Mesothelioma Prevention and Precaution

	Mesothelioma Prevention And Precaution Mesothelioma Cancer
	Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelima And Asbestos Lawyers Mesothelioma Prevention And Precaution

	Mesothelioma Research Findings Weaken Potential Link Between SV40 Virus and the Cancer A study recently published in the British Journal of Cancer found that SV40 micro-RNAs are not likely to contribute to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer is known for its aggressive nature and is difficult to treat. No cure currently exists, but a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. This combination of therapies, referred to as multimodality therapy, has the greatest chance of extending a patient?s mesothelioma life expectancy. The potential role that the simian virus 40 may play in the development of mesothelioma has been widely debated. According to author...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesothelioma. They also believe the biomarker may help differentiate malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelium. The biomarker being evaluated is a cell adhesion molecule known as CD146. Previous studies have revealed the molecule?s presence in malignant melanoma, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer. In order to test its diagnostic utility, researchers examined the increased expression of CD146 in malignant pleural mesothelioma and reactive mesothelium using two clones of CD146 antibody on smear specimens of effusion fluids. The two antibodies were OJ79 and EPR3208. Immunocytochemical stains were measured as zero for negative, one for weak positi... Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan According to a news report, Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin Chien-hui, director of Taiwan?s EPA Department of Environmental Sanitation and Toxic Substance Management, said the ban on asbestos will be enforced in two stages. On July 1, 2015, regulations will be in place to make sure asbestos is no longer used as a sealing material in construction projects. On July 1, 2020, asbestos will be banned for all uses in tiles, linings and extruded cement panels. The plan to ban asbestos in Taiwan marks a big step towards lowering the incidence of asbestos-related disease. One of these conditions is malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. As with other a... Obtaining an upper estimate of the survival benefit associated with surgery for mesothelioma [Original articles] Conclusions: Given the burden of morbidity of resection in the management of pleural mesothelioma, this most optimistic estimate of the magnitude of any survival benefit should be taken into account in any policy decision, in clinical trial proposals and in strategies adopted by clinical teams. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery) May cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p21 and p27 expression affect prognosis and therapeutic strategy of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma? [Original articles] Conclusions: At Cox regression analysis, a combination of high COX-2 and low p21 and p27 expression resulted in the only negative prognosticator of malignant pleural mesothelioma. With this combination, less aggressive surgical options might be preferred. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery) Editorial comment: May cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p21 and p27 expression affect prognosis and therapeutic strategy of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma? [Original articles] (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the walls. Luckily though, recent air samples showed asbestos levels below the regulatory limits set by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). School spokesperson Nancy Soscia said they became aware of the issue after the wall sealant was disturbed by summer maintenance at Plaza Middle School. After the discovery, other schools in the area were also tested for asbestos levels, including Bayside Middle, John B. Dey Elementary, Old Donation Center, Lynnhaven Middle, Great Neck Middle, and Malibu Elementary. Passed by Congress in 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requi... COX-2 inhibition improves immunotherapy and is associated with decreased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mesothelioma Conclusions: : We conclude that celecoxib is a powerful tool to improve dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and is associated with a reduction in the numbers and suppressive function of MDSC. These data suggest that immunotherapy approaches benefit from simultaneously blocking cyclooxygenase-2 activity. (Source: BMC Cancer) Mesothelioma Risk being Reduced by Florida Mayor Determined to Protect the Public Davie, Florida Mayor Judy Paul is pushing for the removal of asbestos-contaminated piping at a mobile home complex that is slated to be redeveloped into a public park. The asbestos-cement pipes previously functioned as drinking water and sewer lines for the old mobile home park. Some town staffers formerly claimed the contaminated pipes were safe enough to provide drinking water for the planned park. However, Mayor Judy Paul contends that safe enough should not be the standard when it comes to protecting the public from asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure occurs by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers have the potential to become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity, where they can cause da... Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis through JNK and ERK in human mesothelioma cells (Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology) Mesothelioma Screening Techniques May Improve Detection Researchers from the University of Western Australia and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital have further confirmed that higher levels of a particular protein, serum mesothelin, are found in patients with asbestos-related cancer. Their research has encouraged the use of screening tests such as the MESOMARK? assay, which measure mesothelin levels for patients at risk for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this cancer may take decades to arise, which is one of the contributing factors to patients receiving a late diagnosis. This type of screening test could also potentially lead to an earlier diagnosis for patients, which would greatly improve the effects of treatment. Current treatment options only provide temporary relief from...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Non-Profit Research Institute Launches Informative Web Site The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), a medical research non-profit focusing on mesothelioma cancer, recently launched a new patient resource Web site to help mesothelioma patients and their families. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Because of the aggressive nature of the cancer, treating it with just one mode of therapy typically results in a poor response. However, when doctors combine therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, an improvement in survival is commonly recorded. The recently launched Web site offers information for mesothelioma patients and details the research efforts and accomplishments of Dr. Robert Cameron, a world renowned mesothelioma surgeon. Dr. Cameron is the scient... Performance of biomarkers SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA 21-1 as potential tumor markers for malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer in a cohort of workers formerly exposed to asbestos. Authors: Gube M, Taeger D, Weber DG, Pesch B, Brand P, Johnen G, MÃ¼ller-Lux A, Gross IM, Wiethege T, Weber A, Raithel HJ, Kraus T, BrÃ¼ning T The aim of the study is to examine the cancer-predictive values of SMRP (soluble mesothelin-related peptides), CA125, and CYFRA21-1 as potential tumor markers for lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma in a cohort of workers formerly exposed to asbestos. A voluntary surveillance program has been established for German workers with former asbestos exposure. A subgroup of 626 subjects with a mean age of 63 years (range 53-70 years) at baseline was enrolled in an extended health examination program with high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) of the chest and blood drawing between 1993 and 1997. Serum concentrations of SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA... Characteristics of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Women [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC] Conclusions In the absence of other negative prognostic factors, women with epithelial MPM demonstrated a survival advantage. These findings support an aggressive approach to treating MPM including extrapleural pneumonectomy in individuals with favorable prognostic predictors, particularly women with epithelial histology and no other risk factors. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery) A case of cardiac herniation after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant thymoma Abstract  A 44-year-old man underwent radical thymectomy for malignant thymoma 5 years ago. He subsequently underwent right extrapleural pneumonectomy because a right pleural metastatic lesion had developed. The operation was completed uneventfully. Immediately after arrival at the intensive care unit, the patient appeared restless and in pain. His heart rate increased to 140 bpm and then abruptly decreased to 20?30 bpm concomitant with profound systolic hypotension of 30?40 mmHg. Chest X-ray showed that the heart was shifted into the right thorax. Emergent re-thoracotomy was performed and the heart was found to be malrotated and herniated from an upper defect of the pericardial patch in the right thoracic cavity. The heart was returned to the pericar... Laparoscopic Management of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Associated with Pelvic Endometriosis Conclusions: In selected cases of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma associated with pelvic endometriosis, operative laparoscopy can be used effectively to diagnose and treat this condition. (Source: The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Claims the Life of 18-Year-Old Girl After a five-year battle with mesothelioma cancer, 18-year-old Sophie Ellis passed away a little over a week ago. She was Britain’s youngest person to pass away from the asbestos-related disease. Sophie was only 13 years old when she was first diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare age for mesothelioma patients. With a latency period typically ranging between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure, most patients are diagnosed around the age of 60. Being exposed to asbestos as a young child can significantly influence the early development of mesothelioma cancer. Although there is no recollection as to how Sophie may have been exposed, it is assumed that asbestos was the culprit since the disease is almost exclusively caused by the toxic mineral. The majority of mesothelioma patients ar... Five Exposed To Asbestos At Manchester's Arndale Centre A shop fitting company has been fined after five workers were exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres at the Arndale Centre in Manchester. Eastern Regional Shopfitters Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after it ignored a report which stated asbestos was present in a shop it was working on. Two workers spent five days ripping out old shop fittings in October 2009 before they discovered that asbestos had been used in some of the ceiling panels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Mesothelioma Survivor Reaches Third Year Cancer-Free and Now Aids in Raising Public Awareness Three years after an invasive surgery to remove her cancerous lung, mesothelioma survivor Janelle Bedel remains cancer-free and now helps to raise public awareness of the asbestos-caused cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The disease is known for its aggressive nature and is particularly difficult to treat. Although no cure currently exists, a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early enough may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, presently has the best chance of extending a patient?s mesothelioma life expectancy. Before her mesothelioma diagnosis, Bedel thought she was struggling with a chronic si... Mesothelioma Immunotherapy in Combination with Traditional Therapies May Improve Prognosis in Some Patients Although there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, headway is being made in extending the life span of mesothelioma patients by combining traditional therapy with unique treatments such as immunotherapy. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer rarely responds positively to one mode of treatment. Medical professionals have learned that combating the cancer requires more than one mode of treatment. Known as multimodality therapy, this approach combines treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy or some unique form of treatment like immunotherapy to improve mesothelioma life expectancy. In most cases, the patients who qualify for this aggressive treatment approach are those diagnosed in an early stage of cancer dev... Continued Uncertainty Regarding Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma [CORRESPONDENCE] (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Risk at Rhode Island Beach Pavilion Being Addressed by Asbestos Abatement In an effort to reduce risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, asbestos abatement is set to begin August 23 on the Town Beach North Pavilion in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The Town Beach North Pavilion structure dates back to the 1950s, when asbestos was commonly used in many construction materials. The pavilion presently contains asbestos in the wall paneling and roofing. Plans to replace the pavilion were dropped by the Town Council in June over conflicts regarding the $9.5 million proposal. It was at that time that the Town Council agreed to repair the degrading structure. Asbestos is a toxic and naturally occurring mineral known to cause terminal health conditions such as malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are ... Multiple bowel intussusceptions from metastatic localized malignant pleural mesothelioma: A case report. Authors: Liu H, Cheng YJ, Chen HP, Hwang JC, Chang PC Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) is a rare occurrence, and gastrointestinal intra-luminal metastases have not previously been reported. Herein, we report a patient with LMPM who presented with a local recurrence 10 mo after initial en bloc surgical resection. Abdominal computed tomography was performed for intractable, vague abdominal pain with episodic vomiting, which showed a "target sign" over the left lower quadrant. Laparotomy revealed several intra-luminal metastatic tumors in the small intestine and colon and a segmental resection of metastatic lesions was performed. Unfortunately, the patient died of sepsis despite successful surgical intervention. Though local recurrence is more frequent in LMPM, the possibil... Mesothelioma Risk Concerning for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos During Service According to data released by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of military veterans are now suffering from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. This illness is a result of veterans being exposed to asbestos while working on naval vessels where it was used in a number of materials, especially as the primary source of insulation. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are reported every year in the United States. The cancer has earned a reputation as being particularly difficult to diagnose and treat, and to date no cure has been found. Some patients who are diagnosed in an early stage of development may qualify for a combination of treatments (known as multimo... Asbestos Remains A Global Health Threat, Australia Asbestos remains a global health threat, with over two million tonnes produced in 2008. Developing countries are mining and importing asbestos for domestic use, according to an article published in the Medical Journal of Australia... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) SV40 associated miRNAs are not detectable in mesotheliomas Authors: G V Gee, M L Stanifer, B C Christensen, W J Atwood, D Ugolini, S Bonassi, M B Resnick, H H Nelson, C J Marsit & K T Kelsey (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Early Detection Broadens Treatment Options Although there presently is no cure for mesothelioma, a number of patients are being diagnosed early enough to qualify for aggressive treatments that have the potential to extend life expectancy. Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure most often occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, resulting in the release of small, toxic fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. Fighting the aggressive cancer mesothelioma can be challenging for patients for a number of reasons. For the majority of those who receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage of development. This late diagnosis is due to the fact that symptoms of the cancer do not arise until the cancer has reached a later... Mesothelioma Study Investigates Role of Mesothelin Gene in Cancer Development Japanese researchers recently investigated the mechanism by which mesothelin is expressed in malignant mesothelioma. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Human Pathology. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this disease, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis. Although no cure currently exists, some mesothelioma patients are diagnosed early enough to qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, currently has the best chance of extending a patient?s life expectancy. Authors of the study explain, ?Gene methylation leads to... Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Litigation May Cost GM Billions This week bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber granted permission to creditors to request documents from General Motors (GM) in an effort to estimate the cost of asbestos claims against the company. The effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as many former industrial, construction and shipyard workers are becoming diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, the average mesothelioma life expectancy is four to 18 months once a patient is diagnosed. Motors Liquidation Co. is the company left to settle liability claims from GM?s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization. This company plans to create a trust with funds set aside for future tort claims, allowing ... Mesothelioma Study Evaluates Varied Impacts of the Cancer In a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Care, researchers from the United Kingdom reviewed the experiences patients face while living with mesothelioma cancer. The study was titled, ?Living with Mesothelioma: A Literature Review.? Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Although the majority of cases develop in the lining of the pleura, some patients have contracted the cancer in the lining of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Treatments for these conditions are not curative and the mesothelioma life expectancy ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis. The study analyzed 13 papers that covered qualitative studies, patient reports on quality of life, symptoms and surveys of mesothelioma patients and caregivers. The findings s... Assessment of Confounding Factors Affecting the Tumor Markers SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA21-1 in Serum. Authors: Weber DG, Johnen G, Taeger D, Weber A, Gross IM, Pesch B, Kraus T, BrÃ¼ning T, Gube M The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate if serum levels of potential tumor markers for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are affected by confounding factors in a surveillance cohort of workers formerly exposed to asbestos. SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA21-1 concentrations were determined in about 1,700 serum samples from 627 workers formerly exposed to asbestos. The impact of factors that could modify the concentrations of the tumor markers was examined with linear mixed models. SMRP values increased with age 1.02-fold (95% CI 1.01-1.03) and serum creatinine concentration 1.32-fold (95% CI 1.20-1.45). Levels differed by study centers and were higher after 40 years of asbe...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Trial Compares Radical Surgery with Palliative Surgery In conclusion, the researchers found, ?Radical open-lung-sparing surgery may confer a survival advantage to patients with malignant mesothelioma who are fit to undergo radical decortication followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Trials of radical surgery versus no surgery should include lung-sparing operations.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News) Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Findings from Brigham and Women?s Hospital In a study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the drug resistance of several chemotherapy medications for malignant pleural mesothelioma was measured. The study, titled ?’Prevalence of In Vitro Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance in Primary Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Result in a Cohort of 203 Resection Specimens,? aimed to test 203 tumor specimens against the drugs cisplatin, gemcitabine and vinorelbine. Results for the study were obtained in 168 of the 203 specimens. The level of resistance was measured as low, intermediate or extreme and the median age of the tumor specimens was 64 years old. In terms of cellular histology, the malignant mesothelioma tumor specimens were made up of epithelial (103; 61 percent), biphasic/mixed (57; 34 percent) and... Phase I study of gemcitabine, docetaxel and imatinib in refractory and relapsed solid tumors Discussion: An unexpectedly low MTD for this triplet was identified. Our results suggest drug-drug interactions that amplify toxicities with little evidence of improved tumor control. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10637-010-9504-5Authors Biren Saraiya, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USARashmi Chugh, Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USAVassiliki Karantza, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USAJanice Mehnert, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08... Malignant Mesothelioma Among Employees of a Connecticut Factory that Manufactured Friction Materials Using Chrysotile Asbestos There is ongoing argument about the potency of chrysotile asbestos to cause malignant mesothelioma. Risk assessment for chrysotile is influenced by the alleged absence of mesotheliomas among workers at the Raybestos Manhattan friction products plant in Connecticut, a plant that essentially used only chrysotile asbestos. Regrettably, the statement that there is an absence of mesothelioma deaths in the Connecticut plant is false. In this paper, we report on our review of the work histories and pathological reports of five individuals from the Connecticut plant who were diagnosed with mesothelioma. We discuss the Connecticut plant in relation to the most recent epidemiological information for chrysotile. Calculation suggests that mesothelioma rates at this plant were similar to those observed... Mesothelioma Risk Continues in the U.S. as Asbestos Exposure Persists in Certain Industries According to recent investigative research conducted by the BBC’s International News Service and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), the detrimental effects of America?s asbestos age linger in growing mesothelioma fatalities, in addition to other asbestos-related disease. Asbestos exposure is the principal cause of mesothelioma cancer. Following repeated exposure to the naturally occurring mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise. A patient?s life span is often poor since there is no cure for this cancer. Combining aggressive therapies has the potential to improve mesothelioma life expectancy by several months or more, but not all patients qualify for this treatment approach. According to the BBC and ICIJ article, ?Last year, th...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines Recently Released from a European Cancer Society The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recently released clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this aggressive cancer, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients currently ranges between four and 18 months following diagnosis, hence the motivation to improve and standardize treatment of this condition. The ESMO guidelines address the incidence, diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, treatment, response evaluation, and follow-up of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The publication reports that pleural mesothelioma patients usually turn to their doctor with symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. Then... Treatment Options for Current Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the abdominal cavity. 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. Because of the low incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma, few studies have been conducted on experimental treatment options for patients. The majority of treatment methods have followed those recommended for pleural mesothelioma. A multimodality approach to treating peritoneal mesothelioma has shown encouraging results in prolonging the mesothelioma life expectancy of 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. However, ... Mesothelioma Treatment Doubling Surgery and Chemotherapy Proves Effective for Peritoneal Mesothelioma In conclusion, researchers report, ?A two-stage cytoreduction with intraperitoneal chemotherapy offers median survival comparable to one-stage protocols, with relatively low morbidity, mortality, visceral resections and length of stay despite two operations. This series supports that our protocol is a feasible and safe approach.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News) Newly Introduced Legislation May Help Mesothelioma Patients in Libby, Montana Montana Senator Jon Tester recently introduced legislation that aims to attract healthcare specialists to underserved communities that are considered Public Health Emergencies. One such area is Libby, Montana, where many of the 3,900 residents have been affected by a nearby vermiculite mine contaminated with asbestos. To date, approximately 400 Libby residents have passed away from an illness related to asbestos exposure. Statistics also reveal that about 50 new medical cases related to asbestos are reported each year and nearly 2,000 Libby residents have been affected since the official closing of W.R. Grace and Company?s asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine in 1990. With widespread illness linked to the town, the area is finding it difficult to attract specialists to treat the condit... Primary malignant solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma of the parotid gland. Authors: Messa-Botero OA, Romero-Rojas AE, Chinchilla Olaya SI, DÃaz-PÃ©rez JA, Tapias-Vargas LF Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) was first described in the pleura by Lietaud in 1767; later in 1870, Wagner described the localized nature of this type of tumor and Klemperer and Rabin classified pleural tumors into two types: diffuse mesotheliomas and localized mesotheliomas. Recent years have seen the redefinition of this neoplasm, due to better technology; it is now proven that this neoplasm may have multiple different extrapleural origins including the head and neck regions. This diversity of locations is related to the particular mesenchymal histogenesis of SFT which allows its development from very unusual sites such as the salivary glands (SGs). In this particular site, this neopla...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Prevention of malignant seeding at drain sites by hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with pleural mesothelioma Conclusion: Our experience showed that prophylactic radiotherapy to prevent malignant seeding in malignant mesothelioma at invasive procedure sites was effective and well tolerated in preventing malignant seeding, painful metastases after surgery or instrumentation in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Larger multicenter prospective trials are still needed to validate this treatment approach utility for it to be recommended routinely. (Source: Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology) Call for Applications: Mesothelioma Research Grants The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation announces the availability of its 2010 round of mesothelioma research grant funding. Continuing its efforts to stimulate translational research for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, the Meso Foundation is again soliciting applications for funding of innovative projects that address issues for the treatment of the disease. Eligible projects may relate to benchwork, translational or clinical research, must not be presently funded or pending review, and may be conducted through any not-for-profit academic, medical or research institution, in the U.S. or abroad. The Meso Foundation's ability to award grants results from the generosity of private donors, who give to the Foundation in order to make a direct impact on the tragedy of t... Complete regression of human malignant mesothelioma xenografts following local injection of midkine promoter?driven oncolytic adenovirus Abstract (Source: The Journal of Gene Medicine) Mesothelioma Therapy: Heated Chemotherapy as a Treatment Option While recent clinical trials and research studies have made great advancements in understanding mesothelioma cancer, very few treatment options have been established for patients searching for a cure. One form of treatment that has had recent success in prolonging the mesothelioma life expectancy of patients is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a treatment that is still in the developmental process. HIPEC is performed in combination with surgery and involves the use of a heated chemotherapy solution that is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity while the patient is still in the operating room. The high temperature of the solution has been found to increase the chemotherapy drug?s overall impact. In a case earlier this year, a man from Grand Rapids, Michigan has surv... Matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in splenic angiosarcoma metastasizing to the serous membrane. Authors: Takeuchi T, Iwasaki S, Miyazaki J, Nozaki Y, Takahashi M, Ono M, Saibara T, Furihata M Angiosarcoma involving the serous membrane may mimic mesothelioma; therefore, the term "pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma" has been suggested for this entity. However, the pathogenesis of pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma remains unclear. Here, we report an autopsy case of splenic angiosarcoma, which systemically metastasized to the serous membrane of both the peritoneum and pleura, closely resembling a mesothelioma. The spindle-shaped tumor cells exhibited marked invasion of the lymphatic vessels and invaded the serous membrane causing thickening of the fibrous tissues like desmoplastic mesothelioma. In the present case, immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor expressed not o...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Former Power Plant Workers at Risk for Mesothelioma Cancer The use of asbestos-containing materials within power plants was a common occurrence throughout much of the 20th century. Before the 1980s, the insulating and fireproofing capability of asbestos is what made the mineral an ideal substance to use in a variety of ways. Areas within power plants that may have contained these hazardous materials included floors, walls, pipes, valves, pumps and turbines. If any of these materials were damaged or replaced, microscopic asbestos fibers may have become airborne where they could be inhaled. The effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as many former power plant workers are becoming diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, presents an ... Mesothelioma Diagnosis Worries Other Family Members An Ireland man fighting mesothelioma cancer has commented on his family’s ongoing struggle with asbestos exposure, which initially began with asbestos being brought home on his father?s work clothes. Sean Rickard, who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in January, has been told his condition is the result of inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers as a child. Out of nine siblings, seven currently suffer from lung damage and pleural plaques. Mr. Rickard?s father Patrick, who died in 1974 from an asbestos-related lung condition, worked as a pipe coverer spraying asbestos in Harland and Wolff shipyard from 1949 to 1969. During this time, asbestos was commonly used around pipes for its excellent insulating capabilities. According to Mr. Rickard, ?My father stopped working in 19... Audit of patients with mesothelioma treated with pemetrexed in a single institution in Western Australia Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a devastating malignancy that until recently has had no effective treatment. Pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin entered routine clinical practice following reports of efficacy in 2003. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with malignant mesothelioma at a single institution treated with pemetrexed in any combination or as monotherapy between 2004 and 2007. During this period, 62 patients received pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for MPM, most of whom were male (87%), treated in the palliative setting (84%) and received pemetrexed in combination with a platinum agent (95%). Pemetrexed was found to be well tolerated and produced clinical benefit and response rates similar to other published studies for its use in MPM in the phase IV ... Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in the United States According to a recent report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin Chien-hui, director of the EPA’s Department of Environmental Sanitation and Toxic Substance Management, said the ban on asbestos will be enforced through two stages. On July 1, 2015, regulations will be in place to make sure asbestos is no longer used as a sealing material in construction projects. On July 1, 2020, asbestos will be banned for all uses in tiles, linings and extruded cement panels. The plan to ban asbestos in the United States marks a big step towards lowering the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. One of these conditions is malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. ... Zoledronic acid impairs myeloid differentiation to tumour-associated macrophages in mesothelioma Authors: J D Veltman, M E H Lambers, M van Nimwegen, R W Hendriks, H C Hoogsteden, J P J J Hegmans & J G J V Aerts (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Researchers Study Cancer Stem Cells as Therapeutic Targets for Mesothelioma In a study published in the International Journal of Oncology, Cortes-Dericks and colleagues tested whether cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma express resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed, two chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this disease, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis, hence the reason for advancing research on this condition. The study, titled ?Putative Cancer Stem Cells in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Show Resistance to Cisplatin and Pemetrexed,? evaluates the hypothesis that cancer stem cells existing in tumors are responsible for relapse after chem... Mesothelioma Survivor Remains Cancer-Free Six Years Following Diagnosis Diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma six years ago at the age of 29, Karen Grant is currently cancer-free thanks to multimodality therapy with Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women?s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer is well-known for its aggressive nature and is notably difficult to treat. Although no cure exists, a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early enough may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, currently has the best chance of extending a patient?s mesothelioma life expectancy. Grant?s first symptoms arose in 2003 when she woke with a bad ... Asbestos is still with us: repeat call for a universal ban Abstract  All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens. All forms of asbestos cause malignant mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers, and may cause gastrointestinal and other cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk, and there is no safe threshold of exposure to asbestos. Nonetheless, a large number of countries still use, import, and export asbestos and asbestos-containing products. And still today in many countries that have banned other forms of asbestos, the so-called ?controlled use? of chrysotile asbestos continues to be permitted, an exemption that has no basis in medical science but rather reflects the political and economic influence of the asbestos mining and manufacturing industry. To protect the health of all people in the world ?... Immunocytochemistry of CD146 is useful to discriminate between malignant pleural mesothelioma and reactive mesothelium Authors: Ayuko Sato, Ikuko Torii, Yoshihiro Okamura, Tadashi Yamamoto, Takashi Nishigami, Tatsuki R Kataoka, Misa Song, Seiki Hasegawa, Takashi Nakano, Toshiaki Kamei & Tohru Tsujimura (Source: Modern Pathology AOP) Mesothelioma Epidemic Addressed in Recent BBC and ICIJ Asbestos Investigation The BBC’s International News Service, in partnership with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), has recently released an investigative news report on the state of the global asbestos trade. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer. Following repeated exposure to the toxic mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise and a patient?s life expectancy is often very poor since there is no cure for this cancer. Combining aggressive therapies has the potential to extend mesothelioma life expectancy by several months or more, but not all patients qualify for this treatment approach. The BBC and ICIJ report features the story of Janice Tomkins, a mesothelioma patient in the Quebec Province, Canada. Tomkins represents...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Diffusion-Weighted MRI of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Preliminary Assessment of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Histologic Subtypes CONCLUSION. The ADC values of epithelioid mesothelioma are higher than those of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is no significant difference between the ACD values of biphasic and those of sarcomatoid MPM. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology) Mesothelioma Trial Awards Woman $5.2 Million In an asbestos-related case taking place in Utah earlier this year, a woman received $5.2 million after becoming diagnosed with the rare cancer peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. In most cases, patients develop pleural mesothelioma after inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. However, in Vickie Warren?s case, she developed peritoneal mesothelioma, most likely from ingesting the fibers. Symptoms of this rare condition can take between 20 and 50 years to arise from the time of someone?s initial exposure to asbestos. As a teenager and young adult, Ms. Warren helped her father build homes and duplexes. It is believed she was exposed to asbestos-containing joint compounds during this time. The joint compounds were used to seal seams ... Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma The role of surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma encompasses the need for rapid diagnosis, preoperative staging and surgical resection of this rare and aggressive malignancy. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine (Source: Medscape Today Headlines) Surveillance of Australian workplace Based Respiratory Events (SABRE) in New South Wales Conclusions Asbestos-related diseases are the most frequently reported conditions to SABRE NSW. The very low incidence of OA for NSW most likely reflects under-diagnosis as well as under-reporting. Occupational lung disease is still occurring in NSW despite current preventative strategies. The SABRE scheme currently provides the only available information in this area. (Source: Occupational Medicine) Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Current Challenges and Advancements in the Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma An article recently published in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology addressed the current state of mesothelioma diagnosis, reviewing the present challenges and recent advancements. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Once exposed to the toxic mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise and the mesothelioma life expectancy of a patient is often very poor. This is largely due to receiving a late diagnosis and lack of effective treatments for the cancer. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in a late stage of development because symptoms do not surface until the cancer has reached a later stage. The review states that the average time period between onset of mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis is two to three months. The diagnostic process usual...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> The incidence of medically reported work-related ill health in the UK construction industry Conclusion The significantly raised SRRs for medically reported MSD and significantly reduced SRRs for mental ill health in construction workers confirm self-reported UK data. These SRRs provide a baseline of the incidence of WRI in the UK construction industry from which to monitor the effects of changes in policy or exposures. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine) Mesothelioma Cancer May Have an Effect on California?s State Rock With the recent proposal of a bill involving the removal of serpentine as California’s state rock, many are hoping the issue will bring awareness to the hazards surrounding asbestos and the rare cancer mesothelioma. Serpentine, California?s state rock since 1965, is known to contain a form of asbestos known as chrysotile. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been noted as the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer. Most occurrences of exposure to this mineral happen through inhalation after asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Gloria Romero, has passed the State Senate and is now waiting on a vote in the Assembly. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) along with Children?s Hospital Los Angel... Mesothelioma Development: How Asbestos Affects the Body Exposure to the naturally occurring mineral asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. While varying degrees of asbestos exposure can result in the development of mesothelioma later in life, the length and width of asbestos fibers can have a significant impact on whether someone develops the disease. Asbestos exposure often occurs in an occupational setting when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers of asbestos become airborne and are inhaled by those nearby. Construction and shipyard workers are two areas of employment that have a history of placing people at risk for such exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is highly connected to thin asbestos fibers. In addition to mesothelioma, thin fibers are also responsible for th... Pro-tumorigenic Effects of miR-31 Loss in Mesothelioma [Dna and Chromosomes] In this study, we report that MM cell lines derived from patients with more aggressive disease fail to express miR-31, a microRNA recently linked with suppression of breast cancer metastases. We further demonstrate that this loss is due to homozygous deletion of the miR-31-encoding gene that resides in 9p21.3. Functional assessment of miR-31 activity revealed its ability to inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, and clonogenicity of MM cells. Re-introduction of miR-31 suppressed the cell cycle and inhibited expression of multiple factors involved in cooperative maintenance of DNA replication and cell cycle progression, including pro-survival phosphatase PPP6C, which was previously associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy resistance, and maintenance of chromosomal stability. ... Surgical Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Analysis of 540 Consecutive Patients from a Prospective Database The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the survival results for MPM patients after surgery have improved within this time period by an analysis of a prospective cohort of 540 patients and to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes associated with extrapleural penumonectomy (EPP). (Source: Heart, Lung and Circulation)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Intradural Perineural Spread of Mesothelioma Causing Myelopathy by Tethering of the Spinal Cord Cen Eur NeurosurgDOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253345© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents \| Full text (Source: Zentralblatt fur Neurochirurgie - Central European Neurosurgery) Mesothelioma Prevention: Australian Invents Zip Bag for Safer Asbestos Disposal Australian businessman Wayne Loane recently launched a waste removal business featuring Aussie Skip Bags that safely dispose of asbestos waste while reducing human handling of the toxic material. The primary cause of mesothelioma cancer, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in thousands of products throughout the 20th century in all parts of the world. Millions of people in the United States and internationally have been exposed to asbestos through their occupation or through products such as construction materials, auto parts and household appliances. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause a variety of terminal diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. To help prevent mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, Loane invented ano... Integrated Profiling Reveals a Global Correlation between Epigenetic and Genetic Alterations in Mesothelioma Two-hit gene inactivation by gene deletion and methylation silencing is rare in mesothelioma, and requires investigation in other tumor types. (Source: Cancer Research) Complete regression of human malignant mesothelioma xenografts following local injection of midkine promoter-driven oncolytic adenovirus Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. We hypothesized that the tumor-specific midkine (Mdk) promoter could confer transcriptional targeting to oncolytic adenoviruses for effective treatment of malignant mesothelioma.We analysed Mdk expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in six human mesothelioma cell lines, and tested Mdk promoter activity by luciferase reporter assay. On the basis of these data, we constructed a replication-selective oncolytic adenovirus designated AdMdk-E1-iresTK. This virus contains a Mdk promoter-driven adenoviral E1 gene and herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene and cytomagalovirus promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein marker gene. Selectivity of viral replication and... Mesothelioma Lawsuit Highlights Risk for Chemical Plant Workers In a recent case involving a former chemical operator at Hoffman-LaRoche in Nutley, New Jersey, the rare cancer mesothelioma has been brought to light along with the hazards of asbestos exposure. The lawsuit alleges that a former worker passed away as a direct result of being exposed to asbestos while at work. The estate of the deceased worker is filing against several manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. In addition, the lawsuit is alleging that the companies that mined, processed and sold asbestos and asbestos products were knowledgeable of the side effects triggered by asbestos exposure, but failed to enlighten those exposed about the hazards. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Current treatment opti...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Will Antiangiogenic Agents be a Future for Mesothelioma Therapy? Conclusions: This review summarizes the results of antiangiogenic agents under evaluation in clinical trials. A better understanding of the angiogenic pathways activated in MM will hopefully provide new therapeutic options for these patients in the future. PMID: 20629625 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry) Mesothelioma Study Investigates Management of the Pneumonectomy Space After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Surgery This study evaluated the value of pressure monitoring and fluid aspiration (removal of fluid) to monitor the pneumonectomy space after an extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery. Researchers found that ?Intrathoracic pressure monitoring may be used as a guide for intermittent fluid evacuation of the pneumonectomy space prior to onset of clinical signs or symptoms, to avoid the cardiopulmonary risks of rapid fluid removal. Contralateral mediastinal shift should be treated with incremental drainage when there is a rise in intrathoracic pressure to prevent cardiovascular complications.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News) Projection of mesothelioma mortality in Britain using Bayesian methods Authors: E Tan, N Warren, A J Darnton & J T Hodgson (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP) Secretion of intelectin-1 from malignant pleural mesothelioma into pleural effusion Authors: S Tsuji, Y Tsuura, T Morohoshi, T Shinohara, F Oshita, K Yamada, Y Kameda, T Ohtsu, Y Nakamura & Y Miyagi (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP) Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos Mine Receives Protest from Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society has recently announced their disproval of a $58 million loan guarantee by asking Quebec Premier Jean Charest not to provide the loan. The loan to Jeffrey Asbestos Mines, based in Quebec, would enable the renewal of operations in an old asbestos mine located in the town Asbestos. In addition to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Health Association and the Canadian Medical Association have stressed their concerns over the loan as well. The approval of the loan would allow the mine to come out of bankruptcy and operate for more than 25 years. The Canadian Cancer Society vocalized their opinion after the town Asbestos cancelled their participation in the Relay For Life fundraising campaign. Hugues Grimard, the Mayor of Asbestos, said, ?We want to work with ...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Diagnosis Can Follow ?Nonspecific? Biopsy Results In conclusion, researchers found ?Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is valuable in the diagnosis of pleural malignancies. Patients with ?nonspecific pleuritis/fibrosis? require follow-up as a malignant diagnosis (especially mesothelioma) may eventually be established in approximately 12% of cases.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News) Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptide and Osteopontin As Markers of Response in Malignant Mesothelioma [Thoracic Oncology] Conclusion Percentage changes in SMRP levels, but not changes in OP levels, are a potentially useful marker of disease course. These findings should be validated prospectively for a role as an objective adjunctive measure of disease course in both clinical trials and clinical practice. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology) Measurement of Mesothelioma Tumor Volume Aids in Prognosis In a recent study from Columbia University, researchers found measuring mesothelioma tumors may provide additional insight into effective treatment options and other prognostic factors. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer most notably caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this rare condition can take decades to arise and many patients are diagnosed during the latest stage of development as a result. With such a late diagnosis, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months. The purpose of the study was to calculate the tumor volume in pleural mesothelioma patients by using computer tomography scan images and a computerized measurement technique. They wanted to evaluate the changes in volume after chemotherapy and whether the change could help predict o... Pleural Mesothelioma One of Few Thoracic Cancers to Spontaneously Regress In a study recently published in the medical journal Respiratory Medicine, researchers investigated the history of spontaneous regression of thoracic malignancies to determine the incidence and the types of thoracic cancers most likely to spontaneously regress. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of cases affect the pleural lining of the lungs, which classifies this form of mesothelioma as a thoracic malignancy. It typically takes 20 to 50 years for the cancer to develop after repeated exposure to asbestos and there currently is no cure for mesothelioma. Some patients have experienced an improvement in their mesothelioma life expectancy by undergoing multimodality therapy, which combines several forms of treatment to combat the cancer. The rese... Mesothelioma Researchers Investigate a Potential Prognostic Factor In conclusion, researchers found, ?The expression of ILK in MPM is connected with the expression of the downstream target pAKT, but neither ILK nor pAKT expression has a measurable influence on the patient’s prognosis, except for certain subgroups of MPM. However, to shed light on the true prognostic impact of ILK and pAKT expression in MPM, prospective trials are needed.? 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> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Charity Hammers Home The Dangers Of Asbestos, UK Nearly half (47%) of homeowners who do DIY in their properties do not realise that asbestos was used as a building material in homes as recently as the 1990s, according to a British Lung Foundation (BLF) survey out. As part of Action Mesothelioma Day 2010, the BLF is urging DIYers to be Asbestos Aware after the survey of 2,000 homeowners revealed that nearly two thirds (65%) are not confident identifying asbestos-containing materials in the home. Typically asbestos can be found in materials such as floor tiles, toilet cisterns, textured ceiling coatings and linings of boiler cupboards... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Suppression of cell death by the secretory form of N-terminal ERC/mesothelin. In this study, we investigated whether N-ERC could function as a secretory factor to stimulate tumor progression. Full-, N, or C-ERC was overexpressed in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh7 that lacks endogenous expression of ERC/mesothelin. Changes in the rates of cell proliferation and cell death were determined, and the state of signal transducers was examined using various endpoints: total cell counts, trypan blue exclusion rate, BrdU incorporation rate, TUNEL assay, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Stat3. In cells overexpressing N-ERC, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was enhanced and the rate of cell death decreased, leading to the increase of cell number. The culture medium containing the secretory N-ERC also had the activity to increase the number of cells. Our data sug... Re-evaluation of histological diagnoses of malignant mesothelioma by immunohistochemistry Conclusions: In order to use archival tissue material with an earlier MM diagnosis for studies, histopathological re-evaluation is important. In possible sarcomatous MM cases without any positive IR for positive MM markers, radiology and clinical picture are essential parts of diagnostics. IHC based on a panel of two positive and two negative MM markers has to be adapted to the differential diagnostic needs in each single case. New diagnostic tools and techniques are desirable for cases where IHC and other established methods cannot provide a clear entity diagnosis, and in order to improve MM treatment. (Source: BioMed Central) Establishment of in vivo fluorescence imaging in mouse models of malignant mesothelioma. Authors: Yamaoka N, Kawasaki Y, Xu Y, Yamamoto H, Terada N, Okamura H, Kubo S Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis, and new treatment paradigms are urgently needed. For testing preclinical efficacy of new therapeutic agents, establishment of appropriate animal models is crucial. We developed in vivo fluorescence imaging models for human malignant mesothelioma in mice using tumor cells engineered to express fluorescent proteins (EGFP, mRFP, mCherry, and mPlum) by lentiviral vectors. Among these fluorescent proteins, the expression of mCherry protein in the transduced tumor cells was shown to be robust and stable both in vitro and in vivo. In both, peritoneally disseminated and orthotopic pleural mesothelioma models, mCherry-positive tumors were sensiti... Putative cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma show resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed. This study provides evidence of putative CSCs conferring drug-resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed in MPM cell lines. Specific targeting of these drug-resistant cells, while considering the functional heterogeneity of the MPM subtypes, may contribute to more focused and effective chemotherapeutic regimens for malignant pleural mesothelioma. PMID: 20596671 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Oncology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Action Mesothelioma Day Recognizes Rare Cancer For those living in the United Kingdom, today marks Action Mesothelioma Day, an attempt to spread awareness about a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The British Lung Foundation and other asbestos support groups have campaigned for the day since 2006. In addition to creating awareness about the effects of asbestos exposure, the day is meant to support those who have been affected with malignant mesothelioma as well as bring notice to the importance of improving treatment options. A cure for this cancer has yet to be found, but researchers around the world continue to perform clinical trials with the hope of finding one. Current treatment methods are more or less designed to relieve symptoms and prolong life. The average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients ranges between four a... Clinical Trial Investigates Combining the Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drug Pemetrexed with Radiation Therapy The results of a recent clinical trial suggest that pemetrexed can be tolerated in lung cancer patients at high doses with concurrent radiation therapy in an effort to increase effectiveness. The chemotherapy drug pemetrexed is currently a treatment for mesothelioma cancer, a rare disease caused by asbestos exposure. There is no cure for mesothelioma cancer yet, but patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy. Multimodality therapy may improve mesothelioma life expectancy and includes treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Pemetrexed also has an established role in treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, which can also be caused by asbestos exposure. The drug has a similar chemical structure to folic a... The Case for a Global Ban on Asbestos Conclusions: All countries of the world have an obligation to their citizens to join in the international endeavor to ban the mining, manufacture, and use of all forms of asbestos. An international ban is urgently needed. There is no medical or scientific basis to exempt chrysotile from the worldwide ban of asbestos. (Source: EHP-in-Press) Chrysotile Asbestos and Mesothelioma (Source: EHP-in-Press) The Case for a Global Ban on Asbestos Conclusions: All countries of the world have an obligation to their citizens to join in the international endeavor to ban the mining, manufacture, and use of all forms of asbestos. An international ban is urgently needed. There is no medical or scientific basis to exempt chrysotile from the worldwide ban of asbestos. (Source: EHP-in-Press)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Chrysotile Asbestos and Mesothelioma (Source: EHP-in-Press) Floor of mouth and tongue metastasis from malignant pleural mesothelioma (Source: ANZ Journal of Surgery) A giant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: Diagnostic implications in an unusual case with literature review. We report herein a case of a giant SFTP in a 53-year-old man who presented with cough since five years along with chest pain on the left side and progressive dyspnea since two months. Radiological findings revealed a large pleural mass measuring 25 cm in its largest dimension, filling the pleural cavity with effusion. Biopsy showed a spindle cell tumor with areas of dense sclerosis. Subsequent excision unraveled a large multinodular, grey-white tumor, histologically, composed of spindle cells in a 'patternless' arrangement in dense collagenous stroma with areas of hyalinization. Focal areas showed hypercellularity with atypia and mitoses, but less than 4/10 High-Power Field, unassociated with necrosis. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells showed diffuse positivity with vimentin, CD34 and B... Asbestos is still with us: repeat call for a universal ban. Authors: Ramazzini C All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens. All forms of asbestos cause malignant mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers, and may cause gastrointestinal and other cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk. Asbestos cancer victims die painful lingering deaths. These deaths are almost entirely preventable. When evidence of the carcinogenicity of asbestos became incontrovertible, concerned parties, including the Collegium Ramazzini, called for a universal ban on the mining, manufacture, and use of asbestos in all countries around the world (J Occup Environ Med. 1999;41:830-832). Asbestos is now banned in 52 countries, and safer products have replaced many materials that once were made with asbestos. Nonetheless, a large number of countries s... Researchers Discover How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma In a study funded by the National Cancer Institute and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, several researchers from around the world have potentially found how the naturally occurring mineral asbestos causes cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively triggered by asbestos exposure. The specific way of how mesothelioma develops has eluded doctors and researchers for decades. Similar to other asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma has a severe latency period in terms of the development of symptoms. In most cases, patients with mesothelioma will not experience symptoms until at least 20 years have passed since their initial exposure to asbestos. Through the study, researchers analyzed how asbestos fibers, which kill cells, could cause cancer since a dead cell should n...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> FISH assay development for the detection of p16/CDKN2A deletion in malignant pleural mesothelioma Conclusion Distinction between benign and malignant mesothelial proliferations can be diagnostically challenging. FISH for p16/CDKN2A deletion is a useful test for confirming the diagnosis of MPM. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology) How Asbestos Causes Cancer: Mystery Unraveled More than 20 million people in the U.S., and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. The answer appears in a study published in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., Drs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer More than 20 million people in the US, and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines) Canadian Cancer Society Urges Quebec Premier Not To Provide Loan Guarantee To Asbestos Mine In a letter sent to Quebec Premier Jean Charest, the Canadian Cancer Society is urging the premier not to approve a $58 million loan guarantee to Jeffrey Asbestos Mines, based in Quebec, for the renewal of asbestos mining and export. Granting a loan guarantee to the mine will help spread the global epidemic of asbestos-related cancers and damage Canada's reputation as a global leader in public health, says the letter. "All forms of asbestos, including chrysotile asbestos mined in Quebec, cause cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today) Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Study Investigates Resistance in Pleural Mesothelioma Patients An article recently published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery examined the prevalence of chemotherapy drug resistance among malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer has earned a reputation as being particularly difficult to treat, and to date no cure has been established. Some patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of treatments (called multimodality therapy) with hopes of improving their mesothelioma life expectancy. Authors of the study explain, ?Optimizing the multimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma depends on many factors including an adequate chemotherapeutic response? In vitro chemotherapy resistance in human mesothelioma has not been rep...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Recent Progress in Carcinogenesis, Progression and Therapy of Lung Cancer: The 19th Hiroshima Cancer Seminar: The 3rd Three Universities' Consortium International Symposium, November 2009 This symposium presented recent progress of the pathogenesis and treatment of lung cancer. Aberrantly increased expression of miR-21 plays a significant role in lung carcinogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target in both epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant and wild-type cases. miR-34 may be necessary for the radiation-induced DNA damage response. Detailed expression profiling analyses of transcriptome have potential to provide increased understanding of the molecular biology of lung cancer. An embryonic signature is present in lung adenocarcinoma only, associated with a worse clinical outcome. Cytoplasmic expression of caveolin and membranous expression of CD26 are specific to mesothelioma. Nectin-4 is a new candidate for serum and tissue biomarker as well as a therapeutic target... Mesothelioma Treatment Using Cold-Plasma Coagulation According to recent findings from a study conducted by M. Hoffmann and other researchers, using cold-plasma coagulation as a treatment option may benefit patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study, titled ?Cold-Plasma Coagulation in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Results of a Combined Approach,? was published in the online journal Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer most notably caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this rare condition can take decades to arise and many patients are diagnosed during the latest stage of development as a result. With such a late diagnosis, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months. The researchers of the study said, “Surgical a... Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer (University of Hawaii at Manoa) More than 20 million people in the US, and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health) Aircraft maintenance and mesothelioma Claudio Bianchi, Tommaso BianchiIndian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010 14(1):24-24 (Source: Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine) Mesothelioma Risk In Shipyards Recently Addressed By OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published an online “Safe Work Practices in Shipbreaking” document to inform shipbreakers of potential dangers. The document also outlines employers? responsibilities in creating safe working environments for employees. The OSHA shipbreaking fact sheet describes shipbreaking as ?the process of dismantling an obsolete vessel?s structure for scrapping or disposal. Conducted at a pier, drydock or dismantling slip, it includes a wide range of activities, from removing all gear and equipment to cutting down and recycling the ship?s infrastructure.? The fact sheet lists the hazards of shipbreaking, among them fire, lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but at the top of the list is asbestos exposure. Exp...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Detection of Mesothelioma May Improve with New Cancer Program The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute plans to introduce the Environmental Cancer Program to physicians statewide in Michigan on July 1, 2010. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are endorsing the program as well. The new program is designed to train primary care physicians on how to accurately identify and diagnose illnesses resulting from exposure to arsenic, radon and asbestos. These three environmental carcinogens are the most frequently encountered within the state of Michigan. Dr. Michael Harbut, an occupational and environmental medical expert at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, is the director and author of the program. Dr. Harbut said, ?We began introduc... New tricks for old biomarkers: thymidylate synthase expression as a predictor of pemetrexed activity in malignant mesothelioma (Source: Annals of Oncology) The Utility of Electron Microscopy in Cytopathology. Conclusion: When adequate material is obtained, EM can contribute significantly to the evaluation of both FNA and exfoliative cytology cases, including the diagnosis and subclassification of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors, non-neoplastic processes, and the identification of microorganisms. PMID: 20568988 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ultrastructural Pathology) Mesothelin (MSLN) promoter is hypomethylated in malignant mesothelioma, but its expression is not associated with methylation status of the promoter Summary: Gene methylation leads to malignant progression in some tumors. The mechanism by which mesothelin is expressed in malignant mesothelioma (MM) is not well understood. MM is histologically divided into 3 subtypes, that is, the epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic types, and it was shown that mesothelin expression was restricted to the epithelioid type and the epithelioid component of the biphasic type of MM. However, its regulatory mechanism of expression has not been clarified. Here, we studied the expression of mesothelin by immunohistochemistry along with the methylation status of 20 CpG sites in the promoter of the mesothelin gene (MSLN) in 118 lung specimens, including 39 MM, 41 lung carcinoma, 26 nonneoplastic pulmonary lesions, and 12 normal lung tissue samples by the methy... Mesothelioma Litigation: Navy Held Responsible for Asbestos Exposure by California Appeals Court The United States Navy was recently allocated a share of fault for a veteran’s asbestos exposure in a California appeals court ruling. Ulysses Collins died of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, in 2005. Collins had a 31-year history working in naval shipyards where he experienced exposure to asbestos on a regular basis. Due to the vast amount of asbestos-contaminated materials used on Navy vessels until the 1980s, countless veterans and shipyard workers have developed terminal asbestos-related diseases. The veterans and shipyard employees who worked on the asbestos-laden vessels were not warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure and were rarely provided safety protection to reduce exposure. As a result of this toxic exposure, tho...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Litigation: Navy Allocated a Share of Fault by California Appeals Court The United States Navy was recently allocated a share of fault for a veteran’s asbestos exposure in a California appeals court ruling. Ulysses Collins died of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, in 2005. Collins had a 31-year history working in naval shipyards where he experienced exposure to asbestos on a regular basis. Due to the vast amount of asbestos-contaminated materials used on Navy vessels until the 1980s, countless veterans and shipyard workers have developed terminal asbestos-related diseases. The veterans and shipyard employees who worked on the asbestos-laden vessels were not warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure and were rarely provided safety protection to reduce exposure. As a result of this toxic exposure, tho... Three Families Honored at Mesothelioma Symposium During the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, which was recently held on June 11th, the Bendix family, the Ruble family and the Sterling family were honored by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) for their contributions to mesothelioma research. The three families had funded three important research projects through MARF?s research program, giving the foundation the necessary funds to search for a cure. Ken Bendix and his family donated $100,000 for a grant that intends to develop a new virotherapy method to identify and treat peritoneal mesothelioma. Ken and his family funded what is now known as the Ken Bendix Research Grant before his passing in December 2009. The grant was awarded to Dr. J. Andrea McCart of the Toronto General Research Institute. The c... CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes predict favorable prognosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma after resection Abstract  Defects in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression may allow tumor cells to escape immune recognition. T cell infiltration is associated with a good prognosis in many cancers. However, the role of HLA class I expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has not been fully analyzed. In the present study, we investigated the immune profiles and conducted outcome analyses of MPM patients. HLA class I expression and TILs (CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells) were detected by immunohistochemistry in a series of 44 MPM cases. To detect HLA class I expression, specimens were stained with the anti-pan HLA class I monoclonal antibody EMR8-5. The expression of HLA class I was positive in all patients. There was no case that showe... Pearls and myths in pleural fluid analysis Virtually all patients with a newly discovered pleural effusion should undergo thoracentesis to aid in diagnosis and management. The routine pleural fluid (PF) evaluation usually includes the following: cell count and differential; tests for protein, LDH, glucose, adenosine deaminase, cytology and, if infection is a concern, pH and bacterial and mycobacterial cultures. Distinguishing transudates from exudates with Light's criteria is a pragmatic first step. If the effusion is an exudate, various PF tests have proven diagnostic utility: adenosine deaminase levels >35 IU/L usually indicate tuberculosis in lymphocyte-predominant PF; pH < 7.2 or glucose less than 60 mg/dL allow the clinician to identify complicated parapneumonic effusions; and conventional cytology may reveal malignant cells i... Mesothelioma Diagnosis for 12-Year-Old Boy Two fundraising events were recently held for Taylor Boerem, a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. A bike run was held on June 5, 2010 and a picnic was organized on the following day. A silent auction helped raise money for Taylor?s family. Taylor was diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal mesothelioma on March 24, 2010. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Most cases consist of the pleural mesothelioma type and develop in the lungs, but peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen. It is very rare for a person Taylor?s age to be diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma cancer. From the time someone is exposed to asbestos, symptoms often take between 20 and 50 years to arise. However, younger children who are...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Prevention: Managing Exposure Risk During Asbestos Abatement In this study, wet grinding is evaluated as an alternative to chemical stripping of asbestos-containing floor tile mastic,? stated researchers. Although the two methods were found to be statistically similar in terms of cost and asbestos fiber emissions, data from the study indicates there are benefits to the wet grinding method that make it an advantageous alternative for asbestos abatement in a healthcare setting. For example, the wet grinding method does not release an odor like the chemical stripping method does, which is very important for healthcare settings since the odor can linger for days after the removal is complete. Additionally, due to the chemicals in the mastic remover, the odorous ?fumes are effusive, pervasive, and persistent causing irritation to the respiratory trac... Clinical study on mesothelioma in Japan: Relevance to occupational asbestos exposure We examined medical records, X-rays, and pathology results to evaluate mesothelioma cases in Japan between 2003 and 2005; used a questionnaire to identify occupational and environmental histories, and determined the concentration of asbestos fibers in pathology specimens.We identified 442 definite cases of malignant mesothelioma with a median age of 68 years. There were 316 malignant mesothelioma cases with occupational asbestos exposure, 12 cases with neighborhood exposure and 5 cases with likely domestic exposure. Most (78%) of the 87 cases exceeded 1,000 asbestos particles per gram of dry lung tissue.We conclude that 79.2% of cases of mesothelioma in Japan in recent years were caused by asbestos exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Industrial ... Mesothelioma Treatment Medication Alimta Reaches China The chemotherapy drug Alimta, also known as Pemetrexed, has recently reached Chinese markets for sale and distribution. The medication has previously been available in more than 60 countries around the world. Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, Alimta is the first and only chemotherapy drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The medication received this recognition in 2004. More specifically, Alimta was approved in combination with Cisplatin for those whose disease is unresectable or who are not eligible for curative surgery. Since 2004, the drug has received three additional approvals from the FDA. Alimta works by interfering with the process that enables cancerous cells to reproduce and spread to other areas of the body... Mesothelioma Prevention: EPA Approves of Asbestos Mitigation at California Shipyard In a report published by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this month the agency approved asbestos safety measures of the redevelopment work at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in Bayview, California. Protecting Bayview residents from airborne asbestos fibers has been of utmost concern during the redevelopment of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. Asbestos is known to cause a range of terminal diseases, from asbestosis to lung cancer to mesothelioma cancer. The latter disease is often considered the most aggressive and typically claims the life of a patient within four to 18 months of diagnosis. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, some patients may experience an improvement in their mesothelioma life expectancy by undergoing multimodality therapy. In 2006 and 2007 airborne asbes... Malignant pleural mesothelioma: not immune to the effects of novel therapeutic interventions? Authors: Sterman DH, Haas AR PMID: 20558640 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Recent Studies Find Potential Therapeutic Targets for Mesothelioma A number of recently published studies have reported advancements in therapeutic targets for mesothelioma cancer, offering hope to those facing this presently incurable disease. In a study published in the journal Genomics, researchers may have found a new diagnostic marker for mesothelioma cancer. The study was titled ?Knockdown of COPA, Identified by Loss-of-Function Screen, Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Mesothelioma Mouse Model.? Mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Treatment for this rare condition is limited and the mesothelioma life expectancy for patients usually ranges between four and 18 months once someone has been diagnosed. According to H. Sudo and co-researchers, “Development of effective drug treatments ... Imaging in pleural mesothelioma: A review of Imaging Research Presented at the 9th International Meeting of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group Abstract: Imaging of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) poses many challenges for imaging specialists and clinicians due to the anatomic location and unique growth pattern of this tumor. Nevertheless, imaging in MPM plays a critical role in diagnosis, prognostication, prediction or measurement of response to therapy, and monitoring of disease recurrence after aggressive surgical management. Imaging-based studies presented at the 9th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) in October 2008 sought to further define the current practice and future potential of imaging for the mesothelioma patient. The Imaging Session was dominated by presentations that addressed the use of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), a clear indication o... Mesothelioma Advocate Senator Max Baucus Honored by Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Today at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma Senator Max Baucus is being honored with the Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). Senator Baucus has been a long-time advocate for mesothelioma patients and those affected by asbestos-related disease. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. This rare cancer has a long latency period of 20 to 50 years before symptoms arise. Though no cure is available, some mesothelioma patients diagnosed at an early stage of development may see an improvement in their mesothelioma life expectancy by combining several therapeutic treatments. Senator Baucus? state of Montana is home to the country?s most notable asbestos-contaminated town, Libby. The town of... Mesothelioma Claims Affected by Bankruptcy of Three Asbestos Manufacturers This month three asbestos manufacturing companies filed for bankruptcy, including Garlock Sealing Technologies, Bondex International and Specialty Products Holding Corporation. All three companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early June to abate massive financial losses from asbestos-related lawsuits. Many of these lawsuits are mesothelioma cases that involve multi-million dollar verdicts. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. This notably aggressive cancer exhibits a long latency period of 20 to 50 years before symptoms arise. No cure is currently available, but some mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early may improve their mesothelioma life expectancy through a combination of aggressive treatments. Garlock Sealing T... Mesothelioma Risk: The Hazard of Asbestos Exposure The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was significantly used in a variety of products throughout the 20th century. The construction industry may have felt the biggest impact from the toxic substance as more than 3,000 building materials were made with asbestos. The shipyard industry was also heavily impacted by the use of asbestos because of its fireproofing and insulating capabilities. Products used to build ships needed to be fireproof and asbestos-containing materials filled this requirement. When shipbuilding was at its peak during the World War II era, asbestos-laden insulation was one of the most utilized materials. While the construction and shipyard industries may have been the hardest hit by asbestos, other industries such as the power plant, chemical plant, automotive and manu...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Mesothelioma Studied Through Libby Epidemiology Research Project Beginning this month the Center for Asbestos Related Disease will start recruiting participants for the Libby Epidemiology Research Project to further understand the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The five-year Libby Epidemiology Research Project (LERP) will study low-level childhood asbestos exposure, compare exposure to Libby, MT amphibole asbestos to that of other commercial asbestos forms, and observe the prevalence of autoimmune disorders. The rare cancer, malignant mesothelioma, will be observed throughout the project and the results may advance the understanding of how little asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma. The project is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (CARD), the Agency for Toxic Subs... WT1 peptide vaccinations induce CD4 and CD8 T cell immune responses in patients with mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer Conclusions  This multivalent WT1 peptide analog vaccine induces immune responses in a high proportion of patients with thoracic malignancies with minimal toxicity. A randomized trial testing this vaccine as adjuvant therapy in MPM is planned. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00262-010-0871-8Authors Lee M. Krug, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Ave New York NY 10065 USATao Dao, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York NY USAAndrew B. Brown, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 Y... Specialist in Mesothelioma Named Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center According to a press release issued by the Mount Sinai Medical Center, Raja M. Flores, MD, a well-known surgeon for mesothelioma, lung cancer and esophageal cancer, has been named Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Director of the Thoracic Surgical Oncology Program. Before joining the Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Flores has been holding positions at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center for the last decade. His most recent position was Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dennis S. Charney, MD, who is Dean of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, said, ?We are excited to welcome Dr. Flores to Mount Sinai. As an expert in pleural mesothelioma cancer he conducted a landmark study that changed the surgic... Navy Veterans and Shipyard Workers Still Face Mesothelioma Risk With the peak in mesothelioma diagnoses expected to come within the next 10 years, former shipyard workers and Navy personnel should remain cautious for signs of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. Even those who may have been exposed to asbestos during the 1960s and 1970s are still at risk due to the severe latency period associated with mesothelioma. From the time someone was initially exposed to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take as long as 50 years to develop. As a result of this latency period, patients who contract this rare cancer are often diagnosed after the disease has already reached the latest stages of development. In many cases, the mesothelioma life expectancy for patients diagnosed during an advanced stage of development is very poor and typically ran... Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis: a series of eight cases with uncertain malignant potential Authors: Fadi Brimo, Peter B Illei & Jonathan I Epstein (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Possible effect of environmental exposure to asbestos on geographical variation in mesothelioma rates Conclusions Data analyses of mesothelioma mortality and incidence showed that female cases occur in the same geographical areas as male cases. Female mesotheliomas with no IAE occur in the same geographical areas as exposed cases, suggesting asbestos has a major influence on female mesothelioma, likely through environmental exposure. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine) Mesothelioma risk from chrysotile (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine) Factors affecting soluble mesothelin related protein levels in an asbestos-exposed population Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (6): 869-874 Abstract Background: Soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) is increased in the sera of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM), and has been suggested as a diagnostic tool for MM in an asbestos exposed population. However, factors affecting SMRP concentrations in normal subjects and those with other asbestos related disorders have not been investigated in any large population based study. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-eight subjects with a history of asbestos exposure were studied. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), serum creatinine and glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lung function were compared with SMRP concentrations. Results: The mean age [± standard deviation (SD)] of participants wa... Mesothelioma Study Evaluates Cell Proliferation A study from Naples, Italy has analyzed the effects of 3-O-Methylfunicone (OMF) on mesothelioma cells and whether OMF is capable of stopping cell division and motility. The study, titled ‘3-O-Methylfunicone, a Metabolite Produced by Penicillium Pinophilum,Modulates ERK1/2 Activity, Affecting Cell Motility of Human Mesothelioma Cells,’ measured cell motility and invasion by using a modified Boyden chamber. ERK1/2 was examined by using Western blot analysis, which is a technique used to detect specific proteins in a given tissue sample. OMF is a secondary metabolite produced by Penicillium pinophilum that affects cell proliferation and motility in a variety of tumors. Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Treatments for this cance... [Asbestos-related diseases of the thorax.] Authors: Hieckel HG, Hering KG Asbestos fibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, thickening of the pleura and malignancies. These pathologic changes are possible rather than determinate and depend on the type of asbestos fiber, length of exposure to fibers and individual factors. In Germany asbestos fibers were widely used until 1993. Worldwide, there is currently no general ban on the use of asbestos. The leading cause of asbestos-related diseases is occupational exposure. Due to a long latency period the appearance of such diseases may be delayed for more than 40 years so that the final number of cases has not yet been reached. Occupationally-derived asbestos-related diseases of the thorax are asbestosis, asbestos-related benign pleurisy and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Bronchial ca...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Potential Drug Target for Mesothelioma Found in Recent Study In a joint study by Rosetta Genomics and New York University Langone Medical Center, a potential microRNA drug target for mesothelioma was identified because of its tumor suppressor qualities. The study was published in an online issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Rosetta Genomics, a leading developer in microRNA diagnostics, announced the microRNA identified was miR-31. The study was titled Pro-tumorigenic Effects of miR-31 Loss in Mesothelioma. According to the researchers, miR-31 demonstrated characteristics that could possibly be utilized in the development of new therapies for malignant mesothelioma and other cancers. In recent tests, miR-31 has been shown to act as a suppressor in breast cancer metastases. The study consisted of cell lines from mesothelioma patients who di... Mesothelioma Researcher Honored by the Prestigious World Health Organization Professor Julian Peto was recently awarded the Medal of Honour from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The IARC?s esteemed Medal of Honour has been awarded to Peto in recognition of his work on environmental factors in cancer development, particularly environmental factors in the workplace. Peto is known for his dose-response models for asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma, which have been internationally adopted for occupational and environmental asbestos risk assessment. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, most commonly occupational asbestos exposure. Presently there is no cure for this cancer, but patients who are diagnosed early enough may be able to improve their mesothel... Integrated Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Does Not Accurately Stage Intrathoracic Disease of Patients Undergoing Trimodality Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Thorac cardiovasc Surg 2010; 58: 215-219DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241029Abstract The results of trimodality therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are related to stage. Staging can be carried out by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), but all modalities suffer from limitations. We investigated whether integrated PET‐CT improved the intrathoracic staging of patients undergoing trimodality therapy for MPM. Twenty consecutive patients [18 male, median age 62 years (range 52–68)] who underwent 24 PET‐CT scans prior to extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) as part of trimodality therapy for MPM were reviewed. The intrathoracic stage of MPM on PET‐CT was compared with the pathological st... Surgical assessment of malignant pleural mesothelioma: have we reached a critical stage? [Original articles] Conclusions: There are deficiencies in the current staging system for MPM and discrepancies between clinical and pathological systems. Future improvements are needed in clinical descriptors of nodal status and pathological descriptors of T stage. Subsequent IMIG stage grouping also needs revision. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery) Effect of induction chemotherapy on lung function and exercise capacity in patients affected by malignant pleural mesothelioma [Original articles] Conclusions: An improvement in lung function and exercise capacity was seen after IC in patients with MPM. These data suggest that IC does not compromise cardiopulmonary performance in this subset of patients. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Integrated positron emission tomography-computed tomography does not accurately stage intrathoracic disease of patients undergoing trimodality therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. CONCLUSIONS: In one of the few studies of integrated PET-CT in MPM that has complete pathological correlation we have shown that PET-CT does not accurately identify advanced tumor stage (T4) or mediastinal nodal disease (N2). The role of PET-CT staging prior to EPP lies outside the affected hemithorax. PMID: 20514576 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon) Dendritic cell vaccination as a treatment modality for mesothelioma. Authors: Gregoire M Evaluation of: Hegmans JP, Veltman JD, Lambers ME et al. Consolidative dendritic cell-based immunotherapy elicits cytotoxicity against malignant mesothelioma. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200909-1465OC (2010) (Epub ahead of print). Malignant mesothelioma is caused by the neoplastic transformation of mesothelial cells and occurs predominantly in the pleura, but also less frequently in the peritoneum, pericardium or tunica vaginalis testis. Exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber, is the major causative factor. Median survival is approximately 9 months from the onset of clinical symptoms. Median survival is only increased by about 2 months after treatment with currently validated chemotherapy, with the median time to progression also increased by 2 m... In vitro and in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the PPAR?? agonist troglitazone in combination with cisplatin against malignant pleural mesothelioma cell growth (Source: Cancer Science) Prevalence of in vitro chemotherapeutic drug resistance in primary malignant pleural mesothelioma: Result in a cohort of 203 resection specimens Conclusions: The feasibility of performing off-site in vitro drug resistance assays on resected malignant mesothelioma specimens is reported. A significant proportion of mesothelioma tumors exhibited extreme/intermediate resistance to cisplatin, gemcitabine, or vinorelbine. (Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery) Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma of the pleura Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma (LHM), reported to be a rare variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, is challenging to differentiate from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to marked lymphocytic infiltration. To aid accurate recognition of LHM, we examined immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization (ISH) of Epstein-Barr virus RNA (EBER-1) mRNA, fluorescence ISH (FISH) for homozygous deletion of 9p21, and asbestos analysis in four cases (three men and 1 woman). Three patients died, while Case 4 was still alive 19 months after extrapleural pneumonectomy. Histologically, these cases were characterized by heavy lymphocytic infiltration. All neoplastic cells were positive for calretinin, AE1/AE3, and epithelial membrane antigen, but negative for CEA. EBER1 factor was negative. FISH analysis demonstrated h...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div> Downregulation of Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 is sufficient to induce cell death in mesothelioma cells highly refractory to conventional chemotherapy Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and limited response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Several lines of evidence support a role for the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL in MPM chemoresistance. Since it has been recently suggested that Mcl-1 cooperates with Bcl-xL for protection against cell death, we investigated the response of mesothelioma cell lines to the downregulation of Bcl-xL (alone or in combination with cisplatin) and the potential interest of its concomitant inhibition with that of Mcl-1. Using RNA interference, we showed that Bcl-xL depletion sensitized two highly chemoresistant mesothelioma cell lines to cisplatin and that under this treatment, one cell line, MSTO-211H, displayed an apoptotic type of cell death, whereas the other, NCI... Mesothelioma and the Need to Ban Asbestos Recently Recognized On a Global Scale Recent events in Canada and Mexico, in addition to an asbestos hazard warning released by the World Health Organization (WHO), have brought attention to mesothelioma and the urgent need to ban asbestos worldwide. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure occurs by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers have the potential to become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity, where they can cause damage that leads to cancer. Due to the latency period of mesothelioma symptoms, which can range between 20 and 50 years after exposure, the average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients upon diagnosis is four to 18 months. On May 12, a series of high profile events occurred in Ottawa, Canada that garnered much public participat... Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of human calretinin in plasma and serum of mesothelioma patients Conclusions: The novel assay is highly sensitive and applicable to human serum and plasma. Calretinin appears to be a promising marker for the blood-based detection of MM and might complement other markers. However, further studies are required to prove its usefulness in the diagnosis of MM patients. (Source: BMC Cancer) Mesothelioma Radiation: How Does Volumetric Modulation Arc Radiation Compare with Intensity-Modulated Radiation? In conclusion, the researchers found ?RA demonstrated compared with conventional IMRT, similar target coverage and better dose sparing to the organs at risks. The number of MUs and the time required to deliver a 2-Gy fraction were much lower for RA, allowing the possibility to incorporate this technique in the treatment options for mesothelioma patients.? Additional information on mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Mesothelioma Prevention and Precaution guide

Mesothelioma Prevention And Precaution
In my earlier article pertaining to “mesothelioma and asbestos side effects”, I have briefly discussed on the possible side effects common folks maybe faced with should they have any form of furniture or asset fittings within their occupied premise (both at home as well as your workplace) that are made essentially from materials comprising of asbestos components or elements. It was highlighted that workers engaged in certain industries or trade handling or working with asbestos materials should be adequately protected. Specifically, what level of protection as well as precaution should be undertaken? First off, let’s look at the work environment you are currently at: Is it adequately ventilated either through natural ventilation (as in a workplace with generous amount of window openings) or mechanical ventilation (as in is your workplace air-conditioned or provided with other means of positive pressure ventilation)? Are your work stations well spaced out? Is the machinery used by each staff well spaced out as well? Your work environment needs to be properly assessed as it will further determine the level of personal protection you’ll need to provide for your staff or self provided (depending whether you’re working in a large organization or whether you’re self employed). A work environment which has work stations located too close to one another, is in a stuffy and hot room, or situated in a humid country will affect how asbestos particles when released into the environment will propagate. As far as possible, a well balanced form of workplace ventilation should be practiced. While air-conditioning the whole workplace maybe costly in the long run and thus not feasible in terms of monthly electrical bills, this form of balance can be maintained with suitable window openings properly planned out with your contractor or space planner. Going further, the choice of lighting also plays a part in the influencing the room temperature. Too many lights that are not well spaced out? Well, you get the picture. The rate of release of asbestos particles is not only dependent on the environmental temperature, but is also dependent on the level of work being exercised upon. By this, we’re referring to the rate of production of such asbestos components (such as gypsum board manufacturing, etc.). While it may not be a wise business decision to slow down the rate of production in the name of workplace safety and health (then again, it depends on who and where you’re working for), the provision of suitable personal protective equipment (or PPE) shall come into play. At the minimal level, a proper individually-fitted N95 level face mask along with goggles should be provided for the upper chest level, followed by proper safety

Mesothelioma Research Findings Weaken Potential Link Between SV40 Virus and the Cancer
A study recently published in the British Journal of Cancer found that SV40 micro-RNAs are not likely to contribute to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer is known for its aggressive nature and is difficult to treat. No cure currently exists, but a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. This combination of therapies, referred to as multimodality therapy, has the greatest chance of extending a patient?s mesothelioma life expectancy. The potential role that the simian virus 40 may play in the development of mesothelioma has been widely debated. According to author...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Pleural Mesothelioma May Have New Biomarker
In a recent article published in the online publication Modern Pathology, researchers may have found a new biomarker for malignant pleural mesothelioma. They also believe the biomarker may help differentiate malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelium. The biomarker being evaluated is a cell adhesion molecule known as CD146. Previous studies have revealed the molecule?s presence in malignant melanoma, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer. In order to test its diagnostic utility, researchers examined the increased expression of CD146 in malignant pleural mesothelioma and reactive mesothelium using two clones of CD146 antibody on smear specimens of effusion fluids. The two antibodies were OJ79 and EPR3208. Immunocytochemical stains were measured as zero for negative, one for weak positi...
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in Taiwan
According to a news report, Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin Chien-hui, director of Taiwan?s EPA Department of Environmental Sanitation and Toxic Substance Management, said the ban on asbestos will be enforced in two stages. On July 1, 2015, regulations will be in place to make sure asbestos is no longer used as a sealing material in construction projects. On July 1, 2020, asbestos will be banned for all uses in tiles, linings and extruded cement panels. The plan to ban asbestos in Taiwan marks a big step towards lowering the incidence of asbestos-related disease. One of these conditions is malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. As with other a...
Obtaining an upper estimate of the survival benefit associated with surgery for mesothelioma [Original articles]
Conclusions: Given the burden of morbidity of resection in the management of pleural mesothelioma, this most optimistic estimate of the magnitude of any survival benefit should be taken into account in any policy decision, in clinical trial proposals and in strategies adopted by clinical teams. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
May cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p21 and p27 expression affect prognosis and therapeutic strategy of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma? [Original articles]
Conclusions: At Cox regression analysis, a combination of high COX-2 and low p21 and p27 expression resulted in the only negative prognosticator of malignant pleural mesothelioma. With this combination, less aggressive surgical options might be preferred. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Editorial comment: May cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p21 and p27 expression affect prognosis and therapeutic strategy of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma? [Original articles]
(Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Risk in Schools Can Be Managed
Seven schools in Virginia Beach, Virginia built between 1956 and 1974 have been found to contain a small amount of asbestos in sealants applied to the walls. Luckily though, recent air samples showed asbestos levels below the regulatory limits set by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). School spokesperson Nancy Soscia said they became aware of the issue after the wall sealant was disturbed by summer maintenance at Plaza Middle School. After the discovery, other schools in the area were also tested for asbestos levels, including Bayside Middle, John B. Dey Elementary, Old Donation Center, Lynnhaven Middle, Great Neck Middle, and Malibu Elementary. Passed by Congress in 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requi...
COX-2 inhibition improves immunotherapy and is associated with decreased numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mesothelioma
Conclusions: : We conclude that celecoxib is a powerful tool to improve dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and is associated with a reduction in the numbers and suppressive function of MDSC. These data suggest that immunotherapy approaches benefit from simultaneously blocking cyclooxygenase-2 activity. (Source: BMC Cancer)
Mesothelioma Risk being Reduced by Florida Mayor Determined to Protect the Public
Davie, Florida Mayor Judy Paul is pushing for the removal of asbestos-contaminated piping at a mobile home complex that is slated to be redeveloped into a public park. The asbestos-cement pipes previously functioned as drinking water and sewer lines for the old mobile home park. Some town staffers formerly claimed the contaminated pipes were safe enough to provide drinking water for the planned park. However, Mayor Judy Paul contends that safe enough should not be the standard when it comes to protecting the public from asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure occurs by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers have the potential to become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity, where they can cause da...
Arsenic trioxide induces apoptosis through JNK and ERK in human mesothelioma cells
(Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology)
Mesothelioma Screening Techniques May Improve Detection
Researchers from the University of Western Australia and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital have further confirmed that higher levels of a particular protein, serum mesothelin, are found in patients with asbestos-related cancer. Their research has encouraged the use of screening tests such as the MESOMARK? assay, which measure mesothelin levels for patients at risk for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this cancer may take decades to arise, which is one of the contributing factors to patients receiving a late diagnosis. This type of screening test could also potentially lead to an earlier diagnosis for patients, which would greatly improve the effects of treatment. Current treatment options only provide temporary relief from...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Non-Profit Research Institute Launches Informative Web Site
The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), a medical research non-profit focusing on mesothelioma cancer, recently launched a new patient resource Web site to help mesothelioma patients and their families. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Because of the aggressive nature of the cancer, treating it with just one mode of therapy typically results in a poor response. However, when doctors combine therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, an improvement in survival is commonly recorded. The recently launched Web site offers information for mesothelioma patients and details the research efforts and accomplishments of Dr. Robert Cameron, a world renowned mesothelioma surgeon. Dr. Cameron is the scient...
Performance of biomarkers SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA 21-1 as potential tumor markers for malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer in a cohort of workers formerly exposed to asbestos.
Authors: Gube M, Taeger D, Weber DG, Pesch B, Brand P, Johnen G, MÃ¼ller-Lux A, Gross IM, Wiethege T, Weber A, Raithel HJ, Kraus T, BrÃ¼ning T The aim of the study is to examine the cancer-predictive values of SMRP (soluble mesothelin-related peptides), CA125, and CYFRA21-1 as potential tumor markers for lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma in a cohort of workers formerly exposed to asbestos. A voluntary surveillance program has been established for German workers with former asbestos exposure. A subgroup of 626 subjects with a mean age of 63 years (range 53-70 years) at baseline was enrolled in an extended health examination program with high-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) of the chest and blood drawing between 1993 and 1997. Serum concentrations of SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA...
Characteristics of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Women [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC]
Conclusions In the absence of other negative prognostic factors, women with epithelial MPM demonstrated a survival advantage. These findings support an aggressive approach to treating MPM including extrapleural pneumonectomy in individuals with favorable prognostic predictors, particularly women with epithelial histology and no other risk factors. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)
A case of cardiac herniation after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant thymoma
Abstract  A 44-year-old man underwent radical thymectomy for malignant thymoma 5 years ago. He subsequently underwent right extrapleural pneumonectomy because a right pleural metastatic lesion had developed. The operation was completed uneventfully. Immediately after arrival at the intensive care unit, the patient appeared restless and in pain. His heart rate increased to 140 bpm and then abruptly decreased to 20?30 bpm concomitant with profound systolic hypotension of 30?40 mmHg. Chest X-ray showed that the heart was shifted into the right thorax. Emergent re-thoracotomy was performed and the heart was found to be malrotated and herniated from an upper defect of the pericardial patch in the right thoracic cavity. The heart was returned to the pericar...
Laparoscopic Management of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Associated with Pelvic Endometriosis
Conclusions: In selected cases of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma associated with pelvic endometriosis, operative laparoscopy can be used effectively to diagnose and treat this condition. (Source: The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Claims the Life of 18-Year-Old Girl
After a five-year battle with mesothelioma cancer, 18-year-old Sophie Ellis passed away a little over a week ago. She was Britain’s youngest person to pass away from the asbestos-related disease. Sophie was only 13 years old when she was first diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare age for mesothelioma patients. With a latency period typically ranging between 20 and 50 years after asbestos exposure, most patients are diagnosed around the age of 60. Being exposed to asbestos as a young child can significantly influence the early development of mesothelioma cancer. Although there is no recollection as to how Sophie may have been exposed, it is assumed that asbestos was the culprit since the disease is almost exclusively caused by the toxic mineral. The majority of mesothelioma patients ar...
Five Exposed To Asbestos At Manchester's Arndale Centre
A shop fitting company has been fined after five workers were exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres at the Arndale Centre in Manchester. Eastern Regional Shopfitters Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after it ignored a report which stated asbestos was present in a shop it was working on. Two workers spent five days ripping out old shop fittings in October 2009 before they discovered that asbestos had been used in some of the ceiling panels... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Mesothelioma Survivor Reaches Third Year Cancer-Free and Now Aids in Raising Public Awareness
Three years after an invasive surgery to remove her cancerous lung, mesothelioma survivor Janelle Bedel remains cancer-free and now helps to raise public awareness of the asbestos-caused cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The disease is known for its aggressive nature and is particularly difficult to treat. Although no cure currently exists, a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early enough may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, presently has the best chance of extending a patient?s mesothelioma life expectancy. Before her mesothelioma diagnosis, Bedel thought she was struggling with a chronic si...
Mesothelioma Immunotherapy in Combination with Traditional Therapies May Improve Prognosis in Some Patients
Although there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, headway is being made in extending the life span of mesothelioma patients by combining traditional therapy with unique treatments such as immunotherapy. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer rarely responds positively to one mode of treatment. Medical professionals have learned that combating the cancer requires more than one mode of treatment. Known as multimodality therapy, this approach combines treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy or some unique form of treatment like immunotherapy to improve mesothelioma life expectancy. In most cases, the patients who qualify for this aggressive treatment approach are those diagnosed in an early stage of cancer dev...
Continued Uncertainty Regarding Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma [CORRESPONDENCE]
(Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Risk at Rhode Island Beach Pavilion Being Addressed by Asbestos Abatement
In an effort to reduce risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, asbestos abatement is set to begin August 23 on the Town Beach North Pavilion in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The Town Beach North Pavilion structure dates back to the 1950s, when asbestos was commonly used in many construction materials. The pavilion presently contains asbestos in the wall paneling and roofing. Plans to replace the pavilion were dropped by the Town Council in June over conflicts regarding the $9.5 million proposal. It was at that time that the Town Council agreed to repair the degrading structure. Asbestos is a toxic and naturally occurring mineral known to cause terminal health conditions such as malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are ...
Multiple bowel intussusceptions from metastatic localized malignant pleural mesothelioma: A case report.
Authors: Liu H, Cheng YJ, Chen HP, Hwang JC, Chang PC Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) is a rare occurrence, and gastrointestinal intra-luminal metastases have not previously been reported. Herein, we report a patient with LMPM who presented with a local recurrence 10 mo after initial en bloc surgical resection. Abdominal computed tomography was performed for intractable, vague abdominal pain with episodic vomiting, which showed a "target sign" over the left lower quadrant. Laparotomy revealed several intra-luminal metastatic tumors in the small intestine and colon and a segmental resection of metastatic lesions was performed. Unfortunately, the patient died of sepsis despite successful surgical intervention. Though local recurrence is more frequent in LMPM, the possibil...
Mesothelioma Risk Concerning for Veterans Exposed to Asbestos During Service
According to data released by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of military veterans are now suffering from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. This illness is a result of veterans being exposed to asbestos while working on naval vessels where it was used in a number of materials, especially as the primary source of insulation. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are reported every year in the United States. The cancer has earned a reputation as being particularly difficult to diagnose and treat, and to date no cure has been found. Some patients who are diagnosed in an early stage of development may qualify for a combination of treatments (known as multimo...
Asbestos Remains A Global Health Threat, Australia
Asbestos remains a global health threat, with over two million tonnes produced in 2008. Developing countries are mining and importing asbestos for domestic use, according to an article published in the Medical Journal of Australia... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
SV40 associated miRNAs are not detectable in mesotheliomas
Authors: G V Gee, M L Stanifer, B C Christensen, W J Atwood, D Ugolini, S Bonassi, M B Resnick, H H Nelson, C J Marsit & K T Kelsey (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Early Detection Broadens Treatment Options
Although there presently is no cure for mesothelioma, a number of patients are being diagnosed early enough to qualify for aggressive treatments that have the potential to extend life expectancy. Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure most often occurs when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, resulting in the release of small, toxic fibers that can be inhaled or ingested. Fighting the aggressive cancer mesothelioma can be challenging for patients for a number of reasons. For the majority of those who receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage of development. This late diagnosis is due to the fact that symptoms of the cancer do not arise until the cancer has reached a later...
Mesothelioma Study Investigates Role of Mesothelin Gene in Cancer Development
Japanese researchers recently investigated the mechanism by which mesothelin is expressed in malignant mesothelioma. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Human Pathology. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this disease, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis. Although no cure currently exists, some mesothelioma patients are diagnosed early enough to qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, currently has the best chance of extending a patient?s life expectancy. Authors of the study explain, ?Gene methylation leads to...
Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Litigation May Cost GM Billions
This week bankruptcy Judge Robert Gerber granted permission to creditors to request documents from General Motors (GM) in an effort to estimate the cost of asbestos claims against the company. The effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as many former industrial, construction and shipyard workers are becoming diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, the average mesothelioma life expectancy is four to 18 months once a patient is diagnosed. Motors Liquidation Co. is the company left to settle liability claims from GM?s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganization. This company plans to create a trust with funds set aside for future tort claims, allowing ...
Mesothelioma Study Evaluates Varied Impacts of the Cancer
In a study published in the European Journal of Cancer Care, researchers from the United Kingdom reviewed the experiences patients face while living with mesothelioma cancer. The study was titled, ?Living with Mesothelioma: A Literature Review.? Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Although the majority of cases develop in the lining of the pleura, some patients have contracted the cancer in the lining of the heart, abdomen and testicles. Treatments for these conditions are not curative and the mesothelioma life expectancy ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis. The study analyzed 13 papers that covered qualitative studies, patient reports on quality of life, symptoms and surveys of mesothelioma patients and caregivers. The findings s...
Assessment of Confounding Factors Affecting the Tumor Markers SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA21-1 in Serum.
Authors: Weber DG, Johnen G, Taeger D, Weber A, Gross IM, Pesch B, Kraus T, BrÃ¼ning T, Gube M The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate if serum levels of potential tumor markers for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are affected by confounding factors in a surveillance cohort of workers formerly exposed to asbestos. SMRP, CA125, and CYFRA21-1 concentrations were determined in about 1,700 serum samples from 627 workers formerly exposed to asbestos. The impact of factors that could modify the concentrations of the tumor markers was examined with linear mixed models. SMRP values increased with age 1.02-fold (95% CI 1.01-1.03) and serum creatinine concentration 1.32-fold (95% CI 1.20-1.45). Levels differed by study centers and were higher after 40 years of asbe...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Trial Compares Radical Surgery with Palliative Surgery
In conclusion, the researchers found, ?Radical open-lung-sparing surgery may confer a survival advantage to patients with malignant mesothelioma who are fit to undergo radical decortication followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Trials of radical surgery versus no surgery should include lung-sparing operations.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Findings from Brigham and Women?s Hospital
In a study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the drug resistance of several chemotherapy medications for malignant pleural mesothelioma was measured. The study, titled ?’Prevalence of In Vitro Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance in Primary Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Result in a Cohort of 203 Resection Specimens,? aimed to test 203 tumor specimens against the drugs cisplatin, gemcitabine and vinorelbine. Results for the study were obtained in 168 of the 203 specimens. The level of resistance was measured as low, intermediate or extreme and the median age of the tumor specimens was 64 years old. In terms of cellular histology, the malignant mesothelioma tumor specimens were made up of epithelial (103; 61 percent), biphasic/mixed (57; 34 percent) and...
Phase I study of gemcitabine, docetaxel and imatinib in refractory and relapsed solid tumors
Discussion: An unexpectedly low MTD for this triplet was identified. Our results suggest drug-drug interactions that amplify toxicities with little evidence of improved tumor control. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10637-010-9504-5Authors Biren Saraiya, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USARashmi Chugh, Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USAVassiliki Karantza, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USAJanice Mehnert, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08...
Malignant Mesothelioma Among Employees of a Connecticut Factory that Manufactured Friction Materials Using Chrysotile Asbestos
There is ongoing argument about the potency of chrysotile asbestos to cause malignant mesothelioma. Risk assessment for chrysotile is influenced by the alleged absence of mesotheliomas among workers at the Raybestos Manhattan friction products plant in Connecticut, a plant that essentially used only chrysotile asbestos. Regrettably, the statement that there is an absence of mesothelioma deaths in the Connecticut plant is false. In this paper, we report on our review of the work histories and pathological reports of five individuals from the Connecticut plant who were diagnosed with mesothelioma. We discuss the Connecticut plant in relation to the most recent epidemiological information for chrysotile. Calculation suggests that mesothelioma rates at this plant were similar to those observed...
Mesothelioma Risk Continues in the U.S. as Asbestos Exposure Persists in Certain Industries
According to recent investigative research conducted by the BBC’s International News Service and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), the detrimental effects of America?s asbestos age linger in growing mesothelioma fatalities, in addition to other asbestos-related disease. Asbestos exposure is the principal cause of mesothelioma cancer. Following repeated exposure to the naturally occurring mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise. A patient?s life span is often poor since there is no cure for this cancer. Combining aggressive therapies has the potential to improve mesothelioma life expectancy by several months or more, but not all patients qualify for this treatment approach. According to the BBC and ICIJ article, ?Last year, th...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines Recently Released from a European Cancer Society
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) recently released clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this aggressive cancer, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients currently ranges between four and 18 months following diagnosis, hence the motivation to improve and standardize treatment of this condition. The ESMO guidelines address the incidence, diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, treatment, response evaluation, and follow-up of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The publication reports that pleural mesothelioma patients usually turn to their doctor with symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. Then...
Treatment Options for Current Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the abdominal cavity. 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. Because of the low incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma, few studies have been conducted on experimental treatment options for patients. The majority of treatment methods have followed those recommended for pleural mesothelioma. A multimodality approach to treating peritoneal mesothelioma has shown encouraging results in prolonging the mesothelioma life expectancy of 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. However, ...
Mesothelioma Treatment Doubling Surgery and Chemotherapy Proves Effective for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In conclusion, researchers report, ?A two-stage cytoreduction with intraperitoneal chemotherapy offers median survival comparable to one-stage protocols, with relatively low morbidity, mortality, visceral resections and length of stay despite two operations. This series supports that our protocol is a feasible and safe approach.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Newly Introduced Legislation May Help Mesothelioma Patients in Libby, Montana
Montana Senator Jon Tester recently introduced legislation that aims to attract healthcare specialists to underserved communities that are considered Public Health Emergencies. One such area is Libby, Montana, where many of the 3,900 residents have been affected by a nearby vermiculite mine contaminated with asbestos. To date, approximately 400 Libby residents have passed away from an illness related to asbestos exposure. Statistics also reveal that about 50 new medical cases related to asbestos are reported each year and nearly 2,000 Libby residents have been affected since the official closing of W.R. Grace and Company?s asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine in 1990. With widespread illness linked to the town, the area is finding it difficult to attract specialists to treat the condit...
Primary malignant solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma of the parotid gland.
Authors: Messa-Botero OA, Romero-Rojas AE, Chinchilla Olaya SI, DÃaz-PÃ©rez JA, Tapias-Vargas LF Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) was first described in the pleura by Lietaud in 1767; later in 1870, Wagner described the localized nature of this type of tumor and Klemperer and Rabin classified pleural tumors into two types: diffuse mesotheliomas and localized mesotheliomas. Recent years have seen the redefinition of this neoplasm, due to better technology; it is now proven that this neoplasm may have multiple different extrapleural origins including the head and neck regions. This diversity of locations is related to the particular mesenchymal histogenesis of SFT which allows its development from very unusual sites such as the salivary glands (SGs). In this particular site, this neopla...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Prevention of malignant seeding at drain sites by hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with pleural mesothelioma
Conclusion: Our experience showed that prophylactic radiotherapy to prevent malignant seeding in malignant mesothelioma at invasive procedure sites was effective and well tolerated in preventing malignant seeding, painful metastases after surgery or instrumentation in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Larger multicenter prospective trials are still needed to validate this treatment approach utility for it to be recommended routinely. (Source: Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology)
Call for Applications: Mesothelioma Research Grants
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation announces the availability of its 2010 round of mesothelioma research grant funding. Continuing its efforts to stimulate translational research for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, the Meso Foundation is again soliciting applications for funding of innovative projects that address issues for the treatment of the disease. Eligible projects may relate to benchwork, translational or clinical research, must not be presently funded or pending review, and may be conducted through any not-for-profit academic, medical or research institution, in the U.S. or abroad. The Meso Foundation's ability to award grants results from the generosity of private donors, who give to the Foundation in order to make a direct impact on the tragedy of t...
Complete regression of human malignant mesothelioma xenografts following local injection of midkine promoter?driven oncolytic adenovirus
Abstract (Source: The Journal of Gene Medicine)
Mesothelioma Therapy: Heated Chemotherapy as a Treatment Option
While recent clinical trials and research studies have made great advancements in understanding mesothelioma cancer, very few treatment options have been established for patients searching for a cure. One form of treatment that has had recent success in prolonging the mesothelioma life expectancy of patients is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a treatment that is still in the developmental process. HIPEC is performed in combination with surgery and involves the use of a heated chemotherapy solution that is circulated throughout the abdominal cavity while the patient is still in the operating room. The high temperature of the solution has been found to increase the chemotherapy drug?s overall impact. In a case earlier this year, a man from Grand Rapids, Michigan has surv...
Matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in splenic angiosarcoma metastasizing to the serous membrane.
Authors: Takeuchi T, Iwasaki S, Miyazaki J, Nozaki Y, Takahashi M, Ono M, Saibara T, Furihata M Angiosarcoma involving the serous membrane may mimic mesothelioma; therefore, the term "pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma" has been suggested for this entity. However, the pathogenesis of pseudomesotheliomatous angiosarcoma remains unclear. Here, we report an autopsy case of splenic angiosarcoma, which systemically metastasized to the serous membrane of both the peritoneum and pleura, closely resembling a mesothelioma. The spindle-shaped tumor cells exhibited marked invasion of the lymphatic vessels and invaded the serous membrane causing thickening of the fibrous tissues like desmoplastic mesothelioma. In the present case, immunohistochemical staining showed that the tumor expressed not o...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Former Power Plant Workers at Risk for Mesothelioma Cancer
The use of asbestos-containing materials within power plants was a common occurrence throughout much of the 20th century. Before the 1980s, the insulating and fireproofing capability of asbestos is what made the mineral an ideal substance to use in a variety of ways. Areas within power plants that may have contained these hazardous materials included floors, walls, pipes, valves, pumps and turbines. If any of these materials were damaged or replaced, microscopic asbestos fibers may have become airborne where they could be inhaled. The effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as many former power plant workers are becoming diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, presents an ...
Mesothelioma Diagnosis Worries Other Family Members
An Ireland man fighting mesothelioma cancer has commented on his family’s ongoing struggle with asbestos exposure, which initially began with asbestos being brought home on his father?s work clothes. Sean Rickard, who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in January, has been told his condition is the result of inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers as a child. Out of nine siblings, seven currently suffer from lung damage and pleural plaques. Mr. Rickard?s father Patrick, who died in 1974 from an asbestos-related lung condition, worked as a pipe coverer spraying asbestos in Harland and Wolff shipyard from 1949 to 1969. During this time, asbestos was commonly used around pipes for its excellent insulating capabilities. According to Mr. Rickard, ?My father stopped working in 19...
Audit of patients with mesothelioma treated with pemetrexed in a single institution in Western Australia
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a devastating malignancy that until recently has had no effective treatment. Pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin entered routine clinical practice following reports of efficacy in 2003. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with malignant mesothelioma at a single institution treated with pemetrexed in any combination or as monotherapy between 2004 and 2007. During this period, 62 patients received pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for MPM, most of whom were male (87%), treated in the palliative setting (84%) and received pemetrexed in combination with a platinum agent (95%). Pemetrexed was found to be well tolerated and produced clinical benefit and response rates similar to other published studies for its use in MPM in the phase IV ...
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos May be Banned in the United States
According to a recent report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has plans to phase out the use of asbestos within the next decade. Lin Chien-hui, director of the EPA’s Department of Environmental Sanitation and Toxic Substance Management, said the ban on asbestos will be enforced through two stages. On July 1, 2015, regulations will be in place to make sure asbestos is no longer used as a sealing material in construction projects. On July 1, 2020, asbestos will be banned for all uses in tiles, linings and extruded cement panels. The plan to ban asbestos in the United States marks a big step towards lowering the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. One of these conditions is malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. ...
Zoledronic acid impairs myeloid differentiation to tumour-associated macrophages in mesothelioma
Authors: J D Veltman, M E H Lambers, M van Nimwegen, R W Hendriks, H C Hoogsteden, J P J J Hegmans & J G J V Aerts (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Researchers Study Cancer Stem Cells as Therapeutic Targets for Mesothelioma
In a study published in the International Journal of Oncology, Cortes-Dericks and colleagues tested whether cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma express resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed, two chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Because there is no cure for this disease, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months after diagnosis, hence the reason for advancing research on this condition. The study, titled ?Putative Cancer Stem Cells in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Show Resistance to Cisplatin and Pemetrexed,? evaluates the hypothesis that cancer stem cells existing in tumors are responsible for relapse after chem...
Mesothelioma Survivor Remains Cancer-Free Six Years Following Diagnosis
Diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma six years ago at the age of 29, Karen Grant is currently cancer-free thanks to multimodality therapy with Dr. David Sugarbaker at Brigham and Women?s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The cancer is well-known for its aggressive nature and is notably difficult to treat. Although no cure exists, a number of mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early enough may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy, currently has the best chance of extending a patient?s mesothelioma life expectancy. Grant?s first symptoms arose in 2003 when she woke with a bad ...
Asbestos is still with us: repeat call for a universal ban
Abstract  All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens. All forms of asbestos cause malignant mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers, and may cause gastrointestinal and other cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk, and there is no safe threshold of exposure to asbestos. Nonetheless, a large number of countries still use, import, and export asbestos and asbestos-containing products. And still today in many countries that have banned other forms of asbestos, the so-called ?controlled use? of chrysotile asbestos continues to be permitted, an exemption that has no basis in medical science but rather reflects the political and economic influence of the asbestos mining and manufacturing industry. To protect the health of all people in the world ?...
Immunocytochemistry of CD146 is useful to discriminate between malignant pleural mesothelioma and reactive mesothelium
Authors: Ayuko Sato, Ikuko Torii, Yoshihiro Okamura, Tadashi Yamamoto, Takashi Nishigami, Tatsuki R Kataoka, Misa Song, Seiki Hasegawa, Takashi Nakano, Toshiaki Kamei & Tohru Tsujimura (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)
Mesothelioma Epidemic Addressed in Recent BBC and ICIJ Asbestos Investigation
The BBC’s International News Service, in partnership with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ), has recently released an investigative news report on the state of the global asbestos trade. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer. Following repeated exposure to the toxic mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise and a patient?s life expectancy is often very poor since there is no cure for this cancer. Combining aggressive therapies has the potential to extend mesothelioma life expectancy by several months or more, but not all patients qualify for this treatment approach. The BBC and ICIJ report features the story of Janice Tomkins, a mesothelioma patient in the Quebec Province, Canada. Tomkins represents...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Diffusion-Weighted MRI of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Preliminary Assessment of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Histologic Subtypes
CONCLUSION. The ADC values of epithelioid mesothelioma are higher than those of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. There is no significant difference between the ACD values of biphasic and those of sarcomatoid MPM. (Source: American Journal of Roentgenology)
Mesothelioma Trial Awards Woman $5.2 Million
In an asbestos-related case taking place in Utah earlier this year, a woman received $5.2 million after becoming diagnosed with the rare cancer peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. In most cases, patients develop pleural mesothelioma after inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. However, in Vickie Warren?s case, she developed peritoneal mesothelioma, most likely from ingesting the fibers. Symptoms of this rare condition can take between 20 and 50 years to arise from the time of someone?s initial exposure to asbestos. As a teenager and young adult, Ms. Warren helped her father build homes and duplexes. It is believed she was exposed to asbestos-containing joint compounds during this time. The joint compounds were used to seal seams ...
Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The role of surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma encompasses the need for rapid diagnosis, preoperative staging and surgical resection of this rare and aggressive malignancy. Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Surveillance of Australian workplace Based Respiratory Events (SABRE) in New South Wales
Conclusions Asbestos-related diseases are the most frequently reported conditions to SABRE NSW. The very low incidence of OA for NSW most likely reflects under-diagnosis as well as under-reporting. Occupational lung disease is still occurring in NSW despite current preventative strategies. The SABRE scheme currently provides the only available information in this area. (Source: Occupational Medicine)
Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Current Challenges and Advancements in the Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma
An article recently published in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology addressed the current state of mesothelioma diagnosis, reviewing the present challenges and recent advancements. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Once exposed to the toxic mineral, symptoms can take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise and the mesothelioma life expectancy of a patient is often very poor. This is largely due to receiving a late diagnosis and lack of effective treatments for the cancer. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in a late stage of development because symptoms do not surface until the cancer has reached a later stage. The review states that the average time period between onset of mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis is two to three months. The diagnostic process usual...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
The incidence of medically reported work-related ill health in the UK construction industry
Conclusion The significantly raised SRRs for medically reported MSD and significantly reduced SRRs for mental ill health in construction workers confirm self-reported UK data. These SRRs provide a baseline of the incidence of WRI in the UK construction industry from which to monitor the effects of changes in policy or exposures. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)
Mesothelioma Cancer May Have an Effect on California?s State Rock
With the recent proposal of a bill involving the removal of serpentine as California’s state rock, many are hoping the issue will bring awareness to the hazards surrounding asbestos and the rare cancer mesothelioma. Serpentine, California?s state rock since 1965, is known to contain a form of asbestos known as chrysotile. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been noted as the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer. Most occurrences of exposure to this mineral happen through inhalation after asbestos-containing materials have been disturbed. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Gloria Romero, has passed the State Senate and is now waiting on a vote in the Assembly. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) along with Children?s Hospital Los Angel...
Mesothelioma Development: How Asbestos Affects the Body
Exposure to the naturally occurring mineral asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. While varying degrees of asbestos exposure can result in the development of mesothelioma later in life, the length and width of asbestos fibers can have a significant impact on whether someone develops the disease. Asbestos exposure often occurs in an occupational setting when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers of asbestos become airborne and are inhaled by those nearby. Construction and shipyard workers are two areas of employment that have a history of placing people at risk for such exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is highly connected to thin asbestos fibers. In addition to mesothelioma, thin fibers are also responsible for th...
Pro-tumorigenic Effects of miR-31 Loss in Mesothelioma [Dna and Chromosomes]
In this study, we report that MM cell lines derived from patients with more aggressive disease fail to express miR-31, a microRNA recently linked with suppression of breast cancer metastases. We further demonstrate that this loss is due to homozygous deletion of the miR-31-encoding gene that resides in 9p21.3. Functional assessment of miR-31 activity revealed its ability to inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, and clonogenicity of MM cells. Re-introduction of miR-31 suppressed the cell cycle and inhibited expression of multiple factors involved in cooperative maintenance of DNA replication and cell cycle progression, including pro-survival phosphatase PPP6C, which was previously associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy resistance, and maintenance of chromosomal stability. ...
Surgical Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Analysis of 540 Consecutive Patients from a Prospective Database
The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the survival results for MPM patients after surgery have improved within this time period by an analysis of a prospective cohort of 540 patients and to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes associated with extrapleural penumonectomy (EPP). (Source: Heart, Lung and Circulation)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Intradural Perineural Spread of Mesothelioma Causing Myelopathy by Tethering of the Spinal Cord
Cen Eur NeurosurgDOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253345© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Zentralblatt fur Neurochirurgie - Central European Neurosurgery)
Mesothelioma Prevention: Australian Invents Zip Bag for Safer Asbestos Disposal
Australian businessman Wayne Loane recently launched a waste removal business featuring Aussie Skip Bags that safely dispose of asbestos waste while reducing human handling of the toxic material. The primary cause of mesothelioma cancer, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in thousands of products throughout the 20th century in all parts of the world. Millions of people in the United States and internationally have been exposed to asbestos through their occupation or through products such as construction materials, auto parts and household appliances. Exposure to asbestos is known to cause a variety of terminal diseases, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. To help prevent mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, Loane invented ano...
Integrated Profiling Reveals a Global Correlation between Epigenetic and Genetic Alterations in Mesothelioma
Two-hit gene inactivation by gene deletion and methylation silencing is rare in mesothelioma, and requires investigation in other tumor types. (Source: Cancer Research)
Complete regression of human malignant mesothelioma xenografts following local injection of midkine promoter-driven oncolytic adenovirus
Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. We hypothesized that the tumor-specific midkine (Mdk) promoter could confer transcriptional targeting to oncolytic adenoviruses for effective treatment of malignant mesothelioma.We analysed Mdk expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in six human mesothelioma cell lines, and tested Mdk promoter activity by luciferase reporter assay. On the basis of these data, we constructed a replication-selective oncolytic adenovirus designated AdMdk-E1-iresTK. This virus contains a Mdk promoter-driven adenoviral E1 gene and herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene and cytomagalovirus promoter-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein marker gene. Selectivity of viral replication and...
Mesothelioma Lawsuit Highlights Risk for Chemical Plant Workers
In a recent case involving a former chemical operator at Hoffman-LaRoche in Nutley, New Jersey, the rare cancer mesothelioma has been brought to light along with the hazards of asbestos exposure. The lawsuit alleges that a former worker passed away as a direct result of being exposed to asbestos while at work. The estate of the deceased worker is filing against several manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products. In addition, the lawsuit is alleging that the companies that mined, processed and sold asbestos and asbestos products were knowledgeable of the side effects triggered by asbestos exposure, but failed to enlighten those exposed about the hazards. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Current treatment opti...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Will Antiangiogenic Agents be a Future for Mesothelioma Therapy?
Conclusions: This review summarizes the results of antiangiogenic agents under evaluation in clinical trials. A better understanding of the angiogenic pathways activated in MM will hopefully provide new therapeutic options for these patients in the future. PMID: 20629625 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry)
Mesothelioma Study Investigates Management of the Pneumonectomy Space After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy Surgery
This study evaluated the value of pressure monitoring and fluid aspiration (removal of fluid) to monitor the pneumonectomy space after an extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery. Researchers found that ?Intrathoracic pressure monitoring may be used as a guide for intermittent fluid evacuation of the pneumonectomy space prior to onset of clinical signs or symptoms, to avoid the cardiopulmonary risks of rapid fluid removal. Contralateral mediastinal shift should be treated with incremental drainage when there is a rise in intrathoracic pressure to prevent cardiovascular complications.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Projection of mesothelioma mortality in Britain using Bayesian methods
Authors: E Tan, N Warren, A J Darnton & J T Hodgson (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)
Secretion of intelectin-1 from malignant pleural mesothelioma into pleural effusion
Authors: S Tsuji, Y Tsuura, T Morohoshi, T Shinohara, F Oshita, K Yamada, Y Kameda, T Ohtsu, Y Nakamura & Y Miyagi (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)
Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos Mine Receives Protest from Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society has recently announced their disproval of a $58 million loan guarantee by asking Quebec Premier Jean Charest not to provide the loan. The loan to Jeffrey Asbestos Mines, based in Quebec, would enable the renewal of operations in an old asbestos mine located in the town Asbestos. In addition to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Health Association and the Canadian Medical Association have stressed their concerns over the loan as well. The approval of the loan would allow the mine to come out of bankruptcy and operate for more than 25 years. The Canadian Cancer Society vocalized their opinion after the town Asbestos cancelled their participation in the Relay For Life fundraising campaign. Hugues Grimard, the Mayor of Asbestos, said, ?We want to work with ...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Diagnosis Can Follow ?Nonspecific? Biopsy Results
In conclusion, researchers found ?Thoracoscopic pleural biopsy is valuable in the diagnosis of pleural malignancies. Patients with ?nonspecific pleuritis/fibrosis? require follow-up as a malignant diagnosis (especially mesothelioma) may eventually be established in approximately 12% of cases.? Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)
Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptide and Osteopontin As Markers of Response in Malignant Mesothelioma [Thoracic Oncology]
Conclusion Percentage changes in SMRP levels, but not changes in OP levels, are a potentially useful marker of disease course. These findings should be validated prospectively for a role as an objective adjunctive measure of disease course in both clinical trials and clinical practice. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)
Measurement of Mesothelioma Tumor Volume Aids in Prognosis
In a recent study from Columbia University, researchers found measuring mesothelioma tumors may provide additional insight into effective treatment options and other prognostic factors. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer most notably caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this rare condition can take decades to arise and many patients are diagnosed during the latest stage of development as a result. With such a late diagnosis, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months. The purpose of the study was to calculate the tumor volume in pleural mesothelioma patients by using computer tomography scan images and a computerized measurement technique. They wanted to evaluate the changes in volume after chemotherapy and whether the change could help predict o...
Pleural Mesothelioma One of Few Thoracic Cancers to Spontaneously Regress
In a study recently published in the medical journal Respiratory Medicine, researchers investigated the history of spontaneous regression of thoracic malignancies to determine the incidence and the types of thoracic cancers most likely to spontaneously regress. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of cases affect the pleural lining of the lungs, which classifies this form of mesothelioma as a thoracic malignancy. It typically takes 20 to 50 years for the cancer to develop after repeated exposure to asbestos and there currently is no cure for mesothelioma. Some patients have experienced an improvement in their mesothelioma life expectancy by undergoing multimodality therapy, which combines several forms of treatment to combat the cancer. The rese...
Mesothelioma Researchers Investigate a Potential Prognostic Factor
In conclusion, researchers found, ?The expression of ILK in MPM is connected with the expression of the downstream target pAKT, but neither ILK nor pAKT expression has a measurable influence on the patient’s prognosis, except for certain subgroups of MPM. However, to shed light on the true prognostic impact of ILK and pAKT expression in MPM, prospective trials are needed.? 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> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Charity Hammers Home The Dangers Of Asbestos, UK
Nearly half (47%) of homeowners who do DIY in their properties do not realise that asbestos was used as a building material in homes as recently as the 1990s, according to a British Lung Foundation (BLF) survey out. As part of Action Mesothelioma Day 2010, the BLF is urging DIYers to be Asbestos Aware after the survey of 2,000 homeowners revealed that nearly two thirds (65%) are not confident identifying asbestos-containing materials in the home. Typically asbestos can be found in materials such as floor tiles, toilet cisterns, textured ceiling coatings and linings of boiler cupboards... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Suppression of cell death by the secretory form of N-terminal ERC/mesothelin.
In this study, we investigated whether N-ERC could function as a secretory factor to stimulate tumor progression. Full-, N, or C-ERC was overexpressed in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh7 that lacks endogenous expression of ERC/mesothelin. Changes in the rates of cell proliferation and cell death were determined, and the state of signal transducers was examined using various endpoints: total cell counts, trypan blue exclusion rate, BrdU incorporation rate, TUNEL assay, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Stat3. In cells overexpressing N-ERC, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was enhanced and the rate of cell death decreased, leading to the increase of cell number. The culture medium containing the secretory N-ERC also had the activity to increase the number of cells. Our data sug...
Re-evaluation of histological diagnoses of malignant mesothelioma by immunohistochemistry
Conclusions: In order to use archival tissue material with an earlier MM diagnosis for studies, histopathological re-evaluation is important. In possible sarcomatous MM cases without any positive IR for positive MM markers, radiology and clinical picture are essential parts of diagnostics. IHC based on a panel of two positive and two negative MM markers has to be adapted to the differential diagnostic needs in each single case. New diagnostic tools and techniques are desirable for cases where IHC and other established methods cannot provide a clear entity diagnosis, and in order to improve MM treatment. (Source: BioMed Central)
Establishment of in vivo fluorescence imaging in mouse models of malignant mesothelioma.
Authors: Yamaoka N, Kawasaki Y, Xu Y, Yamamoto H, Terada N, Okamura H, Kubo S Malignant mesothelioma is a highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis, and new treatment paradigms are urgently needed. For testing preclinical efficacy of new therapeutic agents, establishment of appropriate animal models is crucial. We developed in vivo fluorescence imaging models for human malignant mesothelioma in mice using tumor cells engineered to express fluorescent proteins (EGFP, mRFP, mCherry, and mPlum) by lentiviral vectors. Among these fluorescent proteins, the expression of mCherry protein in the transduced tumor cells was shown to be robust and stable both in vitro and in vivo. In both, peritoneally disseminated and orthotopic pleural mesothelioma models, mCherry-positive tumors were sensiti...
Putative cancer stem cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma show resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed.
This study provides evidence of putative CSCs conferring drug-resistance to cisplatin and pemetrexed in MPM cell lines. Specific targeting of these drug-resistant cells, while considering the functional heterogeneity of the MPM subtypes, may contribute to more focused and effective chemotherapeutic regimens for malignant pleural mesothelioma. PMID: 20596671 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Oncology)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Action Mesothelioma Day Recognizes Rare Cancer
For those living in the United Kingdom, today marks Action Mesothelioma Day, an attempt to spread awareness about a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The British Lung Foundation and other asbestos support groups have campaigned for the day since 2006. In addition to creating awareness about the effects of asbestos exposure, the day is meant to support those who have been affected with malignant mesothelioma as well as bring notice to the importance of improving treatment options. A cure for this cancer has yet to be found, but researchers around the world continue to perform clinical trials with the hope of finding one. Current treatment methods are more or less designed to relieve symptoms and prolong life. The average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients ranges between four a...
Clinical Trial Investigates Combining the Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drug Pemetrexed with Radiation Therapy
The results of a recent clinical trial suggest that pemetrexed can be tolerated in lung cancer patients at high doses with concurrent radiation therapy in an effort to increase effectiveness. The chemotherapy drug pemetrexed is currently a treatment for mesothelioma cancer, a rare disease caused by asbestos exposure. There is no cure for mesothelioma cancer yet, but patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of therapies, known as multimodality therapy. Multimodality therapy may improve mesothelioma life expectancy and includes treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Pemetrexed also has an established role in treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, which can also be caused by asbestos exposure. The drug has a similar chemical structure to folic a...
The Case for a Global Ban on Asbestos
Conclusions: All countries of the world have an obligation to their citizens to join in the international endeavor to ban the mining, manufacture, and use of all forms of asbestos. An international ban is urgently needed. There is no medical or scientific basis to exempt chrysotile from the worldwide ban of asbestos. (Source: EHP-in-Press)
Chrysotile Asbestos and Mesothelioma
(Source: EHP-in-Press)
The Case for a Global Ban on Asbestos
Conclusions: All countries of the world have an obligation to their citizens to join in the international endeavor to ban the mining, manufacture, and use of all forms of asbestos. An international ban is urgently needed. There is no medical or scientific basis to exempt chrysotile from the worldwide ban of asbestos. (Source: EHP-in-Press)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Chrysotile Asbestos and Mesothelioma
(Source: EHP-in-Press)
Floor of mouth and tongue metastasis from malignant pleural mesothelioma
(Source: ANZ Journal of Surgery)
A giant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura: Diagnostic implications in an unusual case with literature review.
We report herein a case of a giant SFTP in a 53-year-old man who presented with cough since five years along with chest pain on the left side and progressive dyspnea since two months. Radiological findings revealed a large pleural mass measuring 25 cm in its largest dimension, filling the pleural cavity with effusion. Biopsy showed a spindle cell tumor with areas of dense sclerosis. Subsequent excision unraveled a large multinodular, grey-white tumor, histologically, composed of spindle cells in a 'patternless' arrangement in dense collagenous stroma with areas of hyalinization. Focal areas showed hypercellularity with atypia and mitoses, but less than 4/10 High-Power Field, unassociated with necrosis. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells showed diffuse positivity with vimentin, CD34 and B...
Asbestos is still with us: repeat call for a universal ban.
Authors: Ramazzini C All forms of asbestos are proven human carcinogens. All forms of asbestos cause malignant mesothelioma, lung, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers, and may cause gastrointestinal and other cancers. No exposure to asbestos is without risk. Asbestos cancer victims die painful lingering deaths. These deaths are almost entirely preventable. When evidence of the carcinogenicity of asbestos became incontrovertible, concerned parties, including the Collegium Ramazzini, called for a universal ban on the mining, manufacture, and use of asbestos in all countries around the world (J Occup Environ Med. 1999;41:830-832). Asbestos is now banned in 52 countries, and safer products have replaced many materials that once were made with asbestos. Nonetheless, a large number of countries s...
Researchers Discover How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
In a study funded by the National Cancer Institute and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, several researchers from around the world have potentially found how the naturally occurring mineral asbestos causes cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively triggered by asbestos exposure. The specific way of how mesothelioma develops has eluded doctors and researchers for decades. Similar to other asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma has a severe latency period in terms of the development of symptoms. In most cases, patients with mesothelioma will not experience symptoms until at least 20 years have passed since their initial exposure to asbestos. Through the study, researchers analyzed how asbestos fibers, which kill cells, could cause cancer since a dead cell should n...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
FISH assay development for the detection of p16/CDKN2A deletion in malignant pleural mesothelioma
Conclusion Distinction between benign and malignant mesothelial proliferations can be diagnostically challenging. FISH for p16/CDKN2A deletion is a useful test for confirming the diagnosis of MPM. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)
How Asbestos Causes Cancer: Mystery Unraveled
More than 20 million people in the U.S., and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. The answer appears in a study published in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., Drs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer
More than 20 million people in the US, and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Canadian Cancer Society Urges Quebec Premier Not To Provide Loan Guarantee To Asbestos Mine
In a letter sent to Quebec Premier Jean Charest, the Canadian Cancer Society is urging the premier not to approve a $58 million loan guarantee to Jeffrey Asbestos Mines, based in Quebec, for the renewal of asbestos mining and export. Granting a loan guarantee to the mine will help spread the global epidemic of asbestos-related cancers and damage Canada's reputation as a global leader in public health, says the letter. "All forms of asbestos, including chrysotile asbestos mined in Quebec, cause cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Study Investigates Resistance in Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
An article recently published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery examined the prevalence of chemotherapy drug resistance among malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The cancer has earned a reputation as being particularly difficult to treat, and to date no cure has been established. Some patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of treatments (called multimodality therapy) with hopes of improving their mesothelioma life expectancy. Authors of the study explain, ?Optimizing the multimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma depends on many factors including an adequate chemotherapeutic response? In vitro chemotherapy resistance in human mesothelioma has not been rep...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Recent Progress in Carcinogenesis, Progression and Therapy of Lung Cancer: The 19th Hiroshima Cancer Seminar: The 3rd Three Universities' Consortium International Symposium, November 2009
This symposium presented recent progress of the pathogenesis and treatment of lung cancer. Aberrantly increased expression of miR-21 plays a significant role in lung carcinogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target in both epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant and wild-type cases. miR-34 may be necessary for the radiation-induced DNA damage response. Detailed expression profiling analyses of transcriptome have potential to provide increased understanding of the molecular biology of lung cancer. An embryonic signature is present in lung adenocarcinoma only, associated with a worse clinical outcome. Cytoplasmic expression of caveolin and membranous expression of CD26 are specific to mesothelioma. Nectin-4 is a new candidate for serum and tissue biomarker as well as a therapeutic target...
Mesothelioma Treatment Using Cold-Plasma Coagulation
According to recent findings from a study conducted by M. Hoffmann and other researchers, using cold-plasma coagulation as a treatment option may benefit patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study, titled ?Cold-Plasma Coagulation in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Results of a Combined Approach,? was published in the online journal Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer most notably caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this rare condition can take decades to arise and many patients are diagnosed during the latest stage of development as a result. With such a late diagnosis, the mesothelioma life expectancy for most patients ranges between four and 18 months. The researchers of the study said, “Surgical a...
Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer
(University of Hawaii at Manoa) More than 20 million people in the US, and many more worldwide, who have been exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, a malignant cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen that is resistant to current therapies. Moreover, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer among smokers. For the past 40 years researchers have tried to understand why asbestos causes cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Aircraft maintenance and mesothelioma
Claudio Bianchi, Tommaso BianchiIndian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010 14(1):24-24 (Source: Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine)
Mesothelioma Risk In Shipyards Recently Addressed By OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published an online “Safe Work Practices in Shipbreaking” document to inform shipbreakers of potential dangers. The document also outlines employers? responsibilities in creating safe working environments for employees. The OSHA shipbreaking fact sheet describes shipbreaking as ?the process of dismantling an obsolete vessel?s structure for scrapping or disposal. Conducted at a pier, drydock or dismantling slip, it includes a wide range of activities, from removing all gear and equipment to cutting down and recycling the ship?s infrastructure.? The fact sheet lists the hazards of shipbreaking, among them fire, lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but at the top of the list is asbestos exposure. Exp...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Detection of Mesothelioma May Improve with New Cancer Program
The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute plans to introduce the Environmental Cancer Program to physicians statewide in Michigan on July 1, 2010. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are endorsing the program as well. The new program is designed to train primary care physicians on how to accurately identify and diagnose illnesses resulting from exposure to arsenic, radon and asbestos. These three environmental carcinogens are the most frequently encountered within the state of Michigan. Dr. Michael Harbut, an occupational and environmental medical expert at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, is the director and author of the program. Dr. Harbut said, ?We began introduc...
New tricks for old biomarkers: thymidylate synthase expression as a predictor of pemetrexed activity in malignant mesothelioma
(Source: Annals of Oncology)
The Utility of Electron Microscopy in Cytopathology.
Conclusion: When adequate material is obtained, EM can contribute significantly to the evaluation of both FNA and exfoliative cytology cases, including the diagnosis and subclassification of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors, non-neoplastic processes, and the identification of microorganisms. PMID: 20568988 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ultrastructural Pathology)
Mesothelin (MSLN) promoter is hypomethylated in malignant mesothelioma, but its expression is not associated with methylation status of the promoter
Summary: Gene methylation leads to malignant progression in some tumors. The mechanism by which mesothelin is expressed in malignant mesothelioma (MM) is not well understood. MM is histologically divided into 3 subtypes, that is, the epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic types, and it was shown that mesothelin expression was restricted to the epithelioid type and the epithelioid component of the biphasic type of MM. However, its regulatory mechanism of expression has not been clarified. Here, we studied the expression of mesothelin by immunohistochemistry along with the methylation status of 20 CpG sites in the promoter of the mesothelin gene (MSLN) in 118 lung specimens, including 39 MM, 41 lung carcinoma, 26 nonneoplastic pulmonary lesions, and 12 normal lung tissue samples by the methy...
Mesothelioma Litigation: Navy Held Responsible for Asbestos Exposure by California Appeals Court
The United States Navy was recently allocated a share of fault for a veteran’s asbestos exposure in a California appeals court ruling. Ulysses Collins died of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, in 2005. Collins had a 31-year history working in naval shipyards where he experienced exposure to asbestos on a regular basis. Due to the vast amount of asbestos-contaminated materials used on Navy vessels until the 1980s, countless veterans and shipyard workers have developed terminal asbestos-related diseases. The veterans and shipyard employees who worked on the asbestos-laden vessels were not warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure and were rarely provided safety protection to reduce exposure. As a result of this toxic exposure, tho...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Litigation: Navy Allocated a Share of Fault by California Appeals Court
The United States Navy was recently allocated a share of fault for a veteran’s asbestos exposure in a California appeals court ruling. Ulysses Collins died of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, in 2005. Collins had a 31-year history working in naval shipyards where he experienced exposure to asbestos on a regular basis. Due to the vast amount of asbestos-contaminated materials used on Navy vessels until the 1980s, countless veterans and shipyard workers have developed terminal asbestos-related diseases. The veterans and shipyard employees who worked on the asbestos-laden vessels were not warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure and were rarely provided safety protection to reduce exposure. As a result of this toxic exposure, tho...
Three Families Honored at Mesothelioma Symposium
During the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, which was recently held on June 11th, the Bendix family, the Ruble family and the Sterling family were honored by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) for their contributions to mesothelioma research. The three families had funded three important research projects through MARF?s research program, giving the foundation the necessary funds to search for a cure. Ken Bendix and his family donated $100,000 for a grant that intends to develop a new virotherapy method to identify and treat peritoneal mesothelioma. Ken and his family funded what is now known as the Ken Bendix Research Grant before his passing in December 2009. The grant was awarded to Dr. J. Andrea McCart of the Toronto General Research Institute. The c...
CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes predict favorable prognosis in malignant pleural mesothelioma after resection
Abstract  Defects in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression may allow tumor cells to escape immune recognition. T cell infiltration is associated with a good prognosis in many cancers. However, the role of HLA class I expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has not been fully analyzed. In the present study, we investigated the immune profiles and conducted outcome analyses of MPM patients. HLA class I expression and TILs (CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells) were detected by immunohistochemistry in a series of 44 MPM cases. To detect HLA class I expression, specimens were stained with the anti-pan HLA class I monoclonal antibody EMR8-5. The expression of HLA class I was positive in all patients. There was no case that showe...
Pearls and myths in pleural fluid analysis
Virtually all patients with a newly discovered pleural effusion should undergo thoracentesis to aid in diagnosis and management. The routine pleural fluid (PF) evaluation usually includes the following: cell count and differential; tests for protein, LDH, glucose, adenosine deaminase, cytology and, if infection is a concern, pH and bacterial and mycobacterial cultures. Distinguishing transudates from exudates with Light's criteria is a pragmatic first step. If the effusion is an exudate, various PF tests have proven diagnostic utility: adenosine deaminase levels >35 IU/L usually indicate tuberculosis in lymphocyte-predominant PF; pH < 7.2 or glucose less than 60 mg/dL allow the clinician to identify complicated parapneumonic effusions; and conventional cytology may reveal malignant cells i...
Mesothelioma Diagnosis for 12-Year-Old Boy
Two fundraising events were recently held for Taylor Boerem, a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. A bike run was held on June 5, 2010 and a picnic was organized on the following day. A silent auction helped raise money for Taylor?s family. Taylor was diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal mesothelioma on March 24, 2010. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Most cases consist of the pleural mesothelioma type and develop in the lungs, but peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen. It is very rare for a person Taylor?s age to be diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma cancer. From the time someone is exposed to asbestos, symptoms often take between 20 and 50 years to arise. However, younger children who are...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Prevention: Managing Exposure Risk During Asbestos Abatement
In this study, wet grinding is evaluated as an alternative to chemical stripping of asbestos-containing floor tile mastic,? stated researchers. Although the two methods were found to be statistically similar in terms of cost and asbestos fiber emissions, data from the study indicates there are benefits to the wet grinding method that make it an advantageous alternative for asbestos abatement in a healthcare setting. For example, the wet grinding method does not release an odor like the chemical stripping method does, which is very important for healthcare settings since the odor can linger for days after the removal is complete. Additionally, due to the chemicals in the mastic remover, the odorous ?fumes are effusive, pervasive, and persistent causing irritation to the respiratory trac...
Clinical study on mesothelioma in Japan: Relevance to occupational asbestos exposure
We examined medical records, X-rays, and pathology results to evaluate mesothelioma cases in Japan between 2003 and 2005; used a questionnaire to identify occupational and environmental histories, and determined the concentration of asbestos fibers in pathology specimens.We identified 442 definite cases of malignant mesothelioma with a median age of 68 years. There were 316 malignant mesothelioma cases with occupational asbestos exposure, 12 cases with neighborhood exposure and 5 cases with likely domestic exposure. Most (78%) of the 87 cases exceeded 1,000 asbestos particles per gram of dry lung tissue.We conclude that 79.2% of cases of mesothelioma in Japan in recent years were caused by asbestos exposure. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Industrial ...
Mesothelioma Treatment Medication Alimta Reaches China
The chemotherapy drug Alimta, also known as Pemetrexed, has recently reached Chinese markets for sale and distribution. The medication has previously been available in more than 60 countries around the world. Developed by Eli Lilly and Company, Alimta is the first and only chemotherapy drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The medication received this recognition in 2004. More specifically, Alimta was approved in combination with Cisplatin for those whose disease is unresectable or who are not eligible for curative surgery. Since 2004, the drug has received three additional approvals from the FDA. Alimta works by interfering with the process that enables cancerous cells to reproduce and spread to other areas of the body...
Mesothelioma Prevention: EPA Approves of Asbestos Mitigation at California Shipyard
In a report published by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this month the agency approved asbestos safety measures of the redevelopment work at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in Bayview, California. Protecting Bayview residents from airborne asbestos fibers has been of utmost concern during the redevelopment of Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. Asbestos is known to cause a range of terminal diseases, from asbestosis to lung cancer to mesothelioma cancer. The latter disease is often considered the most aggressive and typically claims the life of a patient within four to 18 months of diagnosis. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, some patients may experience an improvement in their mesothelioma life expectancy by undergoing multimodality therapy. In 2006 and 2007 airborne asbes...
Malignant pleural mesothelioma: not immune to the effects of novel therapeutic interventions?
Authors: Sterman DH, Haas AR PMID: 20558640 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Recent Studies Find Potential Therapeutic Targets for Mesothelioma
A number of recently published studies have reported advancements in therapeutic targets for mesothelioma cancer, offering hope to those facing this presently incurable disease. In a study published in the journal Genomics, researchers may have found a new diagnostic marker for mesothelioma cancer. The study was titled ?Knockdown of COPA, Identified by Loss-of-Function Screen, Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Tumor Growth in Mesothelioma Mouse Model.? Mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Treatment for this rare condition is limited and the mesothelioma life expectancy for patients usually ranges between four and 18 months once someone has been diagnosed. According to H. Sudo and co-researchers, “Development of effective drug treatments ...
Imaging in pleural mesothelioma: A review of Imaging Research Presented at the 9th International Meeting of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group
Abstract: Imaging of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) poses many challenges for imaging specialists and clinicians due to the anatomic location and unique growth pattern of this tumor. Nevertheless, imaging in MPM plays a critical role in diagnosis, prognostication, prediction or measurement of response to therapy, and monitoring of disease recurrence after aggressive surgical management. Imaging-based studies presented at the 9th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) in October 2008 sought to further define the current practice and future potential of imaging for the mesothelioma patient. The Imaging Session was dominated by presentations that addressed the use of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), a clear indication o...
Mesothelioma Advocate Senator Max Baucus Honored by Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Today at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma Senator Max Baucus is being honored with the Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). Senator Baucus has been a long-time advocate for mesothelioma patients and those affected by asbestos-related disease. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. This rare cancer has a long latency period of 20 to 50 years before symptoms arise. Though no cure is available, some mesothelioma patients diagnosed at an early stage of development may see an improvement in their mesothelioma life expectancy by combining several therapeutic treatments. Senator Baucus? state of Montana is home to the country?s most notable asbestos-contaminated town, Libby. The town of...
Mesothelioma Claims Affected by Bankruptcy of Three Asbestos Manufacturers
This month three asbestos manufacturing companies filed for bankruptcy, including Garlock Sealing Technologies, Bondex International and Specialty Products Holding Corporation. All three companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early June to abate massive financial losses from asbestos-related lawsuits. Many of these lawsuits are mesothelioma cases that involve multi-million dollar verdicts. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. This notably aggressive cancer exhibits a long latency period of 20 to 50 years before symptoms arise. No cure is currently available, but some mesothelioma patients who are diagnosed early may improve their mesothelioma life expectancy through a combination of aggressive treatments. Garlock Sealing T...
Mesothelioma Risk: The Hazard of Asbestos Exposure
The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was significantly used in a variety of products throughout the 20th century. The construction industry may have felt the biggest impact from the toxic substance as more than 3,000 building materials were made with asbestos. The shipyard industry was also heavily impacted by the use of asbestos because of its fireproofing and insulating capabilities. Products used to build ships needed to be fireproof and asbestos-containing materials filled this requirement. When shipbuilding was at its peak during the World War II era, asbestos-laden insulation was one of the most utilized materials. While the construction and shipyard industries may have been the hardest hit by asbestos, other industries such as the power plant, chemical plant, automotive and manu...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Mesothelioma Studied Through Libby Epidemiology Research Project
Beginning this month the Center for Asbestos Related Disease will start recruiting participants for the Libby Epidemiology Research Project to further understand the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The five-year Libby Epidemiology Research Project (LERP) will study low-level childhood asbestos exposure, compare exposure to Libby, MT amphibole asbestos to that of other commercial asbestos forms, and observe the prevalence of autoimmune disorders. The rare cancer, malignant mesothelioma, will be observed throughout the project and the results may advance the understanding of how little asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma. The project is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Center for Asbestos Related Diseases (CARD), the Agency for Toxic Subs...
WT1 peptide vaccinations induce CD4 and CD8 T cell immune responses in patients with mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer
Conclusions  This multivalent WT1 peptide analog vaccine induces immune responses in a high proportion of patients with thoracic malignancies with minimal toxicity. A randomized trial testing this vaccine as adjuvant therapy in MPM is planned. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00262-010-0871-8Authors Lee M. Krug, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Ave New York NY 10065 USATao Dao, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York NY USAAndrew B. Brown, Weill Medical College of Cornell University Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 Y...
Specialist in Mesothelioma Named Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center
According to a press release issued by the Mount Sinai Medical Center, Raja M. Flores, MD, a well-known surgeon for mesothelioma, lung cancer and esophageal cancer, has been named Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Director of the Thoracic Surgical Oncology Program. Before joining the Mount Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Flores has been holding positions at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Medical Center for the last decade. His most recent position was Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Dennis S. Charney, MD, who is Dean of Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, said, ?We are excited to welcome Dr. Flores to Mount Sinai. As an expert in pleural mesothelioma cancer he conducted a landmark study that changed the surgic...
Navy Veterans and Shipyard Workers Still Face Mesothelioma Risk
With the peak in mesothelioma diagnoses expected to come within the next 10 years, former shipyard workers and Navy personnel should remain cautious for signs of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma. Even those who may have been exposed to asbestos during the 1960s and 1970s are still at risk due to the severe latency period associated with mesothelioma. From the time someone was initially exposed to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take as long as 50 years to develop. As a result of this latency period, patients who contract this rare cancer are often diagnosed after the disease has already reached the latest stages of development. In many cases, the mesothelioma life expectancy for patients diagnosed during an advanced stage of development is very poor and typically ran...
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis: a series of eight cases with uncertain malignant potential
Authors: Fadi Brimo, Peter B Illei & Jonathan I Epstein (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Possible effect of environmental exposure to asbestos on geographical variation in mesothelioma rates
Conclusions Data analyses of mesothelioma mortality and incidence showed that female cases occur in the same geographical areas as male cases. Female mesotheliomas with no IAE occur in the same geographical areas as exposed cases, suggesting asbestos has a major influence on female mesothelioma, likely through environmental exposure. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)
Mesothelioma risk from chrysotile
(Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)
Factors affecting soluble mesothelin related protein levels in an asbestos-exposed population
Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine 48 (6): 869-874 Abstract Background: Soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) is increased in the sera of patients with malignant mesothelioma (MM), and has been suggested as a diagnostic tool for MM in an asbestos exposed population. However, factors affecting SMRP concentrations in normal subjects and those with other asbestos related disorders have not been investigated in any large population based study. Methods: Five hundred and thirty-eight subjects with a history of asbestos exposure were studied. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), serum creatinine and glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lung function were compared with SMRP concentrations. Results: The mean age [± standard deviation (SD)] of participants wa...
Mesothelioma Study Evaluates Cell Proliferation
A study from Naples, Italy has analyzed the effects of 3-O-Methylfunicone (OMF) on mesothelioma cells and whether OMF is capable of stopping cell division and motility. The study, titled ‘3-O-Methylfunicone, a Metabolite Produced by Penicillium Pinophilum,Modulates ERK1/2 Activity, Affecting Cell Motility of Human Mesothelioma Cells,’ measured cell motility and invasion by using a modified Boyden chamber. ERK1/2 was examined by using Western blot analysis, which is a technique used to detect specific proteins in a given tissue sample. OMF is a secondary metabolite produced by Penicillium pinophilum that affects cell proliferation and motility in a variety of tumors. Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Treatments for this cance...
[Asbestos-related diseases of the thorax.]
Authors: Hieckel HG, Hering KG Asbestos fibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, thickening of the pleura and malignancies. These pathologic changes are possible rather than determinate and depend on the type of asbestos fiber, length of exposure to fibers and individual factors. In Germany asbestos fibers were widely used until 1993. Worldwide, there is currently no general ban on the use of asbestos. The leading cause of asbestos-related diseases is occupational exposure. Due to a long latency period the appearance of such diseases may be delayed for more than 40 years so that the final number of cases has not yet been reached. Occupationally-derived asbestos-related diseases of the thorax are asbestosis, asbestos-related benign pleurisy and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Bronchial ca...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Potential Drug Target for Mesothelioma Found in Recent Study
In a joint study by Rosetta Genomics and New York University Langone Medical Center, a potential microRNA drug target for mesothelioma was identified because of its tumor suppressor qualities. The study was published in an online issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Rosetta Genomics, a leading developer in microRNA diagnostics, announced the microRNA identified was miR-31. The study was titled Pro-tumorigenic Effects of miR-31 Loss in Mesothelioma. According to the researchers, miR-31 demonstrated characteristics that could possibly be utilized in the development of new therapies for malignant mesothelioma and other cancers. In recent tests, miR-31 has been shown to act as a suppressor in breast cancer metastases. The study consisted of cell lines from mesothelioma patients who di...
Mesothelioma Researcher Honored by the Prestigious World Health Organization
Professor Julian Peto was recently awarded the Medal of Honour from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The IARC?s esteemed Medal of Honour has been awarded to Peto in recognition of his work on environmental factors in cancer development, particularly environmental factors in the workplace. Peto is known for his dose-response models for asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma, which have been internationally adopted for occupational and environmental asbestos risk assessment. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure, most commonly occupational asbestos exposure. Presently there is no cure for this cancer, but patients who are diagnosed early enough may be able to improve their mesothel...
Integrated Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography Does Not Accurately Stage Intrathoracic Disease of Patients Undergoing Trimodality Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Thorac cardiovasc Surg 2010; 58: 215-219DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241029Abstract The results of trimodality therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are related to stage. Staging can be carried out by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), but all modalities suffer from limitations. We investigated whether integrated PET‐CT improved the intrathoracic staging of patients undergoing trimodality therapy for MPM. Twenty consecutive patients [18 male, median age 62 years (range 52–68)] who underwent 24 PET‐CT scans prior to extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) as part of trimodality therapy for MPM were reviewed. The intrathoracic stage of MPM on PET‐CT was compared with the pathological st...
Surgical assessment of malignant pleural mesothelioma: have we reached a critical stage? [Original articles]
Conclusions: There are deficiencies in the current staging system for MPM and discrepancies between clinical and pathological systems. Future improvements are needed in clinical descriptors of nodal status and pathological descriptors of T stage. Subsequent IMIG stage grouping also needs revision. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)
Effect of induction chemotherapy on lung function and exercise capacity in patients affected by malignant pleural mesothelioma [Original articles]
Conclusions: An improvement in lung function and exercise capacity was seen after IC in patients with MPM. These data suggest that IC does not compromise cardiopulmonary performance in this subset of patients. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Integrated positron emission tomography-computed tomography does not accurately stage intrathoracic disease of patients undergoing trimodality therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
CONCLUSIONS: In one of the few studies of integrated PET-CT in MPM that has complete pathological correlation we have shown that PET-CT does not accurately identify advanced tumor stage (T4) or mediastinal nodal disease (N2). The role of PET-CT staging prior to EPP lies outside the affected hemithorax. PMID: 20514576 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)
Dendritic cell vaccination as a treatment modality for mesothelioma.
Authors: Gregoire M Evaluation of: Hegmans JP, Veltman JD, Lambers ME et al. Consolidative dendritic cell-based immunotherapy elicits cytotoxicity against malignant mesothelioma. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200909-1465OC (2010) (Epub ahead of print). Malignant mesothelioma is caused by the neoplastic transformation of mesothelial cells and occurs predominantly in the pleura, but also less frequently in the peritoneum, pericardium or tunica vaginalis testis. Exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber, is the major causative factor. Median survival is approximately 9 months from the onset of clinical symptoms. Median survival is only increased by about 2 months after treatment with currently validated chemotherapy, with the median time to progression also increased by 2 m...
In vitro and in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the PPAR?? agonist troglitazone in combination with cisplatin against malignant pleural mesothelioma cell growth
(Source: Cancer Science)
Prevalence of in vitro chemotherapeutic drug resistance in primary malignant pleural mesothelioma: Result in a cohort of 203 resection specimens
Conclusions: The feasibility of performing off-site in vitro drug resistance assays on resected malignant mesothelioma specimens is reported. A significant proportion of mesothelioma tumors exhibited extreme/intermediate resistance to cisplatin, gemcitabine, or vinorelbine. (Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)
Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma of the pleura
Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma (LHM), reported to be a rare variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, is challenging to differentiate from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to marked lymphocytic infiltration. To aid accurate recognition of LHM, we examined immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization (ISH) of Epstein-Barr virus RNA (EBER-1) mRNA, fluorescence ISH (FISH) for homozygous deletion of 9p21, and asbestos analysis in four cases (three men and 1 woman). Three patients died, while Case 4 was still alive 19 months after extrapleural pneumonectomy. Histologically, these cases were characterized by heavy lymphocytic infiltration. All neoplastic cells were positive for calretinin, AE1/AE3, and epithelial membrane antigen, but negative for CEA. EBER1 factor was negative. FISH analysis demonstrated h...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Register for <b><a href="http://www.medmatcha.com" target ="_self">MedMatcha, MedWorm's medical advertising network</a></b>, and receive $5 free advertising.</p></div>
Downregulation of Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 is sufficient to induce cell death in mesothelioma cells highly refractory to conventional chemotherapy
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis and limited response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Several lines of evidence support a role for the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL in MPM chemoresistance. Since it has been recently suggested that Mcl-1 cooperates with Bcl-xL for protection against cell death, we investigated the response of mesothelioma cell lines to the downregulation of Bcl-xL (alone or in combination with cisplatin) and the potential interest of its concomitant inhibition with that of Mcl-1. Using RNA interference, we showed that Bcl-xL depletion sensitized two highly chemoresistant mesothelioma cell lines to cisplatin and that under this treatment, one cell line, MSTO-211H, displayed an apoptotic type of cell death, whereas the other, NCI...
Mesothelioma and the Need to Ban Asbestos Recently Recognized On a Global Scale
Recent events in Canada and Mexico, in addition to an asbestos hazard warning released by the World Health Organization (WHO), have brought attention to mesothelioma and the urgent need to ban asbestos worldwide. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure occurs by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers have the potential to become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity, where they can cause damage that leads to cancer. Due to the latency period of mesothelioma symptoms, which can range between 20 and 50 years after exposure, the average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients upon diagnosis is four to 18 months. On May 12, a series of high profile events occurred in Ottawa, Canada that garnered much public participat...
Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of human calretinin in plasma and serum of mesothelioma patients
Conclusions: The novel assay is highly sensitive and applicable to human serum and plasma. Calretinin appears to be a promising marker for the blood-based detection of MM and might complement other markers. However, further studies are required to prove its usefulness in the diagnosis of MM patients. (Source: BMC Cancer)
Mesothelioma Radiation: How Does Volumetric Modulation Arc Radiation Compare with Intensity-Modulated Radiation?
In conclusion, the researchers found ?RA demonstrated compared with conventional IMRT, similar target coverage and better dose sparing to the organs at risks. The number of MUs and the time required to deliver a 2-Gy fraction were much lower for RA, allowing the possibility to incorporate this technique in the treatment options for mesothelioma patients.? Additional information on mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

shoes along with industrial-grade work gloves for the limbs. The rest of the body should be covered in a proper overall. With all this in place, you’ll now start to understand why your workplace needs to be properly ventilated, not just to minimize the spread of asbestos particles, but also for the sake of personal work comfort which will also influence an individual’s work concentration level when operating a machinery or cutting tool. And at the end of each day before leaving your workplace, ensure that all the PPE listed above is properly stored in a well ventilated designated storage room and your overalls are sent for washing. Needless to say, it would be strongly advisable that you and your staff take a shower before heading out as well. This is in line with the concept of risk reduction. These are just some of the prevention and precautions you can undertake with regards to mesothelioma or asbestos exposure. (Note: readers must be aware that the views expressed above are those of the author and should not be considered as legal advice or grounds to pursue legal judgement. Visit our website to find out more on mesothelioma and asbestos solutions.)

Here are some articles to start with..

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. Read more...