MedWorm: Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Will be Discussed at Asbestos Awareness Conference

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:05:46 +0100

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will be having its sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference on the weekend of April 9-11, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel. The conference is scheduled to provide families, employees and scientists throughout the world with information surrounding the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO also plans to instill their efforts on banning asbestos and encouraging researchers to improve treatment options for asbestos-related diseases. Malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, is a fatal illness that has yet to be cured. Most treatments for this cancer aim to provide relief from symptoms and improve overall quality of life for patients. Only experimental treatmen...

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New Agent To Manage Cancer Related Effusions

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

In the USA each year, 200,000 cancer patients suffer from a malignant pleural effusion development of excessive fluid (pleural effusion) in the chest. Several litres of such fluid can accumulate, and many patients suffer from significant breathlessness and distress. One in four patients with lung cancer, one in every three with breast cancer and most of the patients with mesothelioma will develop a malignant effusion. The current strategy is to induce a pleurodesis (seal the pleural cavity with a chemical agent so no fluid can accumulate)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Onconase responsive genes in human mesothelioma cells: implications for an RNA damaging therapeutic agent

BMC Cancer — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results provide a broad picture of gene activity after treatment with a drug that targets small non-coding RNAs and contribute to our overall understanding of MM cell response to Onconase as a therapeutic strategy. The findings provide insights regarding mechanisms that may contribute to the efficacy of this novel drug in clinical trials of MM patients who have failed first line chemotherapy or radiation treatment. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Mesothelioma Prognostic Factors Studied in Long-Term Survivors

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:41:54 +0100

In conclusion, the researchers found “The actual 18-month survival was 28% in 456 pleural mesothelioma patients who underwent operation. Epithelial histologic subtype and EPP were identified as independent predictors for 18-month survivors.” Additional information about mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Soluble mesothelin related peptides (SMRP) and osteopontin as protein biomarkers for malignant mesothelioma: analytical validation of ELISA based assays and characterization at mRNA and protein levels

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:00:17 +0100

Conclusions: These assays provide reliable and reproducible quantitation of SMRP and OPN proteins. Both are increased in mesothelioma patients compared to non-mesothelioma controls. However, the two analytes do not correlate with each other and show distinct expression profiles and protein expression. Concentrations of SMRP but not OPN are decreased in post-surgical samples. Our results further characterize these markers, establish assay performance characteristics, and lay the groundwork for further studies to measure these markers in blood. Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:271–8. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Study Unveils Potential Treatment

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:34:31 +0100

According to a study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be beneficial for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma patients. The study, titled “Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: multi-institutional experience,” was carried out in Sydney, Australia at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. T.D. Yan and colleagues evaluated cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in 405 patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the overall survival of the patients. Another objective involved analyzing prognostic variables to determine w...

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Recombinant Immunotoxins for the Treatment of B-cell Malignancies and Mesothelioma: A Clinical and Laboratory Update (NIH-Only)

Videocast - All Events — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:41:00 +0100

NCI’s Center for Cancer Research (CCR) Grand Rounds is a weekly lecture series addressing current research in clinical and molecular oncology. Speakers are leading national and international researchers and clinicians proposed by members of the CCR Grand Rounds Planning Committee and others within the CCR community and approved by the CCR Office of the Director. Lectures occur every Tuesday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in Lipsett Amphitheater in the Clinical Center building on the NIH campus September through July with exceptions around holidays and major cancer meetings. The lecture schedule is posted on various calendars of events, including at the following link: http://bethesdatrials.cancer.gov/health-care-professionals/grand-rounds.aspx. Air date: 2/16/2010 8:00:00 AM (Source: Videocast -...

Synergistic effect of gefitinib and rofecoxib in mesothelioma cells

Molecular Cancer — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Gefitinib and rofecoxib exert cell type-specific effects that vary between different MM cells. Total EGFR expression and downstream signalling does not correlate with gefitinib sensitivity. These data suggest that the effect of gefitinib can be potentiated by rofecoxib in MM cell lines where AKT is not activated. (Source: Molecular Cancer)

Pleural malignant mesothelioma with osteoclast-like giant cells

Pathology International — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Reported herein is the first case of malignant mesothelioma with osteoclast-like giant cells (OGC) in a 55-year-old man, a building contractor. Open thoracoscopic biopsy from the left parietal pleura showed a pleomorphic tumor composed of round to spindle cells mixed with numerous OGC; focal hemorrhage and necrosis were observed, but neither bone nor osteoid tissue was seen. The tumor cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and round to oval nuclei with varying degrees of atypia. OGC had multiple small uniform nuclei without atypia and large eosinophilic cytoplasm, similar to giant cells of the so-called giant-cell tumors. On immunohistochemistry the tumor cells stained positive for AE1/AE3 and mesothelial markers, including calretinin, thrombomodulin, D2-40, and negative for carcinoma markers, i...

The maximum tolerated dose and biologic effects of 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP) in combination with irinotecan for patients with refractory solid tumors

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:02:15 +0100

Conclusions The MTD for this combination was 3-AP 60 mg/m2 per day on days 1–3 and irinotecan 200 mg/m2 on day 1 every 21 days. Antitumor activity in a patient with refractory non-small cell lung cancer was noted at level 1. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-010-1250-zAuthors Brian S. Choi, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave, K4/528 Madison WI 53792 USADona B. Alberti, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave, K4/528 Madison WI 53792 USAWilliam R. Schelman, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland Ave, K4/528 Madison WI 53792 USAJill M. Kolesar, University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone...

Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Growth Decreased by Cancer Inhibitor

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:36:30 +0100

A recently published article in the journal Clinical Cancer Research has demonstrated a potential new strategy involving vascular endothelial growth factors for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. The multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor E7080 was tested for efficacy against malignant mesothelioma cells in mice, which were implemented with three different human pleural mesothelioma cell lines. These included MSTO-211H, NCO-H290 and Y-MESO-14. According to K. Ikuta and colleagues from the University of Tokushima, treatment with E7080 slowed the progression of all three malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines. The mice survived much longer than anticipated, which was largely due to the decreased numbers of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells in the tumor. Mesothelioma is a rare type of ca...

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The tocotrienol-rich fraction from rice bran enhances cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in human mesothelioma H28 cells

Phytotherapy Research — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the modulating effect of tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) from rice bran, which is abundant in [ggr]-T3, on chemoresistance in human MM H28 cells. TRF treatment caused a marked reduction in the viability of H28 cells in a dose-dependent manner, while cisplatin treatment had no effect on the cells, indicating that H28 cells are resistant to cisplatin. A significant increase in cytotoxicity was observed in H28 cells treated with TRF, and this effect was enhanced by the combination treatment with cisplatin. The cytotoxic effect was closely related to the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling. Inactivation of Akt signaling by TRF or the combination with cisplatin mitigated cisplatin-induced activation of Akt, resulting in reducing the ch...

New Service Offers Timely Access to Updates in NCCN Guidelines & NCCN Compendium

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Oncology Research Program — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN®) introduces NCCN Flash Updates™, a new service that provides notification when an update is made to the NCCN Guidelines™ or NCCN Compendium™. A preview of an NCCN Flash Update was recently sent to all registered users of NCCN.org notifying them that the NCCN Guidelines™ for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) was published as an addition to the Complete Library of NCCN Guidelines™. Fe... (Source: National Comprehensive Cancer Network Oncology Research Program)

Predictors of mortality within three months in the patients with malignant pleural effusion.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Talc pleurodesis prevents the fluid reaccumulation. High-risk tumors, a poor performance status, and lower pleural fluid glucose concentration are predictors of the EM within three months in the patients with a MPE. PMID: 20122610 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:11:59 +0100

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the abdominal cavity, specifically in the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. Doctors and researchers have found a clear relationship between this cancer and high levels of asbestos exposure, but they have yet to find a cure. Due to the low incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma, few studies have been conducted on experimental treatments for patients. The majority of treatment methods are similar to those recommended for pleural mesothelioma. A multimodality approach for treating peritoneal mesothelioma has shown encouraging results in some patients. With this method, two or more treatment options are completed at the same time, often involving the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. Howe...

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a multicenter study on 81 cases

Annals of Oncology — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:07:10 +0100

Conclusions: MPM is a disease with various types of presentation, frequently associated with thrombocytosis, sometimes with other tumors. Survival and diagnosis time can differ in various types of MPM. Prognosis is poor. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

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Exhaled Biomarkers for Asbestos-Related Disease May Aid Diagnosis of Asbestosis and Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:28:03 +0100

In conclusion, our study has confirming the relevance of oxidative stress and nitrogen species in asbestosis, and suggests that EBC biomarkers may prove useful non-invasive tools in diagnosing and distinguishing between the different asbestos-related disorders in the future.” Additional information on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Chemotherapy maintenance: an option for prolonged survival in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma?

Acta Oncologica — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:04:03 +0100

Chemotherapy maintenance: an option for prolonged survival in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma? Acta Oncol. 2010;49(1):122-4 Authors: Hofer S, Sasse B, Scheffel H PMID: 20104656 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Acta Oncologica)

Bristol Landlord Fined For Asbestos Exposure

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +0100

A Bristol-based company has been fined for putting its workers at risk of asbestos-related diseases while working on a property in the city. Frank Bruce and Company Ltd, of St George, Bristol pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates in relation to refurbishment work at Lawrence Hill Industrial Park in the city during February and March 2009. The court heard Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors visited industrial units where the defendant had organised refurbishment work involving the removal of a large quantity of asbestos insulation board without taking statutory safety precautions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pleural Mesothelioma Phase III Clinical Trial Will Continue

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:33:27 +0100

An independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board has recently recommended the continuation of Merck’s VANTAGE 14, a phase III clinical trial studying the experimental use of vorinostat in patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma. According to their Web site, Merck & Co. Inc. is the second-largest pharmaceutical company in the world. Their researchers have helped find new ways to treat and prevent illness while maintaining a strong dedication to developing animal care products. The clinical trial is specifically studying patients who have already received treatment involving the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed (also known as the brand name Alimta). Vorinostat (marketed as ZOLINZA) is an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor made by Merck that is currently being used for trea...

Proposed adjustments to pathologic staging of epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma based on analysis of 354 cases

Cancer — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We examined pathologic characteristics, previously included in published studies, and explored correlations with outcome among patients with epithelioid MPM who underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH). Comparisons of survival among patients with and without each tumor or lymph node feature guided adjustments to the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC)/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) classification criteria. Proportional hazards modeling of TN combinations guided adjustments to stage groupings.Three hundred fifty-four patients were resectable by EPP and had complete pathologic data. Overall median survival was 18 months from surgery. By AJCC/UICC criteria, 233 (66%) patients were stage III, whereas by BWH criteria, 194 (55%) patients ...

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[Digital ischemia in two patients treated with gemcitabine.]

Journal des Maladies Vasculaires — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Viguier JB, Solanilla A, Boulon C, Constans J, Conri C A 73-year-old man with an urothelial carcinoma treated with gemcitabine and carboplatinium and an 84-year-old man with a mesothelioma treated with gemcitabine alone developed digital ischemia. In the first patient, the ischemia involved all fingers except the thumbs during the second cycle of treatment. The ischemia developed during the first cycle in the second patient and involved the right major and ring fingers. In the literature, gemcitabine vascular toxicity is probably potentialized by platinium salts. Several nosological entities occur simultaneously. The most widely described involve isolated digital ischemia for doses to the order of 3000mg, and a hemolytic and uremic thrombotic microangiopathy for gemcitabine do...

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy: Study Compares Cisplatin to Carboplatin

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:33:37 +0100

In conclusion, our data would suggest the combination of carboplatin and pemetrexed may be a viable option in the treatment of MPM, especially in patients where there are anticipatory problems with the use of cisplatin.” Additional information about mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Autophagy Protects Mesothelioma from HDAC Inhibitor Induced Apoptosis by Targeting Mitochondria

Journal of Surgical Research — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:39:37 +0100

Conclusion: We show that autophagy has an antiapoptotic effect in mesothelioma cells during HDAC inhibitor therapy and propose Nix-associated clearance of damaged mitochondria from the cytoplasm (mitophagy) as a potential mechanism whereby apoptosis is avoided. (Source: Journal of Surgical Research)

Mesothelioma Study from Italy Finds Therapeutic Treatment Method

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:59:02 +0100

According to researchers performing a study in Fano, Italy, evidence shows asbestos exposure may be associated with causing DNA breaks, abnormal chromosome segregation and chromosomal rearrangements, which are all considered to be changes that lead towards the development of malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer most commonly affecting the lining of the lungs. While exposure to asbestos may not cause immediate health changes, long-term side effects of this toxic substance can be life-threatening. Through the study, researchers from the University of Urbino found that cellular transformation in malignant pleural mesothelioma may also be caused by genomic instability and DNA methylation, which is the suppression of gene expres...

Mesothelioma Research Shows Photodynamic Therapy to Be Effective

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:00:54 +0100

Recently published in Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, an article on photodynamic therapy highlights the effectiveness of the treatment in mesothelioma cancer. Caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure, malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs but can also affect the lining of the abdomen or heart. Unfortunately, mesothelioma has earned a reputation as a cancer that is difficult to treat. It rarely responds to aggressive treatment approaches and no cure has been found, but combining therapies has shown to extend the survival rate and improve prognosis in some cases. Combining one or more therapies, known as multimodality therapy, has shown the greatest improvements in mesothelioma treatment. Uniting surgery, chemothera...

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Mesothelioma Researchers Study the Risk Associated with Environmental Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:17:42 +0100

In conclusion, limited available estimates reveal past and future trends for mesothelioma risk due to general environmental exposure to asbestos in Japan. Results might suggest the need for social and medical support for general populations. These findings may be of considerable interest to other countries that have used asbestos in the past.” Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Staging algorithm for diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma [Institutional report - Pulmonary]

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:13:41 +0100

An algorithm of preoperative mediastinal nodal staging with endobronchial/endoesophageal ultrasonography (EBUS/EUS) and transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) combined with laparoscopy/peritoneal lavage and cytology was analyzed to establish the realistic criteria for radical multimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The algorithm included computed tomography (CT), thoracoscopy with multiple pleural biopsies and talc pleurodesis, EBUS/EUS and one-stage TEMLA and laparoscopy/peritoneal lavage and cytology of the fluid. Forty-two patients were diagnosed from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008. There were 16 women and 26 men in ages ranging from 43 to 77 years (mean 57.8); 31 epithelioid, 2 sarcomatoid and 9 biphasic type MPM. 21/42 patients wer...

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lung Cancer Testing: Rosetta Genomics Receives Good Results from Johns Hopkins University

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:51:09 +0100

In a recent study conducted with the Department of Pathology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Rosetta Genomic’s miRview(TM) squamous test demonstrated high accuracy in classifying non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 102 samples. miRview™ squamous, offered in the United States under the brand name Prometheus Laboratories (ProOnc™ squamous), is helpful in differentiating squamous from non-squamous NSCLC. While other methods of testing are difficult to reproduce and have low accuracy, miRview™ squamous provides a single score that reveals whether a sample is squamous or non-squamous NSCLC. The 102 samples were classified using “gold standard” methods (H&E staining) and later in a blinded method using the miRview™ squamous test. The results showed 100 per...

Analysis of the Effect of Radiotherapy on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma when Given on Adjuvant or Palliative Basis

Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Multimodality approach involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been evaluated and proved its superiority in improving survival, especially in stages II. (Source: Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer)

Mesothelioma Case Report: Rare Isolated Pancreas Metastasis in Primary Pleural Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:19:46 +0100

In conclusion, local control of pleural mesothelioma improves the survival rate. Thus, an increasing number of patients presenting with spread of the disease to unusual sites is much more likely. The possibility of pancreatic metastatic lesions should be considered in patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma in the presence of epigastric discomfort.” Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Plasma cell myeloma presenting with diffuse pleural involvement: a hitherto unreported pattern of a new mesothelioma mimicker

Annals of Diagnostic Pathology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:08:45 +0100

We described 2 cases of plasmacytoma presenting with a preponderant involvement of the pleural membranes simulating clinically, radiologically, and on gross pathologic inspection a primary mesothelioma. The patients were an 80-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman. In both cases, the clinical presentation was that of a serosal tumor, including effusions and pleural thickening. In the former, the serosal infiltration raised the suspicion of mesothelioma reinforced by history of occupational exposure to asbestos. Patient general condition deteriorated rapidly. Postmortem examination revealed unilateral encasing of the lung within a thick, irregular neoplastic rind. In addition, tumoral involvement was seen in the homolateral third rib and the clavicle. Histologic examination of pleural masses...

Survey of British Pathologists' performance of mesothelioma post-mortems.

Pathology, Research and Practice — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Goldstein R, Hasleton PS We analyzed the practice of mesothelioma post-mortems in the United Kingdom (UK). Between 2003 and 2004, a questionnaire was sent to all UK Consultant Histopathologists, and 12% were recruited. In general post-mortems, the Coroner approved 60% of requests for organ retention, and Pathologists failed to make such a request in 5.9% of cases. In asbestos cases, the lungs were not fixed for sampling in 54.8% of cases, owing to the Coroners' refusal in 46.4% and the pathologists' failure to make a request in 8.4% of cases. In epithelioid mesothelioma, mesothelial and epithelial stains were considered to be of similar importance, and calretinin was the most popular individual stain. In sarcomatoid mesothelioma, mesothelial stains were chosen by 45.9% of path...

Mesothelioma Death Highlights Risk for Navy Veterans

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:47:53 +0100

The recent passing of a mesothelioma patient has brought attention to the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease for previous United States Naval personnel. Robert W. Landon died on January 8, 2010 at his home from mesothelioma cancer. During his time as a Merchant Marine throughout World War II, Mr. Landon served in the engine rooms of tankers, Victory ships and C-2 cargo ships. Such a location was a prime hotspot for asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma. After 1934, U.S. laws required all ocean-going vessels to be protected with fire-resistant materials, which was predominantly asbestos. The pipes in engine rooms were often covered with asbestos insulation to help prevent the occurrence of fires. It is evident that the side effects of asbestos exposure from severa...

Osteopontin-mediated enhanced hyaluronan binding induces multidrug resistance in mesothelioma cells

Oncogene — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: K Tajima, R Ohashi, Y Sekido, T Hida, T Nara, M Hashimoto, S Iwakami, K Minakata, T Yae, F Takahashi, H Saya & K Takahashi (Source: Oncogene)

Primary pleural epithelioid angiosarcoma. A case report and review of the literature.

Pathology, Research and Practice — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report herein a further case of a 62-year-old man who presented with progressive dyspnea and bilateral massive hemothorax. The overall pathological and immunohistochemical features of the pleural specimens supported the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma. PMID: 20089367 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Pathology, Research and Practice)

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Mesothelioma Causes: Asbestos Abatement Violations Highlight Risk

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:39:31 +0100

According to a press release issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Ford Lewis Franklin Trust & Skalak W.H. Profit Sharing Plan, owner of a commercial facility in Lincoln City, was fined $2,917 for allowing unlicensed persons to carry out asbestos abatement at the facility located at 5056 SE Highway 101. Ford Lewis Franklin Trust allowed its agent, William Skalak, to remove approximately 40 square feet of sheet vinyl flooring during a renovation that took place in May 2009. The DEQ investigated the incident and found that the asbestos-containing materials removed were not correctly packaged or labeled. In addition, the debris from the project was placed in garbage bags and stored outside the facility for an unknown period of time. Ford Lewis Franklin Trust &...

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: a clinical–pathologic correlation of 326 cases

Modern Pathology AOP — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: a clinical–pathologic correlation of 326 cases Modern Pathology advance online publication, January 15, 2010. doi:10.1038/modpathol.2009.180 Authors: Sonja Klebe, Noel A Brownlee, Annabelle Mahar, James L Burchette, Thomas A Sporn, Robin T Vollmer & Victor L Roggli (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)

CDKN2A and MTAP deletions in peritoneal mesotheliomas are correlated with loss of p16 protein expression and poor survival

Modern Pathology AOP — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alyssa M Krasinskas, David L Bartlett, Kathleen Cieply & Sanja Dacic (Source: Modern Pathology AOP)

Asbestos, lung cancers, and mesotheliomas: from molecular approaches to targeting tumor survival pathways.

American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:44:05 +0100

Authors: Heintz NH, Janssen-Heininger YM, Mossman BT Fifteen years have passed since we published findings in the AJRCMB demonstrating that induction of early response fos/jun proto-oncogenes in rodent tracheal and mesothelial cells correlates with fibrous geometry and pathogenicity of asbestos. Our study was the first to suggest that the aberrant induction of signaling responses by crocidolite asbestos and erionite, a fibrous zeolite mineral associated with the development of malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) in areas of Turkey, led to altered gene expression. New data questioned the widely held belief at that time that the carcinogenic effects of asbestos in the development of lung cancer and MM were due to genotoxic or mutagenic effects. Later studies by our group revealed that proto-on...

Mesothelioma Researchers Further Support the Link Between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:05:20 +0100

In conclusion, the researchers found that “Fibrotic alteration of the pleura and lung were confirmed as predictors of pleural mesothelioma as well as lung cancer and underpin the necessity to elucidate the underlying biological process of fibrosis in relation to cancer development.” Additional information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Diagnostic Performance of Soluble Mesothelin and Megakaryocyte Potentiating Factor in Mesothelioma.

Am J Respir Crit Car... — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective multicenter study, MPF is validated as a highly performant MPM biomarker. The similar AUC values of SM and MPF, together with the limited difference in sensitivity, show that both serum biomarkers have an equivalent diagnostic performance. PMID: 20075387 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Am J Respir Crit Car...)

Mesothelioma Risk and Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:28:38 +0100

With the recent health care bill still in limbo, Montana Senator Max Baucus has been able to introduce additional legislation that will bring aid to Libby, Montana residents affected by asbestos and a rare cancer known as mesothelioma. With this addition to the health care bill, mesothelioma and asbestos have been current topics in national news, and knowing how to avoid asbestos exposure is essential to preventing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and have released asbestos fibers into the air. In the past, some of the more...

Mesothelioma Causes: Research On How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:07:08 +0100

An article recently released in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology discusses the potential and known causes of mesothelioma, most notably asbestos exposure, and explores the biological processes involved in the development of mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Annually, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States and those figures are expected to rise over the next decade. Exposure to asbestos occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up the mineral are inhaled or ingested into the body. After asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the release of microscopic asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment can lead to inhalation or ingestion of the...

Early Detection of Mesothelioma Cancer Increases Treatment Options

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:57:43 +0100

Combating the rare cancer mesothelioma can be extremely difficult for patients for a number of reasons. For the majority of those diagnosed, the cancer has already reached the advanced stages of development by the time it is detected. Receiving a diagnosis for mesothelioma is tough in general, as many physicians can overlook mesothelioma as a diagnosis due to the resemblance of its symptoms to other illnesses. Another contributing factor that complicates detection and diagnosis of mesothelioma is the severe latency period associated with the onset of symptoms. In most cases, patients do not begin to experience signs of the cancer until 20 years after their initial exposure to asbestos. Because of these issues, treatments are often limited to palliative measures versus curative. However, an...

Homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/2B is a hallmark of iron-induced high-grade rat mesothelioma

Laboratory Investigation AOP — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Homozygous deletion of CDKN2A/2B is a hallmark of iron-induced high-grade rat mesothelioma Laboratory Investigation advance online publication, January 11, 2010. doi:10.1038/labinvest.2009.140 Authors: Qian Hu, Shinya Akatsuka, Yoriko Yamashita, Hiroki Ohara, Hirotaka Nagai, Yasumasa Okazaki, Takashi Takahashi & Shinya Toyokuni (Source: Laboratory Investigation AOP)

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Mesothelioma Treatment: A Review of the Role of the Pathologist in Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:16:43 +0100

The Department of Pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts recently published an article on the various roles played by a pathologist throughout the mesothelioma diagnostic and treatment process. The article explores the importance of the pathologist not only in the diagnostic stage, but also in the treatment stage as well. Treatment for malignant mesothelioma is heavily dependent upon accurate diagnosis and staging of the cancer. For example, epithelial mesothelioma, the most common subtype of mesothelioma, is treated slightly differently than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. And the stage of the disease upon diagnosis can greatly affect what treatment procedures will be effective for the patient. Thus, the overall prognosis of a mesothelioma patient i...

Mesothelioma and the Prolonged Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:41:28 +0100

Considering the recent trial concerning W.R. Grace & Company, the federal government and the citizens of the asbestos-contaminated town of Libby, Montana, the topic of asbestos-related disease has been receiving national attention in the media. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States and those figures are predicted to climb over the next decade. Asbestos exposure occurs when the fibers that make up the mineral are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This usually happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or otherwise disturbed, resulting in the release of asbestos fibers into the surrounding environment. Throughout th...

Mesothelioma Researchers Find Another Prognostic Factor for Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:14:07 +0100

A study recently released in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery reports on the findings of another potential prognostic factor for mesothelioma cancer. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is even difficult to treat with multimodality treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Research into biological prognostic factors is an important avenue of mesothelioma research since it can help dictate the right treatments for individual patients, thus potentially improving their prognosis. The authors of the study noted, “Progression of mesothelioma is thought to be governed by various growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Placenta growth factor (PIGF) belongs to the VEGF family, although no study has yet investigated its expression in mesot...

Merlin Olsen Suing Multiple Companies after Developing Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:31:51 +0100

Former National Football League (NFL) player Merlin Olsen has recently filed a lawsuit against NBC Studios, NBC Universal, 20th Century Fox Sherwin Williams, Lennox Industries and other companies for developing the rare cancer mesothelioma. Olsen gained fame during his 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, 14 of which he was selected into the Pro Bowl. After his career in the NFL, Olsen became a sportscaster, actor and a spokesperson for FTD Florists. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame. According to the suit, Olsen worked after school performing manual labor when he was about 10 or 11 years old and was exposed to asbestos during this time. He also claims he was negligently exposed to asbestos during his employment with NBC and 2...

The role of folate receptor alpha (FRα) in the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma to pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The role of folate receptor alpha (FRα) in the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma to pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, January 5, 2010. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605501 Authors: J E Nutt, A R A Razak, K O'Toole, F Black, A E Quinn, A H Calvert, E R Plummer & J Lunec (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

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Mesothelioma Causes: Asbestos Ceiling Tiles and the Construction Industry

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:30:06 +0100

Throughout much of the 20th century, many homes and buildings were built with hazardous asbestos-containing materials. Outside of the shipyard industry, the construction industry has been affected by asbestos-related diseases more than any other. Asbestos ceiling tiles was a product that received heavy usage in both residential and commercial buildings up until the 1970s. Today, asbestos-contaminated ceiling tiles can still be found in many older structures, including schools, office buildings and homes. Common locations for these ceiling tiles were in “suspended” or “drop” ceilings, also known as “acoustic” ceilings. These ceilings were held up with a t-bar frame that allowed for an open space between the tiles and the roof. The extra space provided room for HVAC equipment, wh...

The sensitivity of cytologic evaluation of pleural fluid in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to provide the current evidence on the role and sensitivity of cytologic examination of pleural fluid in the diagnosis of MM. We reviewed the cytologic findings in pleural effusions of a large series of histologically proven MM (234 cases) diagnosed in our institution between 2001 and 2008. Of all cases, 154 (66%) had cytologic material examined. A specific diagnosis of MM was rendered or suspected in 53% (79 patients). The lowest sensitivity (20%) was noticed in sarcomatoid MM cases. MM was favored over adenocarcinoma in 97% of patients with positive cytologic findings that have been confirmed with immunohistochemistry. In this series, five cases were inadequate and five cases were initially reported as atypical, whereas 65 cases (44%) were reported as nega...

Metastatic peritoneal mesothelioma in the setting of recurrent ascites: A case report

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is uncommon but rapidly fatal with a median survival of less than 1 year. The diagnosis of this entity is often delayed because of the nonspecific presenting symptoms and nonspecific cytological features of the mesothelial cells in the peritoneal fluids.A 72-year-old man who had no known history of exposure to asbestos and had longstanding refractory ascites thought to be secondary to alcoholic cirrhosis was found to have widespread metastatic malignant mesothelioma involving the lung, liver, pancreas, peritoneal, and pelvic wall, skin and subcutaneous tissue. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)

Carboplatin plus pemetrexed as first-line treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: a phase II study.

Clinical Lung Cancer — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the activity of the carboplatin/ pemetrexed combination in the first-line treatment of patients with MPM. It is a viable option, especially in cases in which side effects are generally anticipated. PMID: 20085865 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Lung Cancer)

Biological Agents Involved in Malignant Mesothelioma: Relevance as Biomarkers or Therapeutic Targets.

Current Cancer Drug Targets — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Crispi S, Cardillo I, Spugnini EP, Citro G, Menegozzo S, Baldi A Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor that arises from the surface serosal cells (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities). Epidemiological and clinical data show that there is an association between asbestos exposure and MM development, even if the exact mechanism whereby asbestos induces MM is unknown. The continuing identification and elucidation of the molecular defects involved in mesothelioma pathogenesis and progression should lead to better disease control and greater therapeutic options in the near future. Goal of this article is to summarize the most recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of mesothelioma with particular emphasis on genes that could be considered as bioma...

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Gefitinib Targets EGFR Dimerization and ERK1/2 Phosphorylation to Inhibit Pleural Mesothelioma Cell Proliferation.

Current Cancer Drug Targets — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Favoni RE, Pattarozzi A, Lo Casto M, Barbieri F, Gatti M, Paleari L, Bajetto A, Porcile C, Gaudino G, Mutti L, Corte G, Florio T Altered EGFR activity is a causal factor for human tumor development, including malignant pleural mesotheliomas. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the effects of Gefitinib on EGF-induced mesothelioma cell proliferation and the intracellular mechanisms involved. Cell proliferation, DNA synthesis and apoptosis were measured by MTT, thymidine incorporation and FACS analysis; EGFR, ERK1/2 and Akt expression and phosphorylation by Western blot, whereas receptor sites were analyzed by binding studies. Gefitinib inhibited EGF-induced proliferation in two mesothelioma cell lines, derived from pleural effusion (IST-Mes2) or tumor biopsy (ZL55...

Mesothelioma Study on Pemetrexed Finds the Chemotherapy Drug to be Safe and Active for Mesothelioma Patients

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:33:48 +0100

In conclusion, our results obtained in the German patient population of an international expanded access program are largely consistent with the experience in other … clinical studies of malignant mesothelioma. It was shown that pemetrexed given alone or in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin is safe and effective as first and second-line therapy in pleural mesothelioma. In particular, single agent pemetrexed could be a valuable treatment option for pretreated patients which may offer substantial clinical benefit. Preliminary evidence suggests that pemetrexed-based chemotherapy has similar activity in peritoneal mesothelioma.” Additional information about mesothelioma and chemotherapy may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Differentially expressed alternatively spliced genes in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma identified using massively parallel transcriptome sequencing

BMC Medical Genetics - Latest articles — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing, combined with a downstream bioinformatics pipeline, provides powerful tools for the identification of differentially expressed exon junctions resulting from alternative splice variants. The alternatively spliced genes discovered in the study could serve as useful diagnostic markers as well as potential therapeutic targets for MPM. (Source: BMC Medical Genetics - Latest articles)

Mesothelioma Research On Secondary Surgery Following Tumor Recurrence

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:51:03 +0100

Recently published in the January 2010 issue of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, a study titled “Second Surgery for Recurrence of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy” has found mixed results on the efficacy of secondary surgery in mesothelioma patients. Italian researchers retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 74 malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), following the surgical management of their solid tumor recurrences. Follow-up data was available for 57 patients. Of the 57 malignant mesothelioma patients with follow-up data, 11 patients experienced a solid tumor recurrence (1.5 to 12 years after the initial treatment). Of the 11 patients with tumor recurrence, a total of eight showed sufficient...

Mesothelioma Prevention: Asbestos Regulations Strengthened in New York City

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:14:15 +0100

Discussions on the proper handling of asbestos materials and educating contractors on how to prevent exposure can better prepare those that encounter asbestos. Even professional asbestos abatement companies can improperly remove asbestos and fail to use protective equipment. Council Speaker Christine Quinn said, “Taken together, these 12 measures represent a significant overhaul of the City’s demolition and asbestos abatement procedures.” Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

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Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drug Alimta Continues to Benefit Mesothelioma Patients

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:55:15 +0100

Recent clinical trials in trimodality therapy continue to prove the efficacy of Alimta (pemetrexed) when combined with cisplatin in mesothelioma patients. Dating back to 2004, Eli Lilly and Company has received four approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its drug Alimta. The company’s first approval was received for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, but the drug also needed to be combined with cisplatin in order to be considered an effective treatment method. Eli Lilly received its second approval from the FDA again in 2004 for a second-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemotherapy. Representing 85 to 90 percent of all lung cancers, NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer. Alimta...

'Hidden Killer' Asbestos Campaign Wins International Award

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A campaign warning tradespeople about the dangers of asbestos has won a prestigious international award. The Health and Safety Executive's 'hidden killer' campaign came top in the health category of the European Excellence Awards, held in Vienna, which honour outstanding achievements in public relations. Around 20 tradesmen a week die in the UK from asbestos-related diseases and the aim of the campaign, launched in autumn 2008, was to help prevent another generation of plumbers, plasterers, electricians and joiners having their lives cut short... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mesothelioma and Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion: Acute Ischemic Stroke and Efficacy of Emergency Carotid Thrombectomy

Annals of Vascular Surgery — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of a 54-year-old man with acute stroke caused by left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion secondary to pleural mesothelioma, discovered later. The cranial computed tomography scan revealed a left hemisphere ischemic lesion. At neurological examination, the modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (mNIHSS) score was 9. The carotid duplex scan (DS) showed a complete thrombotic occlusion of the left ICA. The patient underwent emergency carotid thrombectomy. The screening tests revealed thrombocytosis, hyperfibrinogenemia, increased C-reactive protein values, and multiple left pleural mesothelioma nodularity confirmed at the immunohistochemical investigation. After surgery, the patient's neurological symptoms improved, with an mNIHSS score of 3. At 30 and 120 ...

Mesothelioma Case Brings $17 Million for Families

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:55:10 +0100

In a recent mesothelioma case in Philadelphia, a jury revealed a $17 million verdict for the families of two mesothelioma victims. Both victims had been exposed to asbestos-containing materials from several manufacturers, including John Crane, Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies. Before the verdict was determined by the jury, John Crane agreed to a confidential settlement, making Garlock the only remaining defendant in the case. Details of the jury’s decision stated that each man suffered from malignant mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure and that the damages for the families totaled $17 million. Garlock argued their gaskets could not have contributed to the development of mesothelioma even though their gaskets contained approximately 75 to 90 percent asbestos. Later in the trial,...

Mesothelioma Causes: Shipyards Carry High Risk for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:51:15 +0100

The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was heavily utilized throughout much of the 20th century for its insulating and fireproofing capabilities. Because of these qualities, asbestos was incorporated into nearly all naval vessels from the World War II era and into the 1980s. Unfortunately, the side effects of asbestos exposure has affected thousands of past shipyard workers as well as crew members, leaving many with the development of lung cancer, asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Many shipyard employees have either passed away or have been diagnosed with the disease and more are expected as the latency period associated with mesothelioma can range from 20 to 50 years. Diagnosing this cancer is part...

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Evaluation of an Attenuated Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector Expressing Interferon-β for Use in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Heterogeneity in Interferon Responsiveness Defines Potential Efficacy

Human Gene Therapy — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:13:46 +0100

Human Gene Therapy , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Human Gene Therapy)

Second Surgery for Recurrence of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma After Extrapleural Pneumonectomy [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC]

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:25:12 +0100

Conclusions In this series, the second surgery did not offer the expected survival benefit of curative treatment strategies and should therefore be considered palliative. Second surgery may be a treatment option in a subset of patients who experience a solid recurrence of MPM that is symptomatic or near vital organs and who cannot undergo additional radiotherapy. (Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery)

Mesothelioma Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:52:15 +0100

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are either inhaled or ingested into the body. This typically happens after asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and have released asbestos fibers into the air. In the past, some of the more common locations for asbestos exposure (predominantly for men) have included the construction, shipyard, railroad, power plant, chemical plant and automotive industries. However, other indirect cases of asbestos exposure, known as secondary exposure, have been noted to affect the lives of women and children. Many of the men who worked with asbestos would often carry home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes, and when their ...

Research From Washington University, Medical Department In The Area Of Pancreatic Cancer Described

Cancercompass News: Pancreatic Cancer — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Mesothelin is a glycoprotein expressed on normal mesothelial cells and is overexpressed in several histologic types of tumors including pancreatic adenocarcinomas. A soluble form of mesothelin has been detected in patients with ovarian cancer and malignant mesothelioma, and has prognostic value, scientists in the United States report. (Source: Cancercompass News: Pancreatic Cancer)

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Multi-Institutional Experience [Other Malignancies]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:02:57 +0100

Conclusion The data suggest that CRS combined with HIPEC achieved prolonged survival in selected patients with DMPM. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

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Mesothelioma Treatment Improvements with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:40:23 +0100

Mesothelioma researchers out of Denmark recently published a review of their experience with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and the incidence of pulmonary toxicity following this type of radiation. The article, titled “Pulmonary toxicity following IMRT after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma,” was published in the journal Radiotherapy and Oncology and discusses the potential toxic effects of IMRT and offers recommendations on how to reduce and prevent pulmonary toxicity. “Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has allowed for an increase in dose to the pleural cavity and reduction in radiation doses to organs at risk. The present study reports and analyzes the incidence of fatal pulmonary toxicity in patients treated at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen...

Case-control study of pleural mesothelioma in workers with social security in Mexico

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos in Mexico in the past has been a cause of deaths and health damages. Its magnitude is unknown to date. Our objective was to identify the proportion of cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) that can be attributed to and occupational exposure to asbestos.We carried out a case-control study of MPM in 472 workers insured by the Mexican Institute of Social Security, all Valley of Mexico residents, with 119 incident cases and 353 controls. Cases were histologically confirmed. Participants were questioned concerning their occupational history and sociodemographic data. Assignment to one of the four exposures was performed qualitatively by an expert hygienist. Odds ratios (ORs) and attributable risks (ARs) were calculated using a non-cond...

Mesothelioma Study Further Confirms Use of Multimodality Therapy

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:59:45 +0100

Researchers out of the United Kingdom have reported on their 30-year surgical experience with malignant pleural mesothelioma, finding multimodality therapy combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to be most effective at prolonging mesothelioma prognosis. During the period of the study, a total of 139 patients underwent surgical treatment and their progress was followed. The mean age of the participants was 58.9 years and 87% were males. Two-thirds of the participants exhibited disease on the right side of the body, which is common in pleural malignant mesothelioma. The surgical procedures included extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for Butchart stage I patients or pleurectomy/decortication (PD) for patients with more advanced stage diagnosis. Following surgery, some participants under...

Mesothelioma Awareness: 2010 Designated as “The Year of the Lung”

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:47:21 +0100

The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) have labeled next year “2010: The Year of the Lung.” The campaign was officially launched during the 40th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Cancun, Mexico on December 6, 2009. The campaign mission “Aims to raise awareness about the importance of lung health, generate social and political support for preventing and treating lung disease, and increase public and private funding for lung research.” According to a document titled “Climate change and respiratory disease,” which was published by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and placed on the campaign’s Web site, respiratory doctors have an important role in combating major public health concerns like ...

Staging Mesothelioma: Steps after a Diagnosis

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:42:30 +0100

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs. Other, less common occurrences of the cancer include peritoneal, pericardial and testicular mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can happen by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. Such exposure is often the result of damaged asbestos-containing materials that have released microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Ingestion of asbestos may occur if these fibers land in drinks or on areas where food is prepared. Symptoms of mesothelioma may take anywhere between 20 and 50 years to arise after the initial exposure to asbestos. This often allows the cancer to unknowingly develop, resulting in a late diagnosis for ...

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Merkel cell polyomavirus is not detected in mesotheliomas

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that MCPyV is etiologically linked to mesothelioma. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Libby Residents Concerned about Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:31:13 +0100

Months after the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the town of Libby, Montana a public health emergency over asbestos exposure concerns, citizens and job-site workers remain concerned whether they are at risk for developing asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma. Libby is the site where W.R. Grace and Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was highly contaminated with asbestos. Several parts of the town were also affected by asbestos exposure including playgrounds, roads and other residential areas. For decades workers in Libby brought the toxic dust home on their clothes where they unintentionally exposed their families to asbestos. Although the EPA along with the U.S. Department of Health Human Services (HHS) began using a $6 million health care ...

Mesothelioma Researchers Study Another Biological Marker and Its Role in Patient Prognosis

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:30:06 +0100

French researchers have found another biological marker associated with the prognosis of malignant mesothelioma. Identifying this prognostic marker and investigating it further could lead to a better understanding of mesothelioma prognosis factors and what they mean for mesothelioma patients. The biological marker is neurotensin (NTS) and its cognate receptor (NTSR1). Neurotensin is neuropeptide, a small protein-like molecule used by neurons. Neurotensin is made up of 13 amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and has been associated with colon, prostate, pancreas and breast cancer. The cognate receptor NTSR1 is a gene that provides the genetic coding for the receptor molecule that binds to NTS. The study notes that “NTS is associated with a number of deleterious functions promotin...

Mesothelioma Causes and Effects

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:33:37 +0100

The naturally occurring mineral asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials throughout much of the 20th century. Because the mineral is fire-resistant and acts as an excellent insulator, manufacturers of construction materials mixed asbestos into paints, glues, cements, fiberboard, insulation, roofing, siding, flooring and paper in order to enrich such building materials with asbestos’ beneficial characteristics. However, when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, the toxic fibers that make up asbestos can be released into the air. If inhaled, these fibers can cause significant damage to the lungs and result in lung cancer, asbestosis, or pleural mesothelioma. Those exposed to asbestos may also be at risk of developing other types of malignant mesothelioma,...

Fatal hemopericardial tamponade due to primary pericardial mesothelioma: a case report

Diagnostic Pathology — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our case demonstrates a pericardial mesothelioma initially masquerading grossly as pericarditis. Microscopic examination of any grossly abnormal pericardial tissue therefore may be warranted so that a neoplastic disease process does not go undetected. Additionally, of the approximately 200 such tumors reported in the medical literature, a case demonstrating marked hemopericardium and resulting in sudden death has not been described until now. (Source: Diagnostic Pathology)

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Antitumor activity of anti-C-ERC/mesothelin monoclonal antibody in vivo

Cancer Science — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the antitumor activity of C-ERC/mesothelin-specific mouse monoclonal antibody, 22A31, against tumors derived from a human mesothelioma cell line, ACC-MESO-4, in a xenograft experimental model using female BALB/c athymic nude mice. Treatment with 22A31 did not inhibit cell proliferation of ACC-MESO-4 in vitro; however, therapeutic treatment with 22A31 drastically inhibited tumor growth in vivo. 22A31 induced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by natural killer (NK) cells, but not macrophages, in vitro. Consistently, the F(ab')2 fragment of 22A31 did not inhibit tumor growth in vivo, nor did it induce antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. Moreover, NK cell depletion diminished the antitumor effect of 22A31. Thus, 22A31 induce...

Mesothelioma Research Further Confirms Efficacy of Mesothelin-Related Peptides as Diagnostic Markers

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:18:56 +0100

Mesothelioma researchers in China have further confirmed the use of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRPs) as biological markers in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Titled “Diagnostic Value of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides for Malignant Mesothelioma: A Meta-Analysis,” the purpose of this study was to establish the diagnostic accuracy of measuring SMRPs for malignant mesothelioma. In other words, the purpose was to find the most accurate SMRP readings that denote a mesothelioma diagnosis. Researchers state, “Serum concentrations of soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) have been reported to be higher in patients with malignant mesothelioma than in healthy subjects and in patients with non-malignant mesothelioma diseases.” SMRPs are proteins associated with me...

A bipartite butyrate-responsive element in the human calretinin (CALB2) promoter acts as a repressor in colon carcinoma cells but not in mesothelioma cells

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The short-chain fatty acid butyrate plays an essential role in colonic mucosa homeostasis through the capacity to block the cell cycle, regulate differentiation and to induce apoptosis. The beneficial effect of dietary fibers on preventing colon cancer is essentially mediated through butyrate, derived from luminal fermentation of fibers by intestinal bacteria. In epithelial cells of the colon, both in normal and colon cancer cells, the expression of several genes is positively or negatively regulated by butyrate likely through modulation of histone acetylation and thereby affecting the transcriptional activity of genes. Calretinin (CALB2) is a member of the EF-hand family of Ca2+-binding proteins and is expressed in a majority of poorly differentiated colon carcinoma and additionally in me...

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Amounts to $10.2 Million for Former Paper Mill Worker

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:20:08 +0100

In a lawsuit filed against the companies Scapa Dryer Fabrics, Inc. and AstenJohnson, a jury has awarded Henry and Geraldine Barabin $10.2 million for reasons related to asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. The two companies heavily incorporated asbestos into their products and workers nearby the manufacturing process were at a very high risk of being exposed to the toxic mineral. Henry Barabin worked for the two companies as a laborer between 1964 and 2001. His first stint was at the Texaco Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas from 1964 to 1968. He then worked at the Crown Zellerbach paper mill in Camas, Washington from 1968 to 2001. Mr. Barabin believes he was exposed to asbestos dust that was released from asbestos-containing dryer fabrics during normal handling, replacement ...

Preoperative Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Using Doppler Ultrasound

Urology — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a case of MM of the tunica vaginalis in a 73-year-old man who presented with hydrocele and was preoperatively diagnosed with MM using Doppler in addition to scrotal ultrasound. He underwent early radical orchiectomy through an inguinal approach, resulting in improved survival. (Source: Urology)

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Mesothelioma Expert Hosts Lecture on Palliative Care Options for Patients

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:32:14 +0100

Dr. Charles F. von Gunten, an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Institute of Palliative Medicine at San Diego, California will be conducting a lecture on Palliative Care Options for Mesothelioma Patients on Tuesday, December 8. Hosted at the Town & Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, California, the conference will provide family members, health care providers and patients with up-to-date information on the array of treatments, medicines and procedures available to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, but highly aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can accumulate and cause inflammation and DNA damage. Asbestos exposure has also been lin...

Targeted proteasome inhibition by Velcade induces apoptosis in human mesothelioma and breast cancer cell lines

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:20:36 +0100

Conclusions Velcade targets cell cycle and apoptosis signaling to suppress MPM and HBC growth in part by activating novel transducers of apoptosis. This pilot study has paved way for further in-depth analysis of the downstream target molecules associated with presensitization of mesothelioma cells in finding effective therapeutic treatment options for both mesothelioma and recalcitrant breast cancers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-009-1181-8Authors Ying Wang, Wayne State University John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Karmanos Cancer Institute VAMC, 4646 John R. Detroit MI 48201 USAArun K. Rishi, Wayne State University John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute Room B4334, VAMC...

Mesothelioma and Asbestos: Impacts on the Shipyard Industry

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:35:28 +0100

Shipyard workers and crew members were routinely exposed to asbestos-containing materials during the World War II era and through the 1980s. At the time, asbestos was thought to be an ideal material to use because of its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures and fires. However, the side effects of asbestos exposure are still being felt today as past shipyard workers and Navy veterans are still developing asbestos-related diseases. The ships that were built during World War II were heavily contaminated with asbestos. Areas and materials that commonly contained the hazardous mineral were boiler rooms, sleeping quarters, pipes and parts that needed to be insulated. Due to close quarters and heavy use of ships during the war, materials that contained toxic asbestos...

Mesothelioma Survivor: Man Achieves Tumor Disappearance Through Traditional and Alternative Therapy

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:24:25 +0100

An article in the Journal of Medical Case Reports recently reported a case of pleural mesothelioma in a 73-year-old man in which the complete disappearance of the tumor was achieved through both traditional and alternative therapies. Authors of the article report that “a pleurectomy was performed, and as expected, the tumor locally relapsed with increasing chest pain. However, the symptoms suddenly improved while the tumor was apparently reduced, and spontaneous tumor regression was initially considered. The patient confessed that he had self-administered a mushroom extract with alternative parasympathetic nerve stimulation therapy [a type of acupuncture] thereafter.” Throughout a 29-month follow-up, the complete disappearance of the tumor was clinically attained with continuing self-t...

Abstract B27: A preclinical mouse model of orthotopic pleural cancer that facilitates noninvasive quantitative monitoring of tumor progression and therapy response

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:28 +0100

Conclusions: Pleural involvement by solid tumors remains a significant problem in clinical oncology affecting nearly 250,000 patients annually in the U.S. with no validated preclinical model for therapeutic investigations. We have validated a clinically relevant, reproducible orthotopic model of pleural malignancy that recapitulates human disease and allows for noninvasive quantitative monitoring of pleural tumor burden, progression and therapeutic response. Our xenograft model provides a novel platform to investigate targeted therapies for pleural malignancies.Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):B27. (Source: Cancer Research)

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National Lung Cancer Audit 2009 released

NeLM - Oncology — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report summarises the findings of the National Lung Cancer Audit for patients diagnosed with lung cancer or mesothelioma who were first seen in 2008. By the end of June 2008, all cancer networks in England, Wales and Scotland were contributing to the audit. Key findings presented in the summary include the following: . The audit has collected data on 32,447 patients in Great Britain for this audit period, representing over 85% per cent of the expected number of lung cancer cases. . Overall the measures of care appear to be improving slowly but still are below those reported from other Western European countries. Despite this there remains wide variation across trusts and networks and differences in casemix do not appear to explain the whole of ...

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Improved with Three-Dimensional Evaluation

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:11:19 +0100

A recent mesothelioma study compared three different methods of evaluating chemotherapy effectiveness in mesothelioma and found one method to be more effective than the others. Experts in the field of mesothelioma will attest that measuring tumor response to chemotherapy is especially difficult because tumors of this cancer follow a non-spherical growth pattern along the pleural surface of the lung, which is challenging to evaluate. An accurate method for measuring tumor response is important to all cancer treatment as it helps doctors assess the treatment’s ability to reduce the size and growth of the tumor. Thus, finding a successful method of measuring chemotherapeutic effect in mesothelioma is very important to improving mesothelioma treatment. Considering the added challenge of meas...

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Multi-Institutional Experience

OncologySTAT Journal Scans — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:06:43 +0100

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is a rare disease that carries a poor prognosis. In this retrospective study of 405 patients cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal... Related... (Source: OncologySTAT Journal Scans)

Pancreatic Tumors Are Marked For Immunotherapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Pancreatic tumors can be identified by a readily detectable marker that shows promise as a basis for immune therapy against the disease, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The marker is mesothelin, a protein normally found on mesothelial cells that line the body cavities. Several types of cancer cells make large amounts of mesothelin, which then circulates in the blood. Mesothelin levels in the blood were shown in earlier studies to predict survival in patients with ovarian cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer of mesothelial cells)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Epigenetic Profiles Distinguish Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma from Lung Adenocarcinoma

Cancer Research — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:08:11 +0100

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a fatal thoracic malignancy, the epigenetics of which are poorly defined. We performed high-throughput methylation analysis covering 6,157 CpG islands in 20 MPMs and 20 lung adenocarcinomas. Newly identified genes were further analyzed in 50 MPMs and 56 adenocarcinomas via quantitative methylation-specific PCR. Targets of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and genetic alterations were also assessed in MPM cells by chromatin immunoprecipitation arrays and comparative genomic hybridization arrays. An average of 387 genes (6.3%) and 544 genes (8.8%) were hypermethylated in MPM and adenocarcinoma, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the two malignancies have characteristic DNA methylation patterns, likely a result of diffe...

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Editorial Comment

Urology — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Tumor stage and grade have been established as significant prognostic factors in the upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC). Stathmin 1 (also known as oncoprotein 18) is the first discovered member of a family of phylogenetically related microtubule-destabilizing phosphoproteins critically involved in the construction and function of the mitotic spindle. It is overexpressed across a broad range of human malignancies (leukemia; lymphoma; neuroblastoma; ovarian, prostatic, breast and lung cancers; and mesothelioma). (Source: Urology)

CD10 Is Expressed in Most Epithelioid Hemangioendotheliomas: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.-CD10 has a sensitivity of 78% (confidence interval, 63.6%-92.4%) and specificity of 70% (confidence interval, 54%-85.9%) for EHE. There is a growing list of tumors that show expression of CD10. Pathologists should be aware of this diagnostic pitfall. PMID: 19961253 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine)

Increasing of malignant pleural mesothelioma: burning issue in Split-Dalmatian County, Croatia.

Collegium Antropologicum — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mise K, Jurcev-Savicević A, Bradarić A, Perić I, Barisić I, Puntarić D, Mise J, Ilić N Asbestos-related diseases are one of the burning public health issues worldwide. The incidence and the epidemiological patterns of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Split-Dalmatian County, where a large part of Croatian industry related to asbestos processing and use have been situated were assessed in this study. The history of asbestos-related issues and development of current legislation in Croatia was also discussed briefly. Data on the incidence were collected retrospectively from the medical records of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma treated at Department of Pulmonary Diseases University Hospital Split during the 2000-2007 period. A tota...

Advancement in the mesothelioma diagnostics in Primorsko-Goranska County of Croatia.

Collegium Antropologicum — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lalić H, Bulat Kardum L, Kukuljan M, Dindić Pavicić M, Kricka O The purpose is to find out whether the diagnostics and registration of patients with mesothelioma in the Littoral Mountainous County of Croatia corresponds to the world trends. Further, the intention was to show the incidence of the disease and suggest the measures of prevention in the county of 400,000 inhabitants and its center Rijeka with 140,000 people. To that purpose 43 patients with mesothelioma were monitored in two groups: 25 shipyard workers, mean age 66, and 18 workers in other occupations, mean age 62. Statistically the group did not differ significantly in the incidence of placks, left or right side effusion. The pleural puncture showed the significance (p < 0.05) for incidence of...

Mesothelioma and Other Illnesses Caused by Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:27:22 +0100

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its durability and fire-resistant properties, as well as its toxic effects on humans and animals. The substance has been used in a wide variety of building materials, including insulation products, siding, cements, flooring and roofing to name a few. When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed, toxic asbestos fibers are released into the air. If these microscopic fibers are inhaled or ingested, there are several illnesses that may potentially develop, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. These illnesses have a severe latency period for symptoms though, ranging from 10 to 50 years for symptoms to arise. This latency period can have a significant impact on patients diagnosed with asbestos cancer. For exampl...

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Diagnostic value of soluble mesothelin-related peptides for malignant mesothelioma: A meta-analysis

Respiratory Medicine — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Serum SMRP determination plays a role in the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. The results of SMRP assays should be interpreted in parallel with clinical findings and the results of conventional tests. (Source: Respiratory Medicine)

Lawsuit Filed after Refinery Worker Passes away from Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:56:03 +0100

Another lawsuit has recently been filed on behalf of a deceased mesothelioma patient, Billy Cunningham, alleging Chevron USA negligently exposed him to asbestos during his employment with the oil company. Betty Lou, Mr. Cunningham’s wife, had her attorney file the suit on her behalf on Nov. 20, 2009. According to the suit, “During Cunningham’s employment with Gulf Oil, he used and was exposed to toxic materials including asbestos dust and/or fibers.” As a result of such exposure, he developed an asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, for which he died a painful and terrible death on Feb. 11, 2009.” Exposure to asbestos most often occurs by inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. Once these microscopic fibers have been inhaled, they typically become lodged in the lining of...

Mesothelioma Study Finds Success in Trimodality Therapy

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:05:24 +0100

Recently published in the medical journal Lung Cancer, a clinical trial on trimodality therapy for mesothelioma found the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy (radiation) to improve traditional survival rates among malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. The clinical trial included 35 participants with malignant pleural mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for approximately 75 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases. All participants of the trial were treated with a radical pleurectomy surgery, which is a...

Should surgery dominate as the standard of care for mesothelioma or be in reserve for a select group of pts?

Cancer Network — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:30:02 +0100

Surgical intervention for mesothelioma has become widely accepted, but controversy persists: Should surgery be the standard of care or should it be offered only to select patients? According to scientific literature, surgery decreases morbidity and mortality while also improving outcomes compared with adjunctive therapy alone. (Source: Cancer Network)

"Signet-ring" cells - A caveat in the diagnosis of a diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma occurring in a lady presenting with recurrent ascites: An unusual case report

Diagnostic Cytopathology — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report an unusual case study of a diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma in a 57-years-old lady, with no history of asbestos exposure, presenting with recurrent ascites, diagnosed on ascitic fluid cytology and on histology as an adenocarcinoma, based upon the presence of "signet-ring" cells. On review, clinicopathological correlation with IHC was helpful in forming correct diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Diagnostic Cytopathology)

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E7080, a Multi-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Suppresses the Progression of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma with Different Proangiogenic Cytokine Production Profiles.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly suggest broad-spectrum activity of E7080 against MPM with different proangiogenic cytokine production profiles in humans. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(23):7229-37). PMID: 19934291 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Mesothelioma Prevention: APHA asks Congress to Ban Asbestos

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:43:39 +0100

The American Public Health Association (APHA) recently voiced its concern on asbestos and asked Congress to pass legislation that would ultimately place a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, export and import of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Celeste Monforton, Chair of APHA’s Occupational Health and Safety section, said, “With this new policy, APHA is joining the World Federation of Public Health Associations and other international organizations calling for a global ban on asbestos mining, and manufacturing, and the dangerous practice of exporting asbestos containing products.” Asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma claim the lives of more than 10,000 Americans each year. Until a ban is placed on the use of asbest...

Occupation and cancer - follow-up of 15 million people in five Nordic countries.

Acta Oncologica — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:32:03 +0100

We present up to 45 years of cancer incidence data by occupational category for the Nordic populations. The study covers the 15 million people aged 30-64 years in the 1960, 1970, 1980/1981 and/or 1990 censuses in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and the 2.8 million incident cancer cases diagnosed in these people in a follow-up until about 2005. The study was undertaken as a cohort study with linkage of individual records based on the personal identity codes used in all the Nordic countries. In the censuses, information on occupation for each person was provided through free text in self-administered questionnaires. The data were centrally coded and computerised in the statistical offices. For the present study, the original occupational codes were reclassified into 53 occupati...

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Holds Sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) announced its sixth International Asbestos Awareness Conference to be held in Chicago April 9-11, 2010. Conferences each year bring together renowned doctors, scientists, researchers and most importantly, asbestos victims and their families - in a united forum for asbestos awareness, education and collaboration. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Military Veterans Linked to Mesothelioma & Asbestosis

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:25 +0100

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs stated that out of the millions of veterans who have served the country, hundreds of thousands have been exposed to asbestos during their service. Veterans were exposed to asbestos while working on naval vessels where asbestos was used as the main form of insulation. Used by every military branch in the United States, over 300 products containing asbestos were used by the Navy and other military sectors from the 1930s through the 1970s. Products containing asbestos were utilized due to its fire and heat resistant qualities. The mineral frequently appeared as insulation for ships, aircraft, vehicles and buildings. Shipyard workers, sailors and tradesman aboard these ships were wrongfully exposed aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and ...

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Fighting for a peaceful painfree death

Telegraph Health — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:25:35 +0100

The Liverpool Care Pathway a NHS programme for terminally ill patients close to death has been at the centre of a storm of controversy. Now patients are demanding answers. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Fighting for a peaceful, pain-free death

Telegraph Health — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:25:35 +0100

Patients are demanding answers about the Liverpool Care Pathway, an NHS programme for terminally ill patients. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Mesothelioma Researchers Find Biological Marker to Help Diagnose Malignant Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:51:32 +0100

In conclusion, strong membranous D2-40 positivity is helpful in differentiation of MM [malignant mesothelioma] from pleural involvement of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, so we suggest that it should be included in the IHC [immunohistochemical] panel used for this purpose.” Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center. (Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News)

Molecular Targets in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment.

Current Drug Targets — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:38:05 +0100

Authors: Pasello G, Favaretto A Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumour of the serosal surfaces with poor prognosis and increasing incidence due to widespread previous asbestos exposure. Relative chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic resistance makes malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) difficult to manage, even though encouraging results were achieved with multimodality treatment. Better knowledge of angiogenesis and molecular pathways involved in MPM seems to be the right way to define new targets for systemic treatment. Neoangiogenesis may be considered as a critical step in the development of mesothelioma. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) are autocrine growth factors in MPM and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) appears...

Neurotensin expression and outcome of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Biochimie — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alifano M, Loi M, Camilleri-Broet S, Dupouy S, Régnard JF, Forgez P Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a frequently fatal disease and the impact of available treatments is globally poor. Identification of new prognostic factors would help in the understanding of disease progression and, possibly, patient management. Here, we evaluate the prognostic impact of the neurotensin (NTS) and its cognate receptor (NTSR1) known for mediating cellular proliferation, survival, invasiveness, and mobility. We studied a series of 52 consecutive patients with epithelioid malignant mesothelioma undergoing management with curative intent, by immunochemistry for the expression of NTS and NTSR1. Specimens were scored as 0, 1, or 2 for less than 10%, between 10 and 50%, or more than 50% of NTS...

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Cul4A is an oncogene in malignant pleural mesothelioma.

J Cell Mol Med — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hung MS, Mao JH, Xu Z, Yang CT, Yu JS, Harvard C, Lin YC, Bravo DT, Jablons DM, You L Cullin 4A (Cul4A) is important in cell survival, development, growth, and the cell cycle, but its role in mesothelioma has not been studied. For the first time, we identified amplification of the Cul4A gene in four of five mesothelioma cell lines. Consistent with increased Cul4A gene copy number, we found that Cul4A protein was overexpressed in mesothelioma cells as well. Cul4A protein was also overexpressed in 64% of primary malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) tumors. Furthermore, knockdown of Cul4A with shRNA in mesothelioma cells resulted in up-regulation of p21 and p27 tumor suppressor proteins in a p53-independent manner in H290, H28 and MS-1 mesothelioma cell lines. Knockdown of Cul4A ...

Mesothelioma Law: Asbestos-Related Lawsuit Filed Against 38 Companies

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:42:43 +0100

A recently filed lawsuit by Cleveland J. Savoy is claiming 38 different companies are responsible for his development of an asbestos-related disease. This is the second suit he has filed. In a previous suit issued against the companies, Savoy claimed a different asbestos-related injury in contrast to his most recent complaint. Savoy believes he was exposed to asbestos-containing products while working as a carpenter. He also stated in the lawsuit that the companies negligently continued to manufacture asbestos-containing products where he worked even after knowing the hazards associated with asbestos. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to several serious illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma. The latter can be particularly harmful because most patients u...

Asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 military servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study focus on the incidence of asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 officers and enlisted servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy. Until 1987, asbestos aboard the vessels potentially caused exposure to 11,500 crew members.Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal, pharyngeal, stomach, and colorectal cancers according to service aboard between 1950 and 1987 and in other Navy personnel.Increased risk of mesothelioma was seen among engine room crews, with SIRs of 6.23 (95% CI = 2.51-12.8) and 6.49 (95% CI = 2.11-15.1) for personnel who served less than 2 years and those with longer service, respectively. Lung cancer was nearly 20% higher than expected among both engine crews and non-engine crews. An excess of colorectal ca...

New Mesothelioma Test Effective at Predicting Which Patients Will Benefit from Surgery

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:25:30 +0100

Researchers at the Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts have developed and tested a gene ratio test that helps predict which pleural mesothelioma patients will benefit from surgical procedures and trimodality therapy (multiple modes of therapy). The test, which analyzes relative expression levels of four genes involved in malignant mesothelioma, has shown in multiple studies to be effective at foretelling postsurgical outcome in pleural mesothelioma patients. The researchers were motivated to develop a molecular test that could predict surgical outcome because current staging methods and other means of assessing prognosis are insufficient at determining which mesothelioma patients will benefit from surgery or trimodality therapy. The report states that “Trimodality treatm...

Mesothelioma Treatment: Higher Doses of Radiation Found to be Beneficial

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:10 +0100

According to Australian researchers at the Austin Health Centre in Victoria, new radiation techniques may improve the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. Throughout the past seven years, Dr. Malcolm Feigen, a radiation oncologist, has been developing new mesothelioma treatment methods involving higher-than-normal doses of radiotherapy. A total of 13 patients were included in the pilot program used to test the treatment. Dr. Feigen credits the facility’s ability to increase the dose of radiation to new technologies and better equipment. The result of the pilot program was evaluated by using PET scans before patients underwent radiotherapy and after the treatment was finished. Dr. Feigen said, “We’ve been very impressed that in most cases there’s a considerable improvement ...

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Edinburgh Council Fined Â£14,000 For Asbestos Failures That Put Workers At Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Edinburgh Council has been fined Â£14,000 after 14 of its employees, were potentially exposed to asbestos while carrying out refurbishment work. The workers, including joiners, had been instructed to remove laboratory doors from Castlebrae Community High School back in April 2007 and carry out alterations at the council's workshop on Murrayburn Road. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mesothelioma Study Finds Optimal Treatment Approach for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:19:53 +0100

In this study, British researchers analyzed clinicopathological features, operative procedures, early outcomes and survival rates among 17 patients who underwent surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Upon analyzing the results, the researchers found that “Cytoreductive surgery combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy appears to be the optimal treatment for selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.” The researchers also noted that “Increased familiarity with this condition’s presentation and natural history, and knowledge of available treatment options, will hopefully facilitate treatment of these patients.” Current treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Treatment with any ...

Colonic invasion of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A 56-year-old woman presented with a several-week history of low-grade fever and diarrhea. For 4 years, she had been treated for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with monthly or bimonthly intravenous vinorelbine ditartrate (30 mg/m2) followed by intraperitoneal cisplatin (100 mg/m2). A barium contrast enema showed a large mass in the mid-transverse colon (A), which was confirmed at colonoscopy (B). Biopsy specimens taken from the lesion revealed sarcomatous tissue with spindle cells (C). Immunostaining revealed the tissue to be carcinoembryonic antigen negative but calretinin positive (D), thereby supporting a diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. This patient had no evidence of asbestos exposure, and the cause for the mesothelioma was unknown. (Source: Gastrointestinal Endoscop...

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Applauds APHA's Call For Ban On Asbestos, Annual Warnings For Workers In High-Risk Occupations

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +0100

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) applauds the American Public Health Association (APHA), the largest and most diverse public health organization in the world. APHA adopted a resolution calling on Congress to pass legislation banning the manufacture, sale, export, or import of asbestos containing products including products in which asbestos is a contaminant. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mesothelioma Treatment Improved with Addition of Sirolimus

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:06:27 +0100

Researchers at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts have found that adding sirolimus to chemotherapy with cisplatin was more effective at treating mesothelioma than with cisplatin alone. Sirolimus, which is also known as rapamycin, is an immunosuppressant drug traditionally used to prevent rejection of organ transplantations (especially used in kidney transplants). Because of its anti-proliferative effects, sirolimus is currently being investigated as a potential treatment option in a number of cancers, including malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The disease exhibits a long latency period of 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. This long latency period can make the cancer both difficult ...

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Survival and relapse pattern after trimodality therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma

General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:27:04 +0100

Conclusion Trimodality therapy showed a survival benefit in patients with stage III or lower malignant pleural mesothelioma. Most of the recurrences were local. Therefore, better local control is required to improve the prognosis of the disease. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11748-009-0440-2Authors Kenichi Okubo, Kyoto University Hospital Department of Thoracic Surgery 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku Kyoto 606-8507 JapanMakoto Sonobe, Kyoto University Hospital Department of Thoracic Surgery 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku Kyoto 606-8507 JapanTakuji Fujinaga, Kyoto University Hospital Department of Thoracic Surgery 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku Kyoto 606-8507 JapanTsuyoshi Shoji, Kyoto University Hospital Department of Thor...

Mesothelioma Case Filed Against DuPont

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:03:07 +0100

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against DuPont and 20 other companies for the passing of Ruby Neely, who died from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. Roger Neely, Ruby Neely’s son, filed the suit in Tennessee alleging his mother’s cancer was caused by asbestos fibers carried home on his father’s work clothes while employed at a nearby DuPont plant. Roger Neely’s father, Lively Neely, worked at the DuPont plant in Old Hickory, Tennessee for 20 years. During his employment, he unknowingly exposed his wife and himself to asbestos fibers. Lively Neely actually reached a settlement with DuPont during the 1980s before passing from an asbestos-related illness. He worked with asbestos insulation and around asbestos-laden equipment while at DuPont. Asbestos was used in a wide...

Mesothelioma Treatment: Imaging Scans May Improve Radiation Therapy

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:29:59 +0100

This study demonstrated the usefulness of PET-CT-based target volume delineation in patients with MPM. Co-registration of PET and CT information reduces the likelihood of geographic misses, and additionally, significant reductions observed in target volumes may potentially allow escalation of RT dose beyond conventional limits.” The study showed that radiation therapy may be improved with the use of co-registered PET-CT scans that produce more accurate target volume depictions. Researchers discovered promising results in this study and feel future research in this treatment approach is warranted. Thankfully, mesothelioma research studies like this clinical trial are being conducted throughout the globe and these studies help improve prognosis for mesothelioma patients worldwide. Addition...

Mesothelioma Testing Provided for Libby Residents

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:17:08 +0100

After declaring a public health emergency for the town of Libby, Montana in June earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will begin using a $6 million health care grant today, November 9, for treating patients with an asbestos-related disease. On November 16, that money will also be used to start screening community residents for potential asbestos-related issues, including those related to asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Montana Senator Max Baucus said, “Help has arrived on the ground for folks in Libby who are victims of asbestos-related disease. It’s imperative that people exposed to vermiculite asbestos get screened to identify any asbestos-related disease. If diagnosed with an asbest...

Hidden Killer Message Taken To Key Trade Show, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +0100

The dangers of asbestos will be amongst the workplace hazards and health issues under the spotlight at the National Painting and Decoration Show in Coventry next week (11-12 November). (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Late cutaneous metastases to the face from malignant pleural mesothelioma: A case report and review of the literature

World Journal of Surgical Oncology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Mesothelioma metastases should be suspected in any known Mesothelioma patient with newly developed skin lesion. (Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology)

Mount Sinai Medical Center Assessing Mesothelioma Impact in Libby, Montana

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:34:42 +0100

Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine have announced that thousands of residents and workers in Libby, Montana are at risk for developing mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore for nearly a century. Libby is the site where W.R. Grace and Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was highly contaminated with asbestos. Several parts of the town were also affected by asbestos exposure including playgrounds, roads and other residential areas. For decades, workers in Libby brought the toxic dust home on their clothes where they unintentionally exposed their families to asbestos. Lead by Dr. Stephen Levin, M.D., associate professor of preventative medicine at Mount Sinai, the research team will lead an investigation into various components of a...

Mesothelioma Trimodality Therapy Benefits Patients

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:53:07 +0100

In a study recently published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, mesothelioma researchers found a trimodality therapeutic approach of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation to be effective in treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. A long latency period of 20 to 50 years complicates the diagnostic process and usually leads to a diagnosis at a late stage of cancer development. Because most cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed in a late stage of development, treatment options are often limited to palliative measures intended to improve quality of life. Researchers are avidly searching for a cure for this rare cancer, as current treatment therapies typically fail to fully combat the cancer. According to the study�...

Mesothelioma Compensation: $20 Million Settlement Awarded to Maryland Resident

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:26:54 +0100

A Baltimore city jury has recently awarded more than $20 million to a woman who contracted mesothelioma cancer after being exposed to asbestos during the late 1960s. Jocelyn Farrar, a 57-year-old nursing professor at the University of Maryland, believes she developed malignant mesothelioma after experiencing secondary asbestos exposure from washing her grandfather’s work clothes as a teenager. John Hentgen, Farrar’s grandfather, worked with asbestos-containing insulation on a regular basis and likely carried home asbestos on his clothes. While doing laundry, Farrar inhaled asbestos fibers which later became lodged in the lining of her lungs. Exposure to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma, can occur by either inhaling or ingesting microscopic asbestos fibers. If inhaled, the li...

Surgical Treatment of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Past, Present, and Future

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:54:53 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Thoracic OncologyDOI 10.1245/s10434-009-0763-3Authors H. Richard Alexander, University of Maryland, School of Medicine Department of Surgery Baltimore MD USA Journal Annals of Surgical OncologyOnline ISSN 1534-4681Print ISSN 1068-9265 (Source: Annals of Surgical Oncology)

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Mesothelioma Research: Preventing Tumor Growth at Site of Chest Instrumentation

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:42:43 +0100

Mesothelioma researchers recently published a review in the medical journal Lung Cancer on current measures for preventing tumor growth at sites of chest intervention where surgery occurred or where medical instruments such as a catheter were placed. Mesothelioma cancer is a rare disease caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. In the United States approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with the cancer each year. Diagnosis can be challenging because the disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years following exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, mesothelioma treatment options are also compromised by the long latency period since symptoms do not arise until the cancer has reached late stages of development. Printed in the November 2009 issue of Lung Cancer, the study asses...

Researchers Assessing Health Impacts Of One Of The Nation's Largest Environmental Disasters

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Over nearly a century, thousands of residents and workers in Libby, MT, have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore, leading to markedly higher rates of lung disease and autoimmune disorders, and causing to Libby in 2002 to be added to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's "National Priorities List. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mesothelioma Diagnostic Test Launched by Pharmaceutical Company

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:35:53 +0100

Prometheus Laboratories Inc. recently announced the nationwide commercial launch of the diagnostic test ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx, in addition to two other diagnostic products. The company originally received United States rights to the three cancer tests from Rosetta Genomics in April this year. The three tests Prometheus acquired rights to were initially labeled miRview™ meso, miRview™ mets and miRview™ squamous. Now they are called ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx, ProOnc TumorSource Dx and ProOnc Squamous Dx. Rosetta Genomics developed the tests after studying microRNA technology, which consists of non-coding genes that are sensitive to biomarkers. According to Harvey Pass, M.D., Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at New ...

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma with invasion to the chest wall

Lung Cancer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) is an uncommon tumor with a papillary architecture, bland cytologic features, a tendency toward superficial spread without invasion, and good prognosis with prolonged survival. WDPM occurs primarily in the peritoneum of women, but also rarely in the pleura. We here report a case of 48-year-old woman who developed WDPM in the pleura with no history of asbestos exposure. Tumors were multifocal and widespread with a velvety appearance on the surface of parietal and visceral pleurae resected by extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Tumors showed papillary structures with fibrovascular cores and lined by epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemically, these epithelioid tumor cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), a marker of m...

Estimation of pulmonary motion in healthy subjects and patients with intrathoracic tumors using 3D-dynamic MRI: initial results.

Korean J Radiol — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: A 3D-dynamic MRI is able to quantify intraparenchymal lung motion. Local and global parenchymal pathologies can be precisely located and might be a new tool used to quantify even slight changes in lung motion (e.g. in therapy monitoring, follow-up studies or even benign lung diseases). PMID: 19885311 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Korean J Radiol)

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Cooperative group research efforts in thoracic malignancies 2009: a review from the 10th annual international lung cancer congress.

Clinical Lung Cancer — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article captures this exchange from the 10th Annual Lung Cancer Congress held in June 2009. Exciting efforts are ongoing for all stages of non-small-cell lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma. A major focus of the groups at this time is a push toward more personalized medicine, as reflected in the selection criteria for many of the trials, along with planned correlates to better define populations most likely to benefit. Agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, including many tyrosine kinase inhibitors against the VEGF receptor, and those targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway, are under extensive development with many combination trials ongoing. PMID: 19900856 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Lung Cancer)

Anti-Tumour Effects of Bisphosphonates - What have we Learned from In Vivo Models?

Current Cancer Drug Targets — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Brown HK, Holen I Bisphosphonates are extensively used to treat cancer-induced bone disease in a range of solid tumours and multiple myeloma, where they reduce the incidence of skeletal related events and improve patients' quality of life. Recent reports indicate that bisphosphonates may also prevent recurrence of breast cancer at peripheral sites, suggesting that these drugs may have anti-tumour effects outside the skeleton. Anti-tumour effects of several bisphosphonates have been reported in a range of tumour cell types in vitro. These positive results have subsequently been supported by investigations of effects of bisphosphonates on tumour growth in vivo, both in bone and at peripheral sites. A reduction of tumour burden and also in cancer-induced bone disease has been rep...

Military Veterans May be at Risk for Mesothelioma & Asbestos-Related Illnesses

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:51:56 +0100

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of military veterans are now suffering from the asbestos-related illness mesothelioma. Many veterans were exposed to the fibrous mineral asbestos while working on naval vessels where it was used as the main form of insulation. More than 300 asbestos-containing products were used from the 1930’s through the 1970’s, where it appeared on most ships used by the Navy and in the shipyards where ships and vessels were built. Those who served decades ago are beginning to demonstrate symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses, which can take up to 20 to 50 years to develop. The U.S. Navy was not ignorant of the dangers of asbestos and evidence suggesting the hazardous qualities of asbestos was swiftly covered up by asbestos ma...

Companies Fined After Workers Exposed To Asbestos, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Two businesses and a company director have been fined after workers in Manchester were exposed to potentially deadly asbestos fibres. The prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) comes just days before the launch of a national Â£1.2 million campaign to increase awareness about asbestos among tradespeople. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Second-line treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Cancer Treatment Reviews — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Most patients affected by malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are candidates for chemotherapy during the course of the disease, as single modality treatment or within the context of a multimodality approach. Following the results of a large phase III trial, the combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed has become the preferred first-line chemotherapy, although there is also evidence for the activity of the combination with carboplatin based on phase II studies. Unfortunately, nearly all MPM patients progress during or after first-line treatment. Second-line therapies are being increasingly used in the clinical practice because patients are frequently still healthy at the time of disease progression. However, the role of these treatments in MPM is unproven, and the optimal regimens ...

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Aeromedical Transport of a Patient with Massive Chylothorax Following Pneumonectomy for Mesothelioma

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:19:40 +0100

(Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine)

Mesothelioma Blog and Cancer Forums Offer Support to Patients

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:40:11 +0100

In an effort to find support along their cancer journey, many mesothelioma patients turn to mesothelioma blogs and online cancer forums that help them understand their disease and cope with the emotions involved in a cancer diagnosis. One such mesothelioma blog, “Mesothelioma and Me,” has offered much hope and support to mesothelioma patients. The blog was created by Debbie Brewer, a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2006. Brewer was exposed to asbestos through hugging her father who came home from work covered in asbestos dust. Her father’s passing from asbestos-related lung cancer in August 2006 prompted Brewer to get a chest X-ray, which revealed an abnormality and mesothelioma cancer was later confirmed. Brewer started the blog just before receiving her diagno...

United States Navy And Merchant Marine Veterans May Face Risk Of Mesothelioma Or Other Asbestos Diseases

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:07:44 +0100

The law firm of Hissey Kientz, LLP (http://www.hkllp.com/) wishes to alert veterans of the United States Navy or Merchant Marine that they may be at risk of developing mesothelioma or other diseases as a result of asbestos exposure suffered during their time in the military. Until the mid-1970s, many vessels used by the United States Navy (http://www.hkllp.com/mesothelioma-and-asbestos/us-navy-asbestos-exposure/) or Merchant Marine were outfitted with parts or equipment containing asbestos. As a result, veterans who served in the United States Navy or Merchant Marine during World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War may have been put at risk of developing asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma or other diseases linked to asbestos exposure. (PRWeb Oct 28, 2009) Read the full story a...

Current Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:43:50 +0100

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the abdominal cavity, specifically in the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. Doctors and researchers have found a clear relationship between this cancer and high levels of asbestos exposure, but they have yet to find a cure. Because of the low incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma, few studies have been conducted on experimental treatments for patients. Most treatment methods have followed those recommended for pleural mesothelioma. A multimodality approach to treating peritoneal mesothelioma has shown encouraging results in some patients. With this method, two or more treatment options are completed at the same time, often involving the combination of surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. However, this...