Detection

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Researchers from the University of Western Australia and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital have further confirmed that higher levels of a particular protein, serum mesothelin, are found in patients with asbestos-related cancer.

Their research has encouraged the use of screening tests such as the MESOMARK

Mesothelioma Risk being Reduced by Florida Mayor Determined to Protect the Public

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Davie, Florida Mayor Judy Paul is pushing for the removal of asbestos-contaminated piping at a mobile home complex that is slated to be redeveloped into a public park.

The asbestos-cement pipes previously functioned as drinking water and sewer lines for the old mobile home park. Some town staffers formerly claimed the contaminated pipes were safe enough to provide drinking water for the planned park. However, Mayor Judy Paul contends that safe enough should not be the standard when it comes to protecting the public from asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure occurs by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers have the potential to become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity, where they can cause damage that leads to cancer. Due to the latency period of mesothelioma symptoms, which can range between 20 and 50 years after exposure, the average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients upon diagnosis is four to 18 months.

Mayor Paul stated at a recent town council meeting in August,

Mesothelioma Claims the Life of 18-Year-Old Girl

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

After a five-year battle with mesothelioma cancer, 18-year-old Sophie Ellis passed away a little over a week ago. She was Britain’s youngest person to pass away from the asbestos-related disease.

Sophie was only 13 years old when she was first diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare age for mesothelioma patients. With a latency period typically ranging between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure, most patients are diagnosed around the age of 60.

Being exposed to asbestos as a young child can significantly influence the early development of mesothelioma cancer. Although there is no recollection as to how Sophie may have been exposed, it is assumed that asbestos was the culprit since the disease is almost exclusively caused by the toxic mineral.

The majority of mesothelioma patients are males who have previously worked in the shipyard, construction, manufacturing or automotive industry. Other occupations that present an increased risk of contracting mesothelioma include plumbers, electricians, roofers and painters.

While doctors told Sophie she only had months to live, she defied the average mesothelioma life expectancy of most patients by living another five years.

During her battle with the cancer, Sophie always spoke in support of the Mirror’s Asbestos Timebomb campaign. She said,

Mesothelioma Immunotherapy in Combination with Traditional Therapies May Improve Prognosis in Some Patients

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Although there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, headway is being made in extending the life span of mesothelioma patients by combining traditional therapy with unique treatments such as immunotherapy.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer rarely responds positively to one mode of treatment. Medical professionals have learned that combating the cancer requires more than one mode of treatment. Known as multimodality therapy, this approach combines treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy or some unique form of treatment like immunotherapy to improve mesothelioma life expectancy.

In most cases, the patients who qualify for this aggressive treatment approach are those diagnosed in an early stage of cancer development. Since there is no cure for mesothelioma, researchers have been turning to novel treatments like immunotherapy to improve multimodality therapy.

According to mesothelioma researchers Dr. Sutapa Mukherjee and Dr. Bruce W. S. Robinson (authors of the chapter

Mesothelioma Survivor Reaches Third Year Cancer-Free and Now Aids in Raising Public Awareness

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Three years after an invasive surgery to remove her cancerous lung, mesothelioma survivor Janelle Bedel remains cancer-free and now helps to raise public awareness of the asbestos-caused cancer.

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The disease is known for its aggressive nature and is particularly difficult to treat. Although no cure currently exists, a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early enough may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, presently has the best chance of extending a patient’s mesothelioma life expectancy.

Before her mesothelioma diagnosis, Bedel thought she was struggling with a chronic sinus infection. But when her doctors couldn’t explain the cause of her back pain and the swelling in her lungs, Bedel began researching her symptoms online. Her research led her question if she was facing mesothelioma, a rare cancer that primarily affects older men with a history of occupational asbestos exposure.

Bedel’s research led her in the right direction and at the age of 31 she was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. After imaging scans, tests to confirm diagnosis and some chemotherapy, Bedel went to New York for an invasive surgery to remove her affected lung.

Bedel said her surgeon, mesothelioma expert Dr. Valerie Rusch,

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines Recently Released from a European Cancer Society

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recently released clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this aggressive cancer, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients currently ranges between four and 18 months following diagnosis, hence the motivation to improve and standardize treatment of this condition.

The ESMO guidelines address the incidence, diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, treatment, response evaluation, and follow-up of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The publication reports that pleural mesothelioma patients usually turn to their doctor with symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. Then physicians produce a diagnosis through the help of imaging studies (CT scans are common). To help with a definitive diagnosis, an occupational history should be obtained from the patient to search for history of asbestos exposure.

Authors of the guidelines explain,

Mesothelioma Risk Continues in the U.S. as Asbestos Exposure Persists in Certain Industries

Friday, August 6th, 2010

According to recent investigative research conducted by the BBC’s International News Service and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), the detrimental effects of America’s asbestos age linger in growing mesothelioma fatalities, in addition to other asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos exposure is the principal cause of mesothelioma cancer. Following repeated exposure to the naturally occurring mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise. A patient’s life span is often poor since there is no cure for this cancer. Combining aggressive therapies has the potential to improve mesothelioma life expectancy by several months or more, but not all patients qualify for this treatment approach.

According to the BBC and ICIJ article,

Mesothelioma Trial Compares Radical Surgery with Palliative Surgery

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Results from a mesothelioma clinical trial were recently published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. The study compared the success rates of radical surgery versus palliative surgery in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The rare cancer does not respond well to current mesothelioma treatment methods, including surgical treatments. Researchers across the world are conducting numerous studies in an effort to develop more effective treatment methods.

The purpose of this study was to compare the survival benefits of radical surgery with palliative surgery, the latter being noninvasive surgical procedures that aim to improve quality of life rather than attempt to cure the disease.

The trial compared outcomes between 13 patients who underwent an invasive surgery known as radical decortication with 13 case-matched patients, who had palliative surgery over a period of two years from June 2006 onward. According to the authors,

Mesothelioma Study Evaluates Varied Impacts of the Cancer

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

In a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Care, researchers from the United Kingdom reviewed the experiences patients face while living with mesothelioma cancer. The study was titled,

Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Litigation May Cost GM Billions

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

This week bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber granted permission to creditors to request documents from General Motors (GM) in an effort to estimate the cost of asbestos claims against the company.

The effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as many former industrial, construction and shipyard workers are becoming diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, the average mesothelioma life expectancy is four to 18 months once a patient is diagnosed.

Motors Liquidation Co. is the company left to settle liability claims from GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization. This company plans to create a trust with funds set aside for future tort claims, allowing it to exit bankruptcy. The estate estimated their asbestos liability amounted to $648 million, but a committee of creditors estimated the company may encounter claims five to 10 times more than the calculated $648 million.

GM has long faced mesothelioma and other asbestos-related claims due to their previous use of asbestos fibers in some of their products, such as brake linings. Those who worked with asbestos-contaminated products in GM factories (in addition to auto mechanics who replaced these contaminated brakes) experienced exposure that placed them at an increased risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The creditors stated they needed more information from GM regarding their claimants (such as their age, diagnosis and work history) to achieve a more accurate estimate of the liability costs associated with mesothelioma cancer.

Currently there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. The cancer is highly resistant to modern treatments, although a combination of therapies can improve life expectancy for those patients diagnosed early enough to qualify for aggressive treatment. Research is ongoing across the globe and a limited number of mesothelioma survivors show that progress is being made in the treatment of mesothelioma.

Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

Mesothelioma Risk Concerning for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos During Service

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

According to data released by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of military veterans are now suffering from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. This illness is a result of veterans being exposed to asbestos while working on naval vessels where it was used in a number of materials, especially as the primary source of insulation.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are reported every year in the United States. The cancer has earned a reputation as being particularly difficult to diagnose and treat, and to date no cure has been found. Some patients who are diagnosed in an early stage of development may qualify for a combination of treatments (known as multimodality therapy) with hopes of improving their mesothelioma life expectancy.

Although asbestos materials were used in every division of the Armed Forces, the Navy alone used more than 300 asbestos-containing products from the 1930s through the 1970s. The toxic mineral appeared on most ships used by the Navy and in shipyards where vessels were built. Because mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop, those who served decades ago are now demonstrating symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses.

Asbestos was commonly used as insulation around piping, boilers, sleeping quarters and navigation halls aboard vessels. The mineral’s natural resistance to fire and highly durable characteristics made it ideal for use in all sectors of the military, where it was also used in aircraft, vehicles and buildings.

Mesothelioma cancer typically develops decades after moderate to heavy exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in tissue, causing inflammation or infection over time.

The threat of asbestos exposure remains a risk for military men and women who are deployed and stationed in countries around the world or those who repair and demolish contaminated ships. Veterans who suffer from mesothelioma as a result of service-related exposure may apply for Veteran Affairs benefits. Those who suspect they may have been exposed to asbestos should seek annual checkups for signs of asbestos disease.

For more information on asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Center.

Mesothelioma Risk at Rhode Island Beach Pavilion Being Addressed by Asbestos Abatement

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

In an effort to reduce risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, asbestos abatement is set to begin August 23 on the Town Beach North Pavilion in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The Town Beach North Pavilion structure dates back to the 1950s, when asbestos was commonly used in many construction materials. The pavilion presently contains asbestos in the wall paneling and roofing. Plans to replace the pavilion were dropped by the Town Council in June over conflicts regarding the $9.5 million proposal. It was at that time that the Town Council agreed to repair the degrading structure.

Asbestos is a toxic and naturally occurring mineral known to cause terminal health conditions such as malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. Prognosis is generally poor since the disease is usually undetected until it has progressed to later stages of development.

The local company Vortex will be performing the asbestos mitigation. Vortex is known for their asbestos removal in Narragansett’s contaminated schools. The company verified the presence of friable asbestos (which can release toxic fibers) in the roofing of the changing rooms and confirmed the asbestos in the wall paneling was encapsulated and safe. The company plans to pressure wash and paint the roofing of the changing rooms, a means of encapsulating and sealing off the asbestos fibers. Thus, the asbestos material itself will not be removed, but covered up to prevent the release of toxic fibers.

Town Manager Grady Miller explains,

Mesothelioma Study Investigates Role of Mesothelin Gene in Cancer Development

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Japanese researchers recently investigated the mechanism by which mesothelin is expressed in malignant mesothelioma. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Human Pathology.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this disease, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis. Although no cure currently exists, some mesothelioma patients are diagnosed early enough to qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, currently has the best chance of extending a patient’s life expectancy.

Authors of the study explain,

Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Early Detection Broadens Treatment Options

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Although there presently is no cure for mesothelioma, a number of patients are being diagnosed early enough to qualify for aggressive treatments that have the potential to extend life expectancy.

Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure most often occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, resulting in the release of small, toxic fibers that can be inhaled or ingested.

Fighting the aggressive cancer mesothelioma can be challenging for patients for a number of reasons. For the majority of those who receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage of development. This late diagnosis is due to the fact that symptoms of the cancer do not arise until the cancer has reached a later stage of development. In most cases, patients do not begin to experience signs of the cancer until 20 years after their initial exposure to asbestos.

Receiving an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult, as many physicians can overlook this cancer due to its rarity and the resemblance of its symptoms to other illnesses. Because of these challenges, mesothelioma treatment is often limited to palliative measures rather than curative. However, receiving an early diagnosis can significantly improve a patient’s treatment options and potentially improve life expectancy.

Recent developments in testing for mesothelioma have shown improvement in the early diagnosis of this disease. Mesomark is an easily performed blood test that uses an enzyme-linked test to measure the amount of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides (SMRP) in human serum, which can be present in mesothelioma patients and may be a precursor that could aid in the early diagnosis of the cancer.

Another test, known as miRview Meso, is a microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tool that helps to differentiate pleural mesothelioma from peripheral adenocarcinomas of the lung or metastatic carcinomas involving the lung’s pleural lining. Put simply, this test helps doctors determine if a patient truly has mesothelioma or some other cancer that is similar in appearance.

If a mesothelioma patient is diagnosed during Stage 1 or 2 rather than Stage 3 or 4, attempts at curative surgery may be an option. For those who know they have been exposed to asbestos, the key to receiving an early diagnosis is to seek annual examinations that check for signs of asbestos disease.

Those who may have been exposed to asbestos in the past should explain their exposure history to their doctor. If possible, consulting with a pulmonary physician or oncologist who is experienced in detecting signs of asbestos exposure or dealing with mesothelioma cancer is most beneficial.

Additional information about mesothelioma or asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.