Choosing-a-mesothelioma-doctor
By Peter Lenkefi
Mesothelioma Cancer is considered, within the medical profession, to be a serious illness. Mesothelioma Doctors are now available to those who are sufferers of Mesothelioma Cancer.

Mesothelioma Doctors are well educated in the cause of Mesothelioma Cancer, diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, the affects of and the available treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer.

Therefore, when choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor, ensure that they have expertise, or quality experience in the area of Mesothelioma Cancer. This can be achieved through your general GP’s general enquiries on your behalf, or through conducting your own research.

You might even consider making enquiries with the American Cancer Society, who hold a variety of information about different types of Cancer and where to seek help. When seeking help it is best to research all your available options and then choose the best one for you.

Some of the important information that you might need to tell your Mesothelioma Doctor include, what types of symptoms you are experiencing, how long ago since you were exposure to an Asbestos related substance and for how long where you exposed to the Asbestos related substance.


After you receive and initial consultation from your Mesothelioma Doctor, you may be required to undergo either a Chest CT scan, or a biopsy, depending on which type of your Mesothelioma Doctor considers that you have.

Essentially, there are three possible types of that you could have. These include, Pleural (Lungs) Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart).

Once your doctor has made a definitive diagnosis, he/she will then be able to tell you which type of you have, at what stage the is, whether it has spread to surrounding organs, or whether it is contained within the original area of the diseases initiation.

Your Mesothelioma doctor will then discuss your treatment options in relation to the type of that you have and what stage the Cancer is at. Your Mesothelioma Doctor should explain these options in detail, including any side affects and the recovery period.

Your Mesothelioma Doctor should also explain to you what the results of not undergoing these recommended treatment options could be. Essentially, your Mesothelioma Doctor should give you a detailed explanation of your entire prognosis.

Your prognosis

Mesothelioma Cancer will be Recognized During National Asbestos Awareness Week
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and other asbestos advocates throughout the United States will be celebrating National Asbestos Awareness Week during the first week of April. Thanks in large part to Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and other cosponsors, the Senate was able to introduce the sixth annual resolution that declares the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week. The ADAO, which was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004, aims to protect the rights of those affected by asbestos-related disease while raising public awareness about the hazards associated with asbestos exposure. Malignant Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that typically develops in the lining of the lungs, will be one of the many topics discussed at ADAO?s upcoming International As...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Preliminary Mesothelioma Vaccine Appears Safe and Promising
Early results of a small study show that a new immunotherapy treatment is safe, and antitumor responses were detected. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Med Students Headlines)
New Research Could Help Provide Answers To Mesothelioma, England
The British Lung Foundation is working with the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund to support new research which could lead to better treatments for mesothelioma, an incurable asbestos-related cancer that affects the tissues lining the outside of the lung and the chest wall (pleura). Following a competitive grant application process, Dr Stefan Marciniak at the UniversityofCambridge was selected from a large field of excellent applicants, to be awarded the funding for his project, which will study the relationship between cell stress and mesothelioma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Personalized Mesothelioma Vaccine Tested in Humans
A personalized vaccine for mesothelioma derived from the patients own dendritic cells, and antigens from their own tumor, safely and effectively induces a T-cell response against tumor cells, according to a study published online Feb. 18 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. (Source: Modern Medicine)
Mesothelioma Research: Veterans Receive Support with Department of Defense?s Increase in Funding
The United States Department of Defense has recently announced its intention to increase spending efforts on researching new methods for combating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. As part of the effort, several million dollars will provide funding for three mesothelioma research projects. The projects will focus on research into early detection of disease and the development of new treatments, including a clinical trial on a vaccine that may significantly improve the prognosis of patients with malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically forms in the lining of the lungs after inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. However, the effects of asbestos exposure are not immediately felt as symptoms often take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise from the time so...
Malignant mesothelioma
Introduction Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour of the pleura or peritoneum caused by asbestos. It is increasing in frequency and the prognosis remains grim, with average survival around 1 year. Sources of data Medical literature and personal experience. Areas of agreement Amphibole fibres are far more potent than chrysotile in causing mesothelioma. Areas of controversy A minority view suggests that mesotheliomas in those exposed to chrysotile are caused only by tremolite (an amphibole) which contaminates chrysotile. There is a hypothesis, for which evidence is weakening, that Simian virus 40 may cause mesothelioma. Growing points There is emerging evidence of genetic variation in susceptibility to fibre carcinogenesis. There are developments in treatment, particularly chemotherapy wit...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Immunotherapy to Fight Mesothelioma?
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A vaccine that uses a patient's own cells may be able to fight a rare cancer and increase length of survival. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)
ADAO Praises Senate For Introduction Of Sixth Annual Resolution That Establishes "National Asbestos Awareness Week"
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the leading organization serving as the voice of asbestos victims, today applauds Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and cosponsors for introducing a resolution that declares the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week" and seeks to "raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Possible Vaccine For Mesothelioma Proven Safe
Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure. The vaccine, which infuses uses a patient's own dendritic cells (DC) with antigen from the patient's tumor, was able to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors. "[This] is the first human study on DC-based immunotherapy in patients with mesothelioma," wrote Joachim G Aerts M.D., Ph.D., a pulmonary physician at Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Possible Vaccine For Mesothelioma Proven Safe
Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure. The vaccine, which infuses uses a patient's own dendritic cells (DC) with antigen from the patient's tumor, was able to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors... (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)
Vaccine for Asbestos-Related Cancer Looks Safe
In tests, novel immunotherapy appears to combat mesothelioma tumors Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Immunization, Mesothelioma (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Possible vaccine for mesothelioma proven safe
(American Thoracic Society) Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure. The vaccine, which infuses uses a patient's own dendritic cells with antigen from the patient's tumor, was able to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Possible vaccine for mesothelioma proven safe
Researchers have demonstrated the safety of a potential vaccine against mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated primarily with asbestos exposure. The vaccine, which infuses uses a patient's own dendritic cells with antigen from the patient's tumor, was able to induce a T-cell response against mesothelioma tumors. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
[Paediatric mésothelioma: is there the such a disease?]
We report here epidemiologic data from 489 cases reported in international medical literature. A better knowledge about this entity is mandatory to improve its management. PMID: 20202918 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Bulletin du Cancer)
Selective Ascorbate Toxicity to Malignant Mesothelioma: A Redox Trojan Mechanism.
Authors: Ranzato E, Biffo S, Burlando B We have studied the mechanism of ascorbate toxicity to malignant mesothelioma cells. Neutral red uptake (NRU) showed that ascorbate, but not dehydroascorbate, was highly toxic to the mesothelioma cell lines REN and MM98, while it was significantly less toxic to immortalized (HMC-htert) and primary mesothelial cells. Ascorbate transport inhibitors phloretin, sodium azide and ouabain did not reduce ascorbate toxicity . Toxicity was markedly reduced by the H2O2-degrading enzyme catalase. Confocal imaging of cells loaded with the dihydrhodamine 123 ROS probe showed that ascorbate caused a strong increase of rhodamine fluorescence in mesothelioma, but not in mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma cells showed much higher superoxide production (revealed by cy...
hsa-miR-29c* Is Linked to the Prognosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
A single microRNA may be able to independently segregate pleural mesotheliomas by time to progression as well as by survival. (Source: Cancer Research)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
New molecular targeted therapies integrated with radiation therapy in lung cancer.
Authors: Provencio M, S&#xE1;nchez A, Garrido P, Valc&#xE1;rcel F Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80%-85% of all cases of lung cancer; for patients with stage III disease, it accounts for approximately 40% of all cases. The treatment for unresectable stage III NSCLC is the combination of platinum-based chemotherapy and thoracic radiation. In this article, new targeted agents under investigation for possible integration into the combined therapy are reviewed. One of the most promising strategies is the inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. Radiation activates EGFR signaling, leading to radio-resistance by inducing cell proliferation and enhanced DNA repair. Several preclinical models have shown synergistic activity when cetuxima...
Surgery for mesothelioma: MARS landing and future missions [Editorials]
(Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Three decades of experience in the surgical multi-modality management of pleural mesothelioma [Original articles]
Conclusions: In this series, cytoreductive surgery combined with post-operative adjuvant therapy provided better survival despite either advanced disease or surgically less fit patients. Thus, pleurectomy/decortication may be the procedure of choice, given that neither surgical procedure (EPP or PD) is not curative. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Intrapleural polymeric films containing cisplatin for malignant pleural mesothelioma in a rat tumour model: a preliminary study [Original articles]
Conclusions: Hyaluronate&ndash;chitosan cisplatin was significantly effective in reducing tumour recurrence compared with cisplatin solution. Hyaluronate and hyaluronate&ndash;chitosan loaded with cisplatin assured significantly higher and more prolonged plasmatic drug concentrations than cisplatin solution without increasing toxicity. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Prognostic significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in malignant pleural mesothelioma [Original articles]
Conclusion: Activation of periostin-triggered EMT is associated with the sarcomatoid histotype and has an impact on shorter survival of MPM patients. Finally, only the high expression of PTEN and the low expression of cytosolic periostin could be shown to be independent prognostic factors for longer OS. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Awake video-assisted pleural decortication for empyema thoracis [Original articles]
Conclusions: In our study, awake video-assisted pleural decortication proved feasible and resulted in satisfactory lung re-expansion in 95% of the patients. We hypothesise that spontaneous ventilation facilitated both identification of the correct plane and dissection, thus resulting in lesser surgical injury on the underlying lung. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
3-O-Methylfunicone, a metabolite produced by Penicillium pinophilum, modulates ERK1/2 activity, affecting cell motility of human mesothelioma cells
Conclusion: OMF may have potential as a naturally derived anti-tumour drug for treatment of mesothelioma. (Source: Cell Proliferation)
Therapeutic Surgery for Nonepithelioid Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Is it Really Worthwhile? [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC]
Conclusions The extremely poor prognosis of sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesothelioma is independent of the extent of surgery unlike other cell types. Patients with sarcomatoid histology should therefore be considered separately in trials evaluating radical procedures and adjuvant treatment. The treatment of biphasic pleural mesothelioma remains debatable. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Therapeutic Surgery for Nonepithelioid Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Is it Really Worthwhile?
CONCLUSIONS: The extremely poor prognosis of sarcomatoid malignant pleural mesothelioma is independent of the extent of surgery unlike other cell types. Patients with sarcomatoid histology should therefore be considered separately in trials evaluating radical procedures and adjuvant treatment. The treatment of biphasic pleural mesothelioma remains debatable. PMID: 20172152 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Mesothelioma Study Concludes Positive Results for Patient Prognosis
A recently completed joint study by Rosetta Genomics Ltd. and New York University Langone Medical Center has shown promising results in prognosis for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. The study indicated significant potential for a single microRNA to act as an independent prognostic factor for mesothelioma progression as well as survival in patients who have undergone surgery to combat the cancer. MicroRNAs act as master regulators of protein synthesis and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers in some cases. Rosetta Genomics and NYU Langone Medical Center tested for the presence of miR-29c in malignant mesothelioma tumors and found that varying expression levels had a direct correlation with prognosis and overall survival in patients. The study evaluated 142 malignant pl...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
In vitro and in vivo characterization of highly purified Human Mesothelioma derived cells
Conclusions: These cell cultures may provide a valuable in vitro and in vivo model to investigate mesothelioma biology. The identification of new mesothelioma markers may be useful for diagnosis and /or prognosis of this neoplasia as well as for isolation of mesothelioma tumor initiating cells. (Source: BMC Cancer)
Inhibition of established subcutaneous murine tumour growth with topical Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil
Conclusion&nbsp;&nbsp;TTO combined with an effective carrier significantly inhibited the growth of aggressive, subcutaneous, chemo-resistant tumours in immunocompetent mice. Taken together, these findings highlight the potential of topical TTO as an alternative topical antitumour treatment. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1267-3Authors Sara J. Greay, The University of Western Australia Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology (M502), School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 AustraliaDemelza J. Ireland, The University of Western Australia Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology (M502), School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences 35 Stirling Highway Crawley WA 6009 Aus...
Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy in lung cancer cell lines
Conclusion&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus, sensitivity to cisplatin appeared to be associated with DDH levels in epithelial lung cancer cell lines with the DDH-1 isoform producing the greatest effect. Results in keeping with transfection experiments with ovarian and other cell lines. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1268-2Authors Jianli Chen, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System 350 Community Drive Manhasset NY 11030 USANashwa Emara, Temple University School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Philadelphia PA USACharalambos Solomides, Temple University School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Philadelphia PA USAHemant Parekh, Temple University School...
Mesothelioma Multimodality Treatment Improves Survival According to British Researchers
In conclusion, the researchers found that ?cytoreductive surgery combined with post-operative adjuvant therapy provided a better survival despite either advanced disease or surgically less fit patients. Thus, pleurectomy/decortication may be the procedure of choice? since neither EPP or PD are curative. Additional information on mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Joint Study By Rosetta Genomics And NYU Langone Medical Center Identifies Single MicroRNA Biomarker For Prognosis Of Mesothelioma Patients
Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announced today that the results of a joint study with the NYU Langone Medical Center were published online on February 16th, 2010, and are set to be published in the March 1st issue of the American Association for Cancer Research's journal, Cancer Research... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Settlement Awards Son of former Merchant Mariner Over $9 Million
A Baltimore City Jury has recently awarded Leroy Conway, Jr. more than $9 million for being exposed to asbestos during his youth and contracting mesothelioma as a result. Leroy Conway, Jr. was 10 years old when he was initially exposed to the toxic substance. At the time the exposure occurred, his father, Leroy Conway, was serving on the S.S. Baltimore Trader, an oil tanker that was owned and operated by ATTRANSCO, Inc. During Leroy Conway?s three-year employment as an engineman on the ship, he often worked in areas that commonly contained asbestos materials. After coming home from work, Mr. Conway would carry asbestos dust on his clothes, which is how Leroy Conway Jr. was exposed. Leroy Conway Jr. is now a 45-year-old husband and father of three. He was diagnosed with malignant mesothel...
Multimodality Imaging of Right Atrial Masses
A 76-year-old man presented with 2 months of dyspnea, early satiety, and lower extremity edema. Ten years previously, he underwent left extrapleural pneumonectomy for mesothelioma but had chest wall and mediastinal recurrences that required systemic chemotherapy and local radiation. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed right atrial dilation with a 4.9 × 6.4 cm mass attached to the anterior and inferior right atrial walls (A). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated 2 right atrial masses with gadolinium enhancement indicating vascularity: a 5.2 × 4.7 cm mass on the superior free wall, and a 4 × 4 cm mass partially obstructing inferior venal caval inflow on the lateral free wall (B). Right ventriculography (C) and echocardiographic-guided biopsy (pulmonary artery) (D) were perf...
Consolidative Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy Elicits Cytotoxicity Against Malignant Mesothelioma.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that autologous tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cell-based therapy is feasible, well-tolerated, and capable of inducing immunological response to tumor cells in mesothelioma patients. www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00280982. PMID: 20167848 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)
Erratum to: Therapy response in malignant pleural mesothelioma-role of MRI using RECIST, modified RECIST and volumetric approaches in comparison with CT
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Erratum/ApologyDOI 10.1007/s00330-010-1732-8Authors Christian Plathow, University of Freiburg Department of Nuclearmedicine Hugstetter 55 79106 Freiburg GermanyMichael Klopp, Clinic for Thoracic Diseases Department of Thoracic Surgery Heidelberg GermanyChristian Thieke, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg Department of Radiation Oncology Heidelberg GermanyFelix Herth, Clinic for Thoracic Diseases Department of Pneumology Heidelberg GermanyAndreas Thomas, Clinic for Thoracic Diseases Department of Oncology Heidelberg GermanyAstrid Schmaehl, Clinic for Thoracic Diseases Department of Radiology Heidelberg GermanyIvan Zuna, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg Department of Radiology Heidelberg GermanyHans-Ulrich Kauczor, German Cancer Research...
Gene Therapy for Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer.
Authors: Vachani A, Moon E, Wakeam E, Albelda SM Both malignant pleural mesothelioma and advanced stage lung cancer are associated with a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatment regimens have had only a modest effect on their progressive course. Gene therapy for thoracic malignancies represents a novel therapeutic approach and has been evaluated in a number of clinical trials over the last two decades. Using viral vectors or anti-sense RNA, strategies have included induction of apoptosis, tumor suppressor gene replacement, suicide gene expression, cytokine-based therapy, various vaccination approaches, and adoptive transfer of modified immune cells. This review will consider the clinical results, limitations, and future directions of gene therapy trials for thoracic malignanci...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Researchers Study the Effect of Induction Chemotherapy on Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
Because it has yet to be largely studied, Italian researchers examined the effect of induction chemotherapy on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, affecting the pleural lining of the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining), pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining), and testicular mesothelioma (testicular lining). Patients with pleural mesothelioma often experience compromised lung function and exercise capacity, but the effects of chemotherapy can also play a role in the cancer?s side effects. Since there has been little research on chemotherape...
Is risk of pleural mesothelioma an environmental risk outside Turkey? A study on immigrants to Sweden
Erionite is a microscopic volcanic fibrous mineral which is located throughout the hollows of rock formations and which has been categorized as a class I carcinogenic agent by the International Agency for Research on Cancer . The inhalation of erionite poses the same type of health effects that are associated with asbestos, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma. A very high incidence of mesothelioma, a consequence of ubiquitous environmental exposure to erionite and tremolite asbestos, has been identified in inhabitants of villagers in several towns in Cappadocia, Turkey . Half of the deaths have been due to mesothelioma. A high risk of mesothelioma has also been identified in a small cohort of Cappadocian immigrants to Sweden . Other Mediterranean regions such as Greece, Cyprus and North...
Minute localized malignant pleural mesothelioma coexisting with multiple adenocarcinomas
We report an extremely rare case of minute localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) coexisting with multiple lung adenocarcinomas in a 64-year-old woman without a history of smoking or asbestos exposure. A computed tomography scan of the chest displayed total five ground-glass opacities in the lung. Transbronchial lung biopsy from a ground-glass opacity in the posterior segment revealed a bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. With a diagnosis of primary lung cancer, right upper lobectomy and wedge resection of the right lower lobe with systematic lymph node dissection was performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Incidentally, a minute gray-white nodule measuring 6 mm was detected on the visceral pleural surface of the right upper lobe. The postoperative histological diagn...
Shipyards, Asbestos Exposure and the Connection to Mesothelioma Cancer
From the World War II era to the early 1980s, shipyards were a place where exposure to asbestos was prevalent. Whether ships were being constructed, repaired or overhauled, such work would routinely cause asbestos fibers to become airborne where they could be inhaled. Many materials used on ships contained asbestos because of its ability to withstand high temperatures and fire. In addition to this, asbestos helped prevent corrosion, which made it an ideal material for ship construction. However, any disturbance to asbestos-containing materials increased the risk for those nearby of inhaling asbestos fibers. The inhalation of asbestos is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma, a cancer that often carries a very poor prognosis. Once the fibers are inhaled, they typically become lodged i...
Medical thoracoscopy versus computed tomography guided abrams pleural needle biopsy for diagnosis of patients with pleural effusions: a randomized controlled trial.
CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of CT-ANPB as the primary method of diagnosis in patients with pleural thickening or lesions observed by CT. In patients with only pleural fluid appearance on CT and in those who may have benign pleural pathologies other than tuberculosis, the primary method of diagnosis should be medical thoracoscopy. PMID: 20154079 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chest)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Staging: Discrepancies Between Clinical and Pathological Staging
In conclusion, the researchers report, ?It appears that there are deficiencies in the current staging system for MPM and discrepancies between clinical and pathological systems. Clinical descriptors of nodal status and pathological descriptors of T stage appear to be less accurate; therefore, future improvements in these parameters are needed. Subsequent IMIG stage grouping also needs revision. The IASLC Mesothelioma staging project is ongoing and will lead to an evidence-based revision of the TNM staging for mesothelioma within the next 3 years.? Additional information on mesothelioma and staging may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Localized intrapancreatic malignant mesothelioma: a rare entity that may be confused with other pancreatic neoplasms
This report also describes the clinical and pathologic characteristics of an intrapancreatic mesothelioma and provides a review of the literature regarding entities that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of this tumor. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00428-010-0885-9Authors Rosanny Espinal-Witter, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 525 East 68th Street New York NY 10021 USAElliot L. Servais, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Surgery 525 East 68th Street New York NY 10021 USADavid S. Klimstra, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Department of Pathology 1275 York Avenue New York NY 10021 USAMichael D. Lieberman, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Depa...
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Results in $17.87 Million Verdict
In a recent case involving asbestos exposure, a jury has awarded $17.87 million to a woman who has been diagnosed with the rare cancer mesothelioma. Jayne Menssen claimed she contracted mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos during her employment as a secretary at Union Asbestos and Rubber Co. in the 1960s. The company was called Unacro Industries Inc. at a later date. According to Menssen, the defendants Pneumo Abex LLC and Honeywell International Inc. knew about the hazards associated with asbestos, but failed to warn employees and customers that there was any danger. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma. For most patients, prognosis is poor as doctors often experience difficulty in treating the disease. Treatment options usually include palliative me...
Knockdown of COPA, Identified by Loss-of-Function Screen, Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Mesothelioma Mouse Model.
Authors: Sudo H, Tsuji AB, Sugyo A, Kohda M, Sogawa C, Yoshida C, Harada YN, Hino O, Saga T Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor arising from serosal surfaces of the pleura and is triggered by past exposure to asbestos. Currently, there is no widely accepted treatment for mesothelioma. Development of effective drug treatments for human cancers requires identification of therapeutic molecular targets. We therefore conducted a large-scale functional screening of mesothelioma cells using a genome-wide small interfering RNA library. We determined that knockdown of 39 genes suppressed mesothelioma cell proliferation. At least seven of the 39 genes-COPA, COPB2, EIF3S7, POLR2A, PSMA6, RBM8A, and RPL18A-would be involved in anti-apoptotic function. In particular, the COPA protei...
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Improved with PET and CT Scan Analysis
In conclusion, researchers found that both PET and CT scans for chemotherapy response evaluation were predictive for overall survival in this study. Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Podoplanin is a useful marker for identifying mesothelioma in malignant effusions
In this study, we evaluated the value of immunostaining pattern for podoplanin to differentiate mesothelioma from adenocarcinomas of various origins.Cell blocks from previously collected paraffin-embedded cell blocks of 86 effusions (18 mesothelioma, 35 reactive mesothelium, 9 breast adenocarcinoma, 14 ovarian adenocarcinoma, and 10 lung adenocarcinoma) were retrieved from the file of the Department of Pathology at University of Michigan and Lund University in Sweden and were used for the study. Slides prepared from the cell blocks were stained for podoplanin. The percentage of immunostained cells was recorded as follows: 1+ (5-25%), 2+ (26-50%), and 3+ (>50%). A stain result involving (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)
Mesothelioma Will be Discussed at Asbestos Awareness Conference
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will be having its sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference on the weekend of April 9-11, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel. The conference is scheduled to provide families, employees and scientists throughout the world with information surrounding the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO also plans to instill their efforts on banning asbestos and encouraging researchers to improve treatment options for asbestos-related diseases. Malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, is a fatal illness that has yet to be cured. Most treatments for this cancer aim to provide relief from symptoms and improve overall quality of life for patients. Only experimental treatmen...
New Agent To Manage Cancer Related Effusions
In the USA each year, 200,000 cancer patients suffer from a malignant pleural effusion development of excessive fluid (pleural effusion) in the chest. Several litres of such fluid can accumulate, and many patients suffer from significant breathlessness and distress. One in four patients with lung cancer, one in every three with breast cancer and most of the patients with mesothelioma will develop a malignant effusion. The current strategy is to induce a pleurodesis (seal the pleural cavity with a chemical agent so no fluid can accumulate)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Onconase responsive genes in human mesothelioma cells: implications for an RNA damaging therapeutic agent
Conclusions: These results provide a broad picture of gene activity after treatment with a drug that targets small non-coding RNAs and contribute to our overall understanding of MM cell response to Onconase as a therapeutic strategy. The findings provide insights regarding mechanisms that may contribute to the efficacy of this novel drug in clinical trials of MM patients who have failed first line chemotherapy or radiation treatment. (Source: BMC Cancer)
Fluorescence in situ hybridization in the definitive diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma in effusion cytology.
CONCLUSIONS: FISH is a sensitive and highly specific method for the definitive diagnosis of MM in effusion cytology. In the subset of FISH negative MM, tumour suppressor genes on the chromosomal region 9p21 are often inactivated by promoter methylation. PMID: 20139227 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chest)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Prognostic Factors Studied in Long-Term Survivors
In conclusion, the researchers found ?The actual 18-month survival was 28% in 456 pleural mesothelioma patients who underwent operation. Epithelial histologic subtype and EPP were identified as independent predictors for 18-month survivors.? Additional information about mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Soluble mesothelin related peptides (SMRP) and osteopontin as protein biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma: analytical validation of ELISA based assays and characterization at mRNA and protein levels
Conclusions: These assays provide reliable and reproducible quantitation of SMRP and OPN proteins. Both are increased in mesothelioma patients compared to non-mesothelioma controls. However, the two analytes do not correlate with each other and show distinct expression profiles and protein expression. Concentrations of SMRP but not OPN are decreased in post-surgical samples. Our results further characterize these markers, establish assay performance characteristics, and lay the groundwork for further studies to measure these markers in blood. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:271?8. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Study Unveils Potential Treatment
According to a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be beneficial for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma patients. The study, titled ?Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: multi-institutional experience,? was carried out in Sydney, Australia at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. T.D. Yan and colleagues evaluated cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in 405 patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the overall survival of the patients. Another objective involved analyzing prognostic variables to determine w...
Recombinant Immunotoxins for the Treatment of B-cell Malignancies and Mesothelioma: A Clinical and Laboratory Update (NIH-Only)
NCI?s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Grand Rounds is a weekly lecture series addressing current research in clinical and molecular oncology. Speakers are leading national and international researchers and clinicians proposed by members of the CCR Grand Rounds Planning Committee and others within the CCR community and approved by the CCR Office of the Director. Lectures occur every Tuesday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in Lipsett Amphitheater in the Clinical Center building on the NIH campus September through July with exceptions around holidays and major cancer meetings. The lecture schedule is posted on various calendars of events, including at the following link: http://bethesdatrials.cancer.gov/health-care-professionals/grand-rounds.aspx. Air date: 2/16/2010 8:00:00 AM (Source: Videocast -...
Synergistic effect of gefitinib and rofecoxib in mesothelioma cells
Conclusions: Gefitinib and rofecoxib exert cell type-specific effects that vary between different MM cells. Total EGFR expression and downstream signalling does not correlate with gefitinib sensitivity. These data suggest that the effect of gefitinib can be potentiated by rofecoxib in MM cell lines where AKT is not activated. (Source: Molecular Cancer)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Pleural malignant mesothelioma with osteoclast-like giant cells
Reported herein is the first case of malignant mesothelioma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC) in a 55-year-old man, a building contractor. Open thoracoscopic biopsy from the left parietal pleura showed a pleomorphic tumor composed of round to spindle cells mixed with numerous OGC; focal hemorrhage and necrosis were observed, but neither bone nor osteoid tissue was seen. The tumor cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei with varying degrees of atypia. OGC had multiple small uniform nuclei without atypia and large eosinophilic cytoplasm, similar to giant cells of the so-called giant-cell tumors. On immunohistochemistry the tumor cells stained positive for AE1/AE3 and mesothelial markers, including calretinin, thrombomodulin, D2-40, and negative for carcinoma markers, i...
The maximum tolerated dose and biologic effects of 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP) in combination with irinotecan for patients with refractory solid tumors
Conclusions&nbsp;&nbsp;The MTD for this combination was 3-AP 60&nbsp;mg/m2 per day on days 1?3 and irinotecan 200&nbsp;mg/m2 on day 1 every 21&nbsp;days. Antitumor activity in a patient with refractory non-small cell lung cancer was noted at level 1. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1250-zAuthors Brian S. Choi, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave, K4/528 Madison WI 53792 USADona B. Alberti, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave, K4/528 Madison WI 53792 USAWilliam R. Schelman, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave, K4/528 Madison WI 53792 USAJill M. Kolesar, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone...
Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Growth Decreased by Cancer Inhibitor
A recently published article in the journal Clinical Cancer Research has demonstrated a potential new strategy involving vascular endothelial growth factors for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. The multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor E7080 was tested for efficacy against malignant mesothelioma cells in mice, which were implemented with three different human pleural mesothelioma cell lines. These included MSTO-211H, NCO-H290 and Y-MESO-14. According to K. Ikuta and colleagues from the University of Tokushima, treatment with E7080 slowed the progression of all three malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines. The mice survived much longer than anticipated, which was largely due to the decreased numbers of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells in the tumor. Mesothelioma is a rare type of ca...
The tocotrienol-rich fraction from rice bran enhances cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in human mesothelioma H28 cells
In this study, we investigated the modulating effect of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from rice bran, which is abundant in [ggr]-T3, on chemoresistance in human MM H28 cells. TRF treatment caused a marked reduction in the viability of H28 cells in a dose-dependent manner, while cisplatin treatment had no effect on the cells, indicating that H28 cells are resistant to cisplatin. A significant increase in cytotoxicity was observed in H28 cells treated with TRF, and this effect was enhanced by the combination treatment with cisplatin. The cytotoxic effect was closely related to the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling. Inactivation of Akt signaling by TRF or the combination with cisplatin mitigated cisplatin-induced activation of Akt, resulting in reducing the ch...
New Service Offers Timely Access to Updates in NCCN Guidelines & NCCN Compendium
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN&reg;) introduces NCCN Flash Updates&trade;, a new service that provides notification when an update is made to the NCCN Guidelines&trade; or NCCN Compendium&trade;. A preview of an NCCN Flash Update was recently sent to all registered users of NCCN.org notifying them that the NCCN Guidelines&trade; for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) was published as an addition to the Complete Library of NCCN Guidelines&trade;. Fe... (Source: National Comprehensive Cancer Network Oncology Research Program)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Predictors of mortality within three months in the patients with malignant pleural effusion.
CONCLUSION: Talc pleurodesis prevents the fluid reaccumulation. High-risk tumors, a poor performance status, and lower pleural fluid glucose concentration are predictors of the EM within three months in the patients with a MPE. PMID: 20122610 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)
Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the abdominal cavity, specifically in the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. Doctors and researchers have found a clear relationship between this cancer and high levels of asbestos exposure, but they have yet to find a cure. Due to the low incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma, few studies have been conducted on experimental treatments for patients. The majority of treatment methods are similar to those recommended for pleural mesothelioma. A multimodality approach for treating peritoneal mesothelioma has shown encouraging results in some patients. With this method, two or more treatment options are completed at the same time, often involving the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. Howe...
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a multicenter study on 81 cases
Conclusions: MPM is a disease with various types of presentation, frequently associated with thrombocytosis, sometimes with other tumors. Survival and diagnosis time can differ in various types of MPM. Prognosis is poor. (Source: Annals of Oncology)
Exhaled Biomarkers for Asbestos-Related Disease May Aid Diagnosis of Asbestosis and Mesothelioma
In conclusion, our study has confirming the relevance of oxidative stress and nitrogen species in asbestosis, and suggests that EBC biomarkers may prove useful non-invasive tools in diagnosing and distinguishing between the different asbestos-related disorders in the future.? Additional information on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Chemotherapy maintenance: an option for prolonged survival in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma?
Chemotherapy maintenance: an option for prolonged survival in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma? Acta Oncol. 2010;49(1):122-4 Authors: Hofer S, Sasse B, Scheffel H PMID: 20104656 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Acta Oncologica)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Bristol Landlord Fined For Asbestos Exposure
A Bristol-based company has been fined for putting its workers at risk of asbestos-related diseases while working on a property in the city. Frank Bruce and Company Ltd, of St George, Bristol pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates in relation to refurbishment work at Lawrence Hill Industrial Park in the city during February and March 2009. The court heard Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors visited industrial units where the defendant had organised refurbishment work involving the removal of a large quantity of asbestos insulation board without taking statutory safety precautions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Pleural Mesothelioma Phase III Clinical Trial Will Continue
An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board has recently recommended the continuation of Merck&#8217;s VANTAGE 14, a phase III clinical trial studying the experimental use of vorinostat in patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma. According to their Web site, Merck & Co. Inc. is the second-largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Their researchers have helped find new ways to treat and prevent illness while maintaining a strong dedication to developing animal care products. The clinical trial is specifically studying patients who have already received treatment involving the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed (also known as the brand name Alimta). Vorinostat (marketed as ZOLINZA) is an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor made by Merck that is currently being used for trea...
Proposed adjustments to pathologic staging of epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma based on analysis of 354 cases
We examined pathologic characteristics, previously included in published studies, and explored correlations with outcome among patients with epithelioid MPM who underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). Comparisons of survival among patients with and without each tumor or lymph node feature guided adjustments to the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC)/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) classification criteria. Proportional hazards modeling of TN combinations guided adjustments to stage groupings.Three hundred fifty-four patients were resectable by EPP and had complete pathologic data. Overall median survival was 18 months from surgery. By AJCC/UICC criteria, 233 (66%) patients were stage III, whereas by BWH criteria, 194 (55%) patients ...
[Digital ischemia in two patients treated with gemcitabine.]
Authors: Viguier JB, Solanilla A, Boulon C, Constans J, Conri C A 73-year-old man with an urothelial carcinoma treated with gemcitabine and carboplatinium and an 84-year-old man with a mesothelioma treated with gemcitabine alone developed digital ischemia. In the first patient, the ischemia involved all fingers except the thumbs during the second cycle of treatment. The ischemia developed during the first cycle in the second patient and involved the right major and ring fingers. In the literature, gemcitabine vascular toxicity is probably potentialized by platinium salts. Several nosological entities occur simultaneously. The most widely described involve isolated digital ischemia for doses to the order of 3000mg, and a hemolytic and uremic thrombotic microangiopathy for gemcitabine do...
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy: Study Compares Cisplatin to Carboplatin
In conclusion, our data would suggest the combination of carboplatin and pemetrexed may be a viable option in the treatment of MPM, especially in patients where there are anticipatory problems with the use of cisplatin.? Additional information about mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Inhibition of Met/HGF receptor and angiogenesis by NK4 leads to suppression of tumor growth and migration in malignant pleural mesothelioma
NK4 exhibits two distinct biological actions: antagonistic inhibition of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) through binding to the Met/HGF receptor, and antiangiogenic action through binding to perlecan. Here, the anti-tumor effect of NK4 on malignant pleural mesothelioma was investigated. Of the 7 human malignant mesothelioma cell lines (ACC-Meso-1, ACC-Meso-4, EHMES-1, EHMES-10, H28, H2052 and JMN-1B), only EHMES-10 cells formed subcutaneous tumors when implanted into mice. For EHMES-10 cells, HGF facilitated invasion of the cells in collagen gel, whereas NK4 and neutralizing anti-HGF antibody suppressed the HGF-induced invasion. In addition, NK4 but not anti-HGF antibody suppressed proliferation of EHMES-10 cells in collagen, suggesting that the suppression by NK4 was independent of the HGF...
Autophagy Protects Mesothelioma from HDAC Inhibitor Induced Apoptosis by Targeting Mitochondria
Conclusion: We show that autophagy has an antiapoptotic effect in mesothelioma cells during HDAC inhibitor therapy and propose Nix-associated clearance of damaged mitochondria from the cytoplasm (mitophagy) as a potential mechanism whereby apoptosis is avoided. (Source: Journal of Surgical Research)
Mesothelioma Study from Italy Finds Therapeutic Treatment Method
According to researchers performing a study in Fano, Italy, evidence shows asbestos exposure may be associated with causing DNA breaks, abnormal chromosome segregation and chromosomal rearrangements, which are all considered to be changes that lead towards the development of malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer most commonly affecting the lining of the lungs. While exposure to asbestos may not cause immediate health changes, long-term side effects of this toxic substance can be life-threatening. Through the study, researchers from the University of Urbino found that cellular transformation in malignant pleural mesothelioma may also be caused by genomic instability and DNA methylation, which is the suppression of gene expres...
Mesothelioma Research Shows Photodynamic Therapy to Be Effective
Recently published in Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, an article on photodynamic therapy highlights the effectiveness of the treatment in mesothelioma cancer. Caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs but can also affect the lining of the abdomen or heart. Unfortunately, mesothelioma has earned a reputation as a cancer that is difficult to treat. It rarely responds to aggressive treatment approaches and no cure has been found, but combining therapies has shown to extend the survival rate and improve prognosis in some cases. Combining one or more therapies, known as multimodality therapy, has shown the greatest improvements in mesothelioma treatment. Uniting surgery, chemothera...
Mesothelioma Researchers Study the Risk Associated with Environmental Asbestos Exposure
In conclusion, limited available estimates reveal past and future trends for mesothelioma risk due to general environmental exposure to asbestos in Japan. Results might suggest the need for social and medical support for general populations. These findings may be of considerable interest to other countries that have used asbestos in the past.? Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Staging algorithm for diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma [Institutional report - Pulmonary]
An algorithm of preoperative mediastinal nodal staging with endobronchial/endoesophageal ultrasonography (EBUS/EUS) and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) combined with laparoscopy/peritoneal lavage and cytology was analyzed to establish the realistic criteria for radical multimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The algorithm included computed tomography (CT), thoracoscopy with multiple pleural biopsies and talc pleurodesis, EBUS/EUS and one-stage TEMLA and laparoscopy/peritoneal lavage and cytology of the fluid. Forty-two patients were diagnosed from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008. There were 16 women and 26 men in ages ranging from 43 to 77&nbsp;years (mean 57.8); 31 epithelioid, 2 sarcomatoid and 9 biphasic type MPM. 21/42 patients wer...
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer Testing: Rosetta Genomics Receives Good Results from Johns Hopkins University
In a recent study conducted with the Department of Pathology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Rosetta Genomic&#8217;s miRview(TM) squamous test demonstrated high accuracy in classifying non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 102 samples. miRview? squamous, offered in the United States under the brand name Prometheus Laboratories (ProOnc? squamous), is helpful in differentiating squamous from non-squamous NSCLC. While other methods of testing are difficult to reproduce and have low accuracy, miRview? squamous provides a single score that reveals whether a sample is squamous or non-squamous NSCLC. The 102 samples were classified using ?gold standard? methods (H&E staining) and later in a blinded method using the miRview? squamous test. The results showed 100 per...
Analysis of the Effect of Radiotherapy on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma when Given on Adjuvant or Palliative Basis
Conclusion Multimodality approach involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been evaluated and proved its superiority in improving survival, especially in stages II. (Source: Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer)
Mesothelioma Case Report: Rare Isolated Pancreas Metastasis in Primary Pleural Mesothelioma
In conclusion, local control of pleural mesothelioma improves the survival rate. Thus, an increasing number of patients presenting with spread of the disease to unusual sites is much more likely. The possibility of pancreatic metastatic lesions should be considered in patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma in the presence of epigastric discomfort.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Plasma cell myeloma presenting with diffuse pleural involvement: a hitherto unreported pattern of a new mesothelioma mimicker
We described 2 cases of plasmacytoma presenting with a preponderant involvement of the pleural membranes simulating clinically, radiologically, and on gross pathologic inspection a primary mesothelioma. The patients were an 80-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman. In both cases, the clinical presentation was that of a serosal tumor, including effusions and pleural thickening. In the former, the serosal infiltration raised the suspicion of mesothelioma reinforced by history of occupational exposure to asbestos. Patient general condition deteriorated rapidly. Postmortem examination revealed unilateral encasing of the lung within a thick, irregular neoplastic rind. In addition, tumoral involvement was seen in the homolateral third rib and the clavicle. Histologic examination of pleural masses...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Survey of British Pathologists' performance of mesothelioma post-mortems.
Authors: Goldstein R, Hasleton PS We analyzed the practice of mesothelioma post-mortems in the United Kingdom (UK). Between 2003 and 2004, a questionnaire was sent to all UK Consultant Histopathologists, and 12% were recruited. In general post-mortems, the Coroner approved 60% of requests for organ retention, and Pathologists failed to make such a request in 5.9% of cases. In asbestos cases, the lungs were not fixed for sampling in 54.8% of cases, owing to the Coroners' refusal in 46.4% and the pathologists' failure to make a request in 8.4% of cases. In epithelioid mesothelioma, mesothelial and epithelial stains were considered to be of similar importance, and calretinin was the most popular individual stain. In sarcomatoid mesothelioma, mesothelial stains were chosen by 45.9% of path...
Mesothelioma Death Highlights Risk for Navy Veterans
The recent passing of a mesothelioma patient has brought attention to the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease for previous United States Naval personnel. Robert W. Landon died on January 8, 2010 at his home from mesothelioma cancer. During his time as a Merchant Marine throughout World War II, Mr. Landon served in the engine rooms of tankers, Victory ships and C-2 cargo ships. Such a location was a prime hotspot for asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma. After 1934, U.S. laws required all ocean-going vessels to be protected with fire-resistant materials, which was predominantly asbestos. The pipes in engine rooms were often covered with asbestos insulation to help prevent the occurrence of fires. It is evident that the side effects of asbestos exposure from severa...
Osteopontin-mediated enhanced hyaluronan binding induces multidrug resistance in mesothelioma cells
Authors: K Tajima, R Ohashi, Y Sekido, T Hida, T Nara, M Hashimoto, S Iwakami, K Minakata, T Yae, F Takahashi, H Saya & K Takahashi (Source: Oncogene)
Primary pleural epithelioid angiosarcoma. A case report and review of the literature.
We report herein a further case of a 62-year-old man who presented with progressive dyspnea and bilateral massive hemothorax. The overall pathological and immunohistochemical features of the pleural specimens supported the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma. PMID: 20089367 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Pathology, Research and Practice)
Mesothelioma Causes: Asbestos Abatement Violations Highlight Risk
According to a press release issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Ford Lewis Franklin Trust & Skalak W.H. Profit Sharing Plan, owner of a commercial facility in Lincoln City, was fined $2,917 for allowing unlicensed persons to carry out asbestos abatement at the facility located at 5056 SE Highway 101. Ford Lewis Franklin Trust allowed its agent, William Skalak, to remove approximately 40 square feet of sheet vinyl flooring during a renovation that took place in May 2009. The DEQ investigated the incident and found that the asbestos-containing materials removed were not correctly packaged or labeled. In addition, the debris from the project was placed in garbage bags and stored outside the facility for an unknown period of time. Ford Lewis Franklin Trust &amp...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: a clinical?pathologic correlation of 326 cases
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: a clinical&#8211;pathologic correlation of 326 cases Modern Pathology advance online publication, January 15, 2010. doi:10.1038/modpathol.2009.180 Authors: Sonja Klebe, Noel A Brownlee, Annabelle Mahar, James L Burchette, Thomas A Sporn, Robin T Vollmer & Victor L Roggli (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)
CDKN2A and MTAP deletions in peritoneal mesotheliomas are correlated with loss of p16 protein expression and poor survival
Authors: Alyssa M Krasinskas, David L Bartlett, Kathleen Cieply & Sanja Dacic (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)
Asbestos, lung cancers, and mesotheliomas: from molecular approaches to targeting tumor survival pathways.
Authors: Heintz NH, Janssen-Heininger YM, Mossman BT Fifteen years have passed since we published findings in the AJRCMB demonstrating that induction of early response fos/jun proto-oncogenes in rodent tracheal and mesothelial cells correlates with fibrous geometry and pathogenicity of asbestos. Our study was the first to suggest that the aberrant induction of signaling responses by crocidolite asbestos and erionite, a fibrous zeolite mineral associated with the development of malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) in areas of Turkey, led to altered gene expression. New data questioned the widely held belief at that time that the carcinogenic effects of asbestos in the development of lung cancer and MM were due to genotoxic or mutagenic effects. Later studies by our group revealed that proto-on...
Mesothelioma Researchers Further Support the Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
In conclusion, the researchers found that ?Fibrotic alteration of the pleura and lung were confirmed as predictors of pleural mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and underpin the necessity to elucidate the underlying biological process of fibrosis in relation to cancer development.? Additional information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Diagnostic Performance of Soluble Mesothelin and Megakaryocyte Potentiating Factor in Mesothelioma.
CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicenter study, MPF is validated as a highly performant MPM biomarker. The similar AUC values of SM and MPF, together with the limited difference in sensitivity, show that both serum biomarkers have an equivalent diagnostic performance. PMID: 20075387 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Am J Respir Crit Car...)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Risk and Asbestos Exposure
With the recent health care bill still in limbo, Montana Senator Max Baucus has been able to introduce additional legislation that will bring aid to Libby, Montana residents affected by asbestos and a rare cancer known as mesothelioma. With this addition to the health care bill, mesothelioma and asbestos have been current topics in national news, and knowing how to avoid asbestos exposure is essential to preventing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and have released asbestos fibers into the air. In the past, some of the more...
Mesothelioma Causes: Research On How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
An article recently released in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology discusses the potential and known causes of mesothelioma, most notably asbestos exposure, and explores the biological processes involved in the development of mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.  Annually, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States and those figures are expected to rise over the next decade. Exposure to asbestos occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up the mineral are inhaled or ingested into the body. After asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the release of microscopic asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment can lead to inhalation or ingestion of the...
Early Detection of Mesothelioma Cancer Increases Treatment Options
Combating the rare cancer mesothelioma can be extremely difficult for patients for a number of reasons. For the majority of those diagnosed, the cancer has already reached the advanced stages of development by the time it is detected. Receiving a diagnosis for mesothelioma is tough in general, as many physicians can overlook mesothelioma as a diagnosis due to the resemblance of its symptoms to other illnesses. Another contributing factor that complicates detection and diagnosis of mesothelioma is the severe latency period associated with the onset of symptoms. In most cases, patients do not begin to experience signs of the cancer until 20 years after their initial exposure to asbestos. Because of these issues, treatments are often limited to palliative measures versus curative. However, an...
Homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/2B is a hallmark of iron-induced high-grade rat mesothelioma
Homozygous deletion of CDKN2A&#47;2B is a hallmark of iron-induced high-grade rat mesothelioma Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, January 11, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2009.140 Authors: Qian Hu, Shinya Akatsuka, Yoriko Yamashita, Hiroki Ohara, Hirotaka Nagai, Yasumasa Okazaki, Takashi Takahashi & Shinya Toyokuni (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)
Mesothelioma Treatment: A Review of the Role of the Pathologist in Mesothelioma
The Department of Pathology at Brigham and Women&#8217;s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts recently published an article on the various roles played by a pathologist throughout the mesothelioma diagnostic and treatment process. The article explores the importance of the pathologist not only in the diagnostic stage, but also in the treatment stage as well. Treatment for malignant mesothelioma is heavily dependent upon accurate diagnosis and staging of the cancer. For example, epithelial mesothelioma, the most common subtype of mesothelioma, is treated slightly differently than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. And the stage of the disease upon diagnosis can greatly affect what treatment procedures will be effective for the patient. Thus, the overall prognosis of a mesothelioma patient i...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma and the Prolonged Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Considering the recent trial concerning W.R. Grace & Company, the federal government and the citizens of the asbestos-contaminated town of Libby, Montana, the topic of asbestos-related disease has been receiving national attention in the media. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States and those figures are predicted to climb over the next decade. Asbestos exposure occurs when the fibers that make up the mineral are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This usually happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or otherwise disturbed, resulting in the release of asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. Throughout th...
Mesothelioma Researchers Find Another Prognostic Factor for Mesothelioma Cancer
A study recently released in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery reports on the findings of another potential prognostic factor for mesothelioma cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is even difficult to treat with multimodality treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Research into biological prognostic factors is an important avenue of mesothelioma research since it can help dictate the right treatments for individual patients, thus potentially improving their prognosis. The authors of the study noted, ?Progression of mesothelioma is thought to be governed by various growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Placenta growth factor (PIGF) belongs to the VEGF family, although no study has yet investigated its expression in mesot...
Merlin Olsen Suing Multiple Companies after Developing Mesothelioma
Former National Football League (NFL) player Merlin Olsen has recently filed a lawsuit against NBC Studios, NBC Universal, 20th Century Fox Sherwin Williams, Lennox Industries and other companies for developing the rare cancer mesothelioma. Olsen gained fame during his 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, 14 of which he was selected into the Pro Bowl. After his career in the NFL, Olsen became a sportscaster, actor and a spokesperson for FTD Florists. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame. According to the suit, Olsen worked after school performing manual labor when he was about 10 or 11 years old and was exposed to asbestos during this time. He also claims he was negligently exposed to asbestos during his employment with NBC and 2...
The role of folate receptor alpha (FR?) in the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma to pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy
The role of folate receptor alpha (FR&#945;) in the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma to pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, January 5, 2010. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605501 Authors: J E Nutt, A R A Razak, K O'Toole, F Black, A E Quinn, A H Calvert, E R Plummer & J Lunec (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)
Mesothelioma Causes: Asbestos Ceiling Tiles and the Construction Industry
Throughout much of the 20th century, many homes and buildings were built with hazardous asbestos-containing materials. Outside of the shipyard industry, the construction industry has been affected by asbestos-related diseases more than any other. Asbestos ceiling tiles was a product that received heavy usage in both residential and commercial buildings up until the 1970s. Today, asbestos-contaminated ceiling tiles can still be found in many older structures, including schools, office buildings and homes. Common locations for these ceiling tiles were in ?suspended? or ?drop? ceilings, also known as ?acoustic? ceilings. These ceilings were held up with a t-bar frame that allowed for an open space between the tiles and the roof. The extra space provided room for HVAC equipment, wh...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
The sensitivity of cytologic evaluation of pleural fluid in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma
The objective of this study was to provide the current evidence on the role and sensitivity of cytologic examination of pleural fluid in the diagnosis of MM. We reviewed the cytologic findings in pleural effusions of a large series of histologically proven MM (234 cases) diagnosed in our institution between 2001 and 2008. Of all cases, 154 (66%) had cytologic material examined. A specific diagnosis of MM was rendered or suspected in 53% (79 patients). The lowest sensitivity (20%) was noticed in sarcomatoid MM cases. MM was favored over adenocarcinoma in 97% of patients with positive cytologic findings that have been confirmed with immunohistochemistry. In this series, five cases were inadequate and five cases were initially reported as atypical, whereas 65 cases (44%) were reported as nega...
Metastatic peritoneal mesothelioma in the setting of recurrent ascites: A case report
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is uncommon but rapidly fatal with a median survival of less than 1 year. The diagnosis of this entity is often delayed because of the nonspecific presenting symptoms and nonspecific cytological features of the mesothelial cells in the peritoneal fluids.A 72-year-old man who had no known history of exposure to asbestos and had longstanding refractory ascites thought to be secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis was found to have widespread metastatic malignant mesothelioma involving the lung, liver, pancreas, peritoneal, and pelvic wall, skin and subcutaneous tissue. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)
Carboplatin plus pemetrexed as first-line treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: a phase II study.
CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the activity of the carboplatin/ pemetrexed combination in the first-line treatment of patients with MPM. It is a viable option, especially in cases in which side effects are generally anticipated. PMID: 20085865 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Lung Cancer)
Biological Agents Involved in Malignant Mesothelioma: Relevance as Biomarkers or Therapeutic Targets.
Authors: Crispi S, Cardillo I, Spugnini EP, Citro G, Menegozzo S, Baldi A Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor that arises from the surface serosal cells (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities). Epidemiological and clinical data show that there is an association between asbestos exposure and MM development, even if the exact mechanism whereby asbestos induces MM is unknown. The continuing identification and elucidation of the molecular defects involved in mesothelioma pathogenesis and progression should lead to better disease control and greater therapeutic options in the near future. Goal of this article is to summarize the most recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of mesothelioma with particular emphasis on genes that could be considered as bioma...
Gefitinib Targets EGFR Dimerization and ERK1/2 Phosphorylation to Inhibit Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Proliferation.
Authors: Favoni RE, Pattarozzi A, Lo Casto M, Barbieri F, Gatti M, Paleari L, Bajetto A, Porcile C, Gaudino G, Mutti L, Corte G, Florio T Altered EGFR activity is a causal factor for human tumor development, including malignant pleural mesotheliomas. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effects of Gefitinib on EGF-induced mesothelioma cell proliferation and the intracellular mechanisms involved. Cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and apoptosis were measured by MTT, thymidine incorporation and FACS analysis; EGFR, ERK1/2 and Akt expression and phosphorylation by Western blot, whereas receptor sites were analyzed by binding studies. Gefitinib inhibited EGF-induced proliferation in two mesothelioma cell lines, derived from pleural effusion (IST-Mes2) or tumor biopsy (ZL55...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
p16INK4A inactivation mechanisms in non-small-cell lung cancer patients occupationally exposed to asbestos.
This study suggests that P16/CDKN2A gene inactivation in asbestos-exposed NSCLC cases mainly occurs via deletion, a feature also found in malignant mesothelioma, a tumor independent of tobacco smoking but associated with asbestos exposure, suggesting a possible relationship with an effect of asbestos fibers. PMID: 19375815 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Clinical Lung Cancer)
Mesothelioma Study on Pemetrexed Finds the Chemotherapy Drug to be Safe and Active for Mesothelioma Patients
In conclusion, our results obtained in the German patient population of an international expanded access program are largely consistent with the experience in other ? clinical studies of malignant mesothelioma. It was shown that pemetrexed given alone or in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin is safe and effective as first and second-line therapy in pleural mesothelioma. In particular, single agent pemetrexed could be a valuable treatment option for pretreated patients which may offer substantial clinical benefit. Preliminary evidence suggests that pemetrexed-based chemotherapy has similar activity in peritoneal mesothelioma.? Additional information about mesothelioma and chemotherapy may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma identified using massively parallel transcriptome sequencing
Conclusion: Whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing, combined with a downstream bioinformatics pipeline, provides powerful tools for the identification of differentially expressed exon junctions resulting from alternative splice variants. The alternatively spliced genes discovered in the study could serve as useful diagnostic markers as well as potential therapeutic targets for MPM. (Source: BMC Medical Genetics - Latest articles)
Mesothelioma Research On Secondary Surgery Following Tumor Recurrence
Recently published in the January 2010 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, a study titled &#8220;Second Surgery for Recurrence of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy&#8221; has found mixed results on the efficacy of secondary surgery in mesothelioma patients. Italian researchers retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 74 malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), following the surgical management of their solid tumor recurrences. Follow-up data was available for 57 patients. Of the 57 malignant mesothelioma patients with follow-up data, 11 patients experienced a solid tumor recurrence (1.5 to 12 years after the initial treatment). Of the 11 patients with tumor recurrence, a total of eight showed sufficient...
Mesothelioma Prevention: Asbestos Regulations Strengthened in New York City
Discussions on the proper handling of asbestos materials and educating contractors on how to prevent exposure can better prepare those that encounter asbestos. Even professional asbestos abatement companies can improperly remove asbestos and fail to use protective equipment. Council Speaker Christine Quinn said, ?Taken together, these 12 measures represent a significant overhaul of the City?s demolition and asbestos abatement procedures.? Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drug Alimta Continues to Benefit Mesothelioma Patients
Recent clinical trials in trimodality therapy continue to prove the efficacy of Alimta (pemetrexed) when combined with cisplatin in mesothelioma patients. Dating back to 2004, Eli Lilly and Company has received four approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its drug Alimta. The company?s first approval was received for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, but the drug also needed to be combined with cisplatin in order to be considered an effective treatment method. Eli Lilly received its second approval from the FDA again in 2004 for a second-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemotherapy. Representing 85 to 90 percent of all lung cancers, NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer. Alimta...
'Hidden Killer' Asbestos Campaign Wins International Award
A campaign warning tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos has won a prestigious international award. The Health and Safety Executive's 'hidden killer' campaign came top in the health category of the European Excellence Awards, held in Vienna, which honour outstanding achievements in public relations. Around 20 tradesmen a week die in the UK from asbestos-related diseases and the aim of the campaign, launched in autumn 2008, was to help prevent another generation of plumbers, plasterers, electricians and joiners having their lives cut short... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Mesothelioma and Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: Acute Ischemic Stroke and Efficacy of Emergency Carotid Thrombectomy
We report the case of a 54-year-old man with acute stroke caused by left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion secondary to pleural mesothelioma, discovered later. The cranial computed tomography scan revealed a left hemisphere ischemic lesion. At neurological examination, the modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS) score was 9. The carotid duplex scan (DS) showed a complete thrombotic occlusion of the left ICA. The patient underwent emergency carotid thrombectomy. The screening tests revealed thrombocytosis, hyperfibrinogenemia, increased C-reactive protein values, and multiple left pleural mesothelioma nodularity confirmed at the immunohistochemical investigation. After surgery, the patient's neurological symptoms improved, with an mNIHSS score of 3. At 30 and 120 ...
Mesothelioma Case Brings $17 Million for Families
In a recent mesothelioma case in Philadelphia, a jury revealed a $17 million verdict for the families of two mesothelioma victims. Both victims had been exposed to asbestos-containing materials from several manufacturers, including John Crane, Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies. Before the verdict was determined by the jury, John Crane agreed to a confidential settlement, making Garlock the only remaining defendant in the case. Details of the jury?s decision stated that each man suffered from malignant mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure and that the damages for the families totaled $17 million. Garlock argued their gaskets could not have contributed to the development of mesothelioma even though their gaskets contained approximately 75 to 90 percent asbestos. Later in the trial,...
Mesothelioma Causes: Shipyards Carry High Risk for Asbestos Exposure
The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was heavily utilized throughout much of the 20th century for its insulating and fireproofing capabilities. Because of these qualities, asbestos was incorporated into nearly all naval vessels from the World War II era and into the 1980s. Unfortunately, the side effects of asbestos exposure has affected thousands of past shipyard workers as well as crew members, leaving many with the development of lung cancer, asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Many shipyard employees have either passed away or have been diagnosed with the disease and more are expected as the latency period associated with mesothelioma can range from 20 to 50 years. Diagnosing this cancer is part...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Evaluation of an Attenuated Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector Expressing Interferon-? for Use in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Heterogeneity in Interferon Responsiveness Defines Potential Efficacy
Human Gene Therapy , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Human Gene Therapy)
Second Surgery for Recurrence of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC]
Conclusions In this series, the second surgery did not offer the expected survival benefit of curative treatment strategies and should therefore be considered palliative. Second surgery may be a treatment option in a subset of patients who experience a solid recurrence of MPM that is symptomatic or near vital organs and who cannot undergo additional radiotherapy. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
Mesothelioma Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and have released asbestos fibers into the air. In the past, some of the more common locations for asbestos exposure (predominantly for men) have included the construction, shipyard, railroad, power plant, chemical plant and automotive industries. However, other indirect cases of asbestos exposure, known as secondary exposure, have been noted to affect the lives of women and children. Many of the men who worked with asbestos would often carry home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes, and when their ...
Research From Washington University, Medical Department In The Area Of Pancreatic Cancer Described
Mesothelin is a glycoprotein expressed on normal mesothelial cells and is overexpressed in several histologic types of tumors including pancreatic adenocarcinomas. A soluble form of mesothelin has been detected in patients with ovarian cancer and malignant mesothelioma, and has prognostic value, scientists in the United States report. (Source: Cancercompass News: Pancreatic Cancer)
Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Multi-Institutional Experience [Other Malignancies]
Conclusion The data suggest that CRS combined with HIPEC achieved prolonged survival in selected patients with DMPM. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Treatment Improvements with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Mesothelioma researchers out of Denmark recently published a review of their experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and the incidence of pulmonary toxicity following this type of radiation. The article, titled ?Pulmonary toxicity following IMRT after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma,? was published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology and discusses the potential toxic effects of IMRT and offers recommendations on how to reduce and prevent pulmonary toxicity. ?Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has allowed for an increase in dose to the pleural cavity and reduction in radiation doses to organs at risk. The present study reports and analyzes the incidence of fatal pulmonary toxicity in patients treated at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen...
Case-control study of pleural mesothelioma in workers with social security in Mexico
Environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos in Mexico in the past has been a cause of deaths and health damages. Its magnitude is unknown to date. Our objective was to identify the proportion of cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) that can be attributed to and occupational exposure to asbestos.We carried out a case-control study of MPM in 472 workers insured by the Mexican Institute of Social Security, all Valley of Mexico residents, with 119 incident cases and 353 controls. Cases were histologically confirmed. Participants were questioned concerning their occupational history and sociodemographic data. Assignment to one of the four exposures was performed qualitatively by an expert hygienist. Odds ratios (ORs) and attributable risks (ARs) were calculated using a non-cond...
Mesothelioma Study Further Confirms Use of Multimodality Therapy
Researchers out of the United Kingdom have reported on their 30-year surgical experience with malignant pleural mesothelioma, finding multimodality therapy combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to be most effective at prolonging mesothelioma prognosis. During the period of the study, a total of 139 patients underwent surgical treatment and their progress was followed. The mean age of the participants was 58.9 years and 87% were males. Two-thirds of the participants exhibited disease on the right side of the body, which is common in pleural malignant mesothelioma. The surgical procedures included extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for Butchart stage I patients or pleurectomy/decortication (PD) for patients with more advanced stage diagnosis. Following surgery, some participants under...
Mesothelioma Awareness: 2010 Designated as ?The Year of the Lung?
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) have labeled next year &#8220;2010: The Year of the Lung.&#8221; The campaign was officially launched during the 40th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cancun, Mexico on December 6, 2009. The campaign mission ?Aims to raise awareness about the importance of lung health, generate social and political support for preventing and treating lung disease, and increase public and private funding for lung research.&#8221; According to a document titled &#8220;Climate change and respiratory disease,&#8221; which was published by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and placed on the campaign?s Web site, respiratory doctors have an important role in combating major public health concerns like ...
Staging Mesothelioma: Steps after a Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs. Other, less common occurrences of the cancer include peritoneal, pericardial and testicular mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can happen by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Such exposure is often the result of damaged asbestos-containing materials that have released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Ingestion of asbestos may occur if these fibers land in drinks or on areas where food is prepared. Symptoms of mesothelioma may take anywhere between 20 and 50 years to arise after the initial exposure to asbestos. This often allows the cancer to unknowingly develop, resulting in a late diagnosis for ...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Merkel cell polyomavirus is not detected in mesotheliomas
Conclusions: These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that MCPyV is etiologically linked to mesothelioma. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)
Libby Residents Concerned about Mesothelioma
Months after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the town of Libby, Montana a public health emergency over asbestos exposure concerns, citizens and job-site workers remain concerned whether they are at risk for developing asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma. Libby is the site where W.R. Grace and Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was highly contaminated with asbestos. Several parts of the town were also affected by asbestos exposure including playgrounds, roads and other residential areas. For decades workers in Libby brought the toxic dust home on their clothes where they unintentionally exposed their families to asbestos. Although the EPA along with the U.S. Department of Health Human Services (HHS) began using a $6 million health care ...
Mesothelioma Researchers Study Another Biological Marker and Its Role in Patient Prognosis
French researchers have found another biological marker associated with the prognosis of malignant mesothelioma. Identifying this prognostic marker and investigating it further could lead to a better understanding of mesothelioma prognosis factors and what they mean for mesothelioma patients. The biological marker is neurotensin (NTS) and its cognate receptor (NTSR1). Neurotensin is neuropeptide, a small protein-like molecule used by neurons. Neurotensin is made up of 13 amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and has been associated with colon, prostate, pancreas and breast cancer. The cognate receptor NTSR1 is a gene that provides the genetic coding for the receptor molecule that binds to NTS. The study notes that ?NTS is associated with a number of deleterious functions promotin...
Mesothelioma Causes and Effects
The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials throughout much of the 20th century. Because the mineral is fire-resistant and acts as an excellent insulator, manufacturers of construction materials mixed asbestos into paints, glues, cements, fiberboard, insulation, roofing, siding, flooring and paper in order to enrich such building materials with asbestos? beneficial characteristics. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the toxic fibers that make up asbestos can be released into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause significant damage to the lungs and result in lung cancer, asbestosis, or pleural mesothelioma. Those exposed to asbestos may also be at risk of developing other types of malignant mesothelioma,...
Fatal hemopericardial tamponade due to primary pericardial mesothelioma: a case report
Conclusions: Our case demonstrates a pericardial mesothelioma initially masquerading grossly as pericarditis. Microscopic examination of any grossly abnormal pericardial tissue therefore may be warranted so that a neoplastic disease process does not go undetected. Additionally, of the approximately 200 such tumors reported in the medical literature, a case demonstrating marked hemopericardium and resulting in sudden death has not been described until now. (Source: Diagnostic Pathology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Antitumor activity of anti-C-ERC/mesothelin monoclonal antibody in vivo
In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of C-ERC/mesothelin-specific mouse monoclonal antibody, 22A31, against tumors derived from a human mesothelioma cell line, ACC-MESO-4, in a xenograft experimental model using female BALB/c athymic nude mice. Treatment with 22A31 did not inhibit cell proliferation of ACC-MESO-4 in vitro; however, therapeutic treatment with 22A31 drastically inhibited tumor growth in vivo. 22A31 induced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by natural killer (NK) cells, but not macrophages, in vitro. Consistently, the F(ab')2 fragment of 22A31 did not inhibit tumor growth in vivo, nor did it induce antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. Moreover, NK cell depletion diminished the antitumor effect of 22A31. Thus, 22A31 induce...
Mesothelioma Research Further Confirms Efficacy of Mesothelin-Related Peptides as Diagnostic Markers
Mesothelioma researchers in China have further confirmed the use of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs) as biological markers in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Titled ?Diagnostic Value of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides for Malignant Mesothelioma: A Meta-Analysis,? the purpose of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy of measuring SMRPs for malignant mesothelioma. In other words, the purpose was to find the most accurate SMRP readings that denote a mesothelioma diagnosis. Researchers state, ?Serum concentrations of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) have been reported to be higher in patients with malignant mesothelioma than in healthy subjects and in patients with non-malignant mesothelioma diseases.? SMRPs are proteins associated with me...
A bipartite butyrate-responsive element in the human calretinin (CALB2) promoter acts as a repressor in colon carcinoma cells but not in mesothelioma cells
The short-chain fatty acid butyrate plays an essential role in colonic mucosa homeostasis through the capacity to block the cell cycle, regulate differentiation and to induce apoptosis. The beneficial effect of dietary fibers on preventing colon cancer is essentially mediated through butyrate, derived from luminal fermentation of fibers by intestinal bacteria. In epithelial cells of the colon, both in normal and colon cancer cells, the expression of several genes is positively or negatively regulated by butyrate likely through modulation of histone acetylation and thereby affecting the transcriptional activity of genes. Calretinin (CALB2) is a member of the EF-hand family of Ca2+-binding proteins and is expressed in a majority of poorly differentiated colon carcinoma and additionally in me...
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Amounts to $10.2 Million for Former Paper Mill Worker
In a lawsuit filed against the companies Scapa Dryer Fabrics, Inc. and AstenJohnson, a jury has awarded Henry and Geraldine Barabin $10.2 million for reasons related to asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. The two companies heavily incorporated asbestos into their products and workers nearby the manufacturing process were at a very high risk of being exposed to the toxic mineral. Henry Barabin worked for the two companies as a laborer between 1964 and 2001. His first stint was at the Texaco Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas from 1964 to 1968. He then worked at the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in Camas, Washington from 1968 to 2001. Mr. Barabin believes he was exposed to asbestos dust that was released from asbestos-containing dryer fabrics during normal handling, replacement ...
Preoperative Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Using Doppler Ultrasound
We describe a case of MM of the tunica vaginalis in a 73-year-old man who presented with hydrocele and was preoperatively diagnosed with MM using Doppler in addition to scrotal ultrasound. He underwent early radical orchiectomy through an inguinal approach, resulting in improved survival. (Source: Urology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Expert Hosts Lecture on Palliative Care Options for Patients
Dr. Charles F. von Gunten, an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Institute of Palliative Medicine at San Diego, California will be conducting a lecture on Palliative Care Options for Mesothelioma Patients on Tuesday, December 8. Hosted at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, California, the conference will provide family members, health care providers and patients with up-to-date information on the array of treatments, medicines and procedures available to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, but highly aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can accumulate and cause inflammation and DNA damage. Asbestos exposure has also been lin...
Targeted proteasome inhibition by Velcade induces apoptosis in human mesothelioma and breast cancer cell lines
Conclusions&nbsp;&nbsp;Velcade targets cell cycle and apoptosis signaling to suppress MPM and HBC growth in part by activating novel transducers of apoptosis. This pilot study has paved way for further in-depth analysis of the downstream target molecules associated with presensitization of mesothelioma cells in finding effective therapeutic treatment options for both mesothelioma and recalcitrant breast cancers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-009-1181-8Authors Ying Wang, Wayne State University John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Karmanos Cancer Institute VAMC, 4646 John R. Detroit MI 48201 USAArun K. Rishi, Wayne State University John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute Room B4334, VAMC...
Mesothelioma and Asbestos: Impacts on the Shipyard Industry
Shipyard workers and crew members were routinely exposed to asbestos-containing materials during the World War II era and through the 1980s. At the time, asbestos was thought to be an ideal material to use because of its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures and fires. However, the side effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as past shipyard workers and Navy veterans are still developing asbestos-related diseases. The ships that were built during World War II were heavily contaminated with asbestos. Areas and materials that commonly contained the hazardous mineral were boiler rooms, sleeping quarters, pipes and parts that needed to be insulated. Due to close quarters and heavy use of ships during the war, materials that contained toxic asbestos...
Mesothelioma Survivor: Man Achieves Tumor Disappearance Through Traditional and Alternative Therapy
An article in the Journal of Medical Case Reports recently reported a case of pleural mesothelioma in a 73-year-old man in which the complete disappearance of the tumor was achieved through both traditional and alternative therapies. Authors of the article report that ?a pleurectomy was performed, and as expected, the tumor locally relapsed with increasing chest pain. However, the symptoms suddenly improved while the tumor was apparently reduced, and spontaneous tumor regression was initially considered. The patient confessed that he had self-administered a mushroom extract with alternative parasympathetic nerve stimulation therapy [a type of acupuncture] thereafter.? Throughout a 29-month follow-up, the complete disappearance of the tumor was clinically attained with continuing self-t...
Abstract B27: A preclinical mouse model of orthotopic pleural cancer that facilitates noninvasive quantitative monitoring of tumor progression and therapy response
Conclusions: Pleural involvement by solid tumors remains a significant problem in clinical oncology affecting nearly 250,000 patients annually in the U.S. with no validated preclinical model for therapeutic investigations. We have validated a clinically relevant, reproducible orthotopic model of pleural malignancy that recapitulates human disease and allows for noninvasive quantitative monitoring of pleural tumor burden, progression and therapeutic response. Our xenograft model provides a novel platform to investigate targeted therapies for pleural malignancies.Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):B27. (Source: Cancer Research)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
National Lung Cancer Audit 2009 released
This report summarises the findings of the National Lung Cancer Audit for patients diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma who were first seen in 2008.&nbsp; By the end of June 2008, all cancer networks in England, Wales and Scotland were contributing to the audit.&nbsp; Key findings presented in the summary include the following: &nbsp; .&nbsp;The audit has collected data on 32,447 patients in Great Britain for this audit period, representing over 85% per cent of the expected number of lung cancer cases.&nbsp; .&nbsp;Overall the measures of care appear to be improving slowly but still are below those reported from other Western European countries. Despite this there remains wide variation across trusts and networks and differences in casemix do not appear to explain the whole of ...
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Improved with Three-Dimensional Evaluation
A recent mesothelioma study compared three different methods of evaluating chemotherapy effectiveness in mesothelioma and found one method to be more effective than the others. Experts in the field of mesothelioma will attest that measuring tumor response to chemotherapy is especially difficult because tumors of this cancer follow a non-spherical growth pattern along the pleural surface of the lung, which is challenging to evaluate. An accurate method for measuring tumor response is important to all cancer treatment as it helps doctors assess the treatment?s ability to reduce the size and growth of the tumor. Thus, finding a successful method of measuring chemotherapeutic effect in mesothelioma is very important to improving mesothelioma treatment. Considering the added challenge of meas...
Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Multi-Institutional Experience
Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is a rare disease that carries a poor prognosis. In this retrospective study of 405 patients cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal... Related... (Source: OncologySTAT Journal Scans)
Pancreatic Tumors Are Marked For Immunotherapy
Pancreatic tumors can be identified by a readily detectable marker that shows promise as a basis for immune therapy against the disease, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The marker is mesothelin, a protein normally found on mesothelial cells that line the body cavities. Several types of cancer cells make large amounts of mesothelin, which then circulates in the blood. Mesothelin levels in the blood were shown in earlier studies to predict survival in patients with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer of mesothelial cells)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Epigenetic Profiles Distinguish Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma from Lung Adenocarcinoma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal thoracic malignancy, the epigenetics of which are poorly defined. We performed high-throughput methylation analysis covering 6,157 CpG islands in 20 MPMs and 20 lung adenocarcinomas. Newly identified genes were further analyzed in 50 MPMs and 56 adenocarcinomas via quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Targets of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and genetic alterations were also assessed in MPM cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation arrays and comparative genomic hybridization arrays. An average of 387 genes (6.3%) and 544 genes (8.8%) were hypermethylated in MPM and adenocarcinoma, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the two malignancies have characteristic DNA methylation patterns, likely a result of diffe...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Editorial Comment
Tumor stage and grade have been established as significant prognostic factors in the upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC). Stathmin 1 (also known as oncoprotein 18) is the first discovered member of a family of phylogenetically related microtubule-destabilizing phosphoproteins critically involved in the construction and function of the mitotic spindle. It is overexpressed across a broad range of human malignancies (leukemia; lymphoma; neuroblastoma; ovarian, prostatic, breast and lung cancers; and mesothelioma). (Source: Urology)
CD10 Is Expressed in Most Epithelioid Hemangioendotheliomas: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall.
Conclusions.-CD10 has a sensitivity of 78% (confidence interval, 63.6%-92.4%) and specificity of 70% (confidence interval, 54%-85.9%) for EHE. There is a growing list of tumors that show expression of CD10. Pathologists should be aware of this diagnostic pitfall. PMID: 19961253 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)
Increasing of malignant pleural mesothelioma: burning issue in Split-Dalmatian County, Croatia.
Authors: Mise K, Jurcev-Savicevi&#x107; A, Bradari&#x107; A, Peri&#x107; I, Barisi&#x107; I, Puntari&#x107; D, Mise J, Ili&#x107; N Asbestos-related diseases are one of the burning public health issues worldwide. The incidence and the epidemiological patterns of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Split-Dalmatian County, where a large part of Croatian industry related to asbestos processing and use have been situated were assessed in this study. The history of asbestos-related issues and development of current legislation in Croatia was also discussed briefly. Data on the incidence were collected retrospectively from the medical records of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma treated at Department of Pulmonary Diseases University Hospital Split during the 2000-2007 period. A tota...
Advancement in the mesothelioma diagnostics in Primorsko-Goranska County of Croatia.
Authors: Lali&#x107; H, Bulat Kardum L, Kukuljan M, Dindi&#x107; Pavici&#x107; M, Kricka O The purpose is to find out whether the diagnostics and registration of patients with mesothelioma in the Littoral Mountainous County of Croatia corresponds to the world trends. Further, the intention was to show the incidence of the disease and suggest the measures of prevention in the county of 400,000 inhabitants and its center Rijeka with 140,000 people. To that purpose 43 patients with mesothelioma were monitored in two groups: 25 shipyard workers, mean age 66, and 18 workers in other occupations, mean age 62. Statistically the group did not differ significantly in the incidence of placks, left or right side effusion. The pleural puncture showed the significance (p &lt; 0.05) for incidence of...

should include details regarding any risks that you may be subjected to, the chances of the Cancer reoccurring following treatment and how long you are expected to survive once treatment has been implemented.

Keep in mind that through ongoing research into Mesothelioma Cancer, treatments are becoming more effective and patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, who undergo treatment, are surviving for longer periods of time.

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About the Author:
Peter Lenkefi
Learn more about mesothelioma treatment and asbestos litigation go here: http://www.mesothelioma-treatment-center.com/mesothelioma-doctor.htm