MedWorm: Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Study Set to Test the Effects of Taconite

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:55:52 +0100

In an attempt to distinguish the relationship between mesothelioma cancer and taconite dust, a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota are conducting a study that will involve 1,200 taconite and Iron Range workers and 800 of their spouses. The Iron Range region is located in the northeastern section of Minnesota. Taconite, similar to asbestiform minerals, is a silicate mineral that is found among layers of shale. Some scientists have already agreed that the fibers in shale rock resemble those found in asbestos, one of the primary mesothelioma causes. The $4.9 million study being supported by Minnesota’s Department of Health is in its beginning stages. Current and former Iron Range taconite workers will soon receive letters inviting them to participate in a screening program....

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Therapeutics by Cytotoxic Metabolite Accumulation: Pemetrexed Causes ZMP Accumulation, AMPK Activation, and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibition

Cancer Research — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Pemetrexed represents the first antifolate cancer drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 20 years; it is currently in widespread use for first line therapy of mesothelioma and non–small cell lung cancer. Pemetrexed has more than one site of action; the primary site is thymidylate synthase. We now report that the secondary target is the downstream folate-dependent enzyme in de novo purine synthesis, aminoimidazolecarboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (AICART). The substrate of the AICART reaction, ZMP, accumulated in intact pemetrexed-inhibited tumor cells, identifying AICART as the step in purine synthesis that becomes rate-limiting after drug treatment. The accumulating ZMP causes an activation of AMP-activated protein kinase with subsequent inhibition of ...

Mesothelioma Risk, Asbestos Concerns Prompt Indictment of Massachusetts Brothers

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:01:49 +0100

Arthur and Shaun Amaral were indicted by a Massachusetts grand jury on charges alleging that the brothers violated the Clean Air Act on five counts related to the improper removal of asbestos. Arthur, 49, owns Northeast Demolition and Removal while his brother Shaun, 37, serves as a site foreman for the company. The charges against the men state the brothers failed to file the proper notice with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) prior to completing asbestos removal and demolition projects. According to the state attorney general’s office, the brothers also instructed workers to demolish buildings that they knew contained asbestos-contaminated products prior to removing the products according to guidelines created by the Environmental Protection Agency and...

Combined inhibition of MET and EGFR suppresses proliferation of malignant mesothelioma cells

Carcinogenesis — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm associated with asbestos exposure. Although expression and activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including MET, have been reported in most MPM, specific RTK inhibitors showed less than the expected response in MPM cells. To determine whether the lack of response of MET inhibitors was due to cooperation with other RTKs, we determined activation status of MET and other RTKs, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of 20 MPM cell lines, and tested whether dual RTK inhibition is an effective therapeutic strategy. We detected MET upregulation and phosphorylation (thus indicating activation) in 14 (70%) and 13 (65%) cell lines, but treatment with MET-specific inhibitors showed weak or modest effect of suppr...

FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION: Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality--United States, 1999-2005

JAMA — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Mesothelioma Patient Fears Lawsuit May Be Affected by Wisconsin Budget Provision

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:46:18 +0100

A man diagnosed with mesothelioma fears he will not recover damages from a lawsuit his family filed due to a provision added to the Wisconsin state budget. Caden Johnson, 67, learned of his mesothelioma diagnosis years after working in a boiler room of a hospital. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Johnson’s lawsuit alleges he was exposed to asbestos particles while working at the hospital. The Johnson family is seeking damages from the companies who may have manufactured asbestos used in the boiler room. Johnson’s wife, Debra, believes a new provision in the Wisconsin budget would limit the amount of lawsuits victims of asbestos exposure can file. She, and other supporters of asbestos lawsuits, claim the provision is worded in a w...

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Phenotype-dependent apoptosis signalling in mesothelioma cells after selenite exposure

BioMed Central — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We delineate pathways of apoptosis signalling in response to selenite, showing differences between epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells. These differences may partly explain why sarcomatoid cells are more sensitive to selenite. (Source: BioMed Central)

Evaluation of the dose calculation accuracy in intensity-modulated radiation therapy for mesothelioma, focusing on low doses to the contralateral lung.

Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:42:04 +0100

In conclusion, there is excellent correlation between TPS and MC calculations for the target doses. The pencil beam algorithm and superposition convolution algorithms both underestimate lung dose parameters, but the superposition convolution dose offers improvements in dose calculation accuracy for these patients. PMID: 19458589 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics)

Pulmonary toxicity following IMRT after extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:11:14 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in MLD and V10 for patients with fatal pulmonary toxicity compared to patients without fatal lung toxicity have been demonstrated. Based on the presented data local lung dose constraints have been modified in order to avoid unacceptable toxicity. PMID: 19364621 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Apparent alveolar bronchiolar tumors arising in the mediastinum of F344 rats.

Toxicologic Pathology — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:38:06 +0100

Authors: Howroyd P, Allison N, Foley JF, Hardisty J Rare tumors were observed in chronic studies in F-344 rats that were purely or largely free in the mediastinal cavity, yet had the histological architecture of alveolar bronchiolar tumors. They had originally been diagnosed as either pulmonary alveolar bronchiolar tumors, mediastinal mesotheliomas, or thymomas. The authors described these tumors, estimated the fraction of thoracic tumors that they represented, and carried out a preliminary immunohistochemical investigation of whether they were of pulmonary or mesothelial origin. Sections of 715 thoracic tumors originally diagnosed as alveolar bronchiolar tumors, mesotheliomas, or thymomas from control or treated F-344 rats in NTP two-year studies were reviewed. Thirty (4%) were found ...

[Update in respiratory disease and environmental exposure: an invisible relationship]

Archivos de Bronconeumologia — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:30:04 +0100

Authors: Martínez González C, Cruz Carmona MJ Significant contributions have been made in the past year on different aspects of occupational/environmental respiratory disease. In the case of neoplastic diseases associated with asbestos inhalation, the areas of most interest have been in the search for tumour markers, the importance of the determination of asbestos fibre deposits in biological samples, and new therapeutic schemes in malignant pleural mesothelioma. A consensus article has been published on occupational asthma, in which some clinical evidenced-based recommendations are established, directed at the diagnosis and management of work-related asthma. As regards hypersensitivity-induced pneumonitis, the clinical and evolutionary aspects of this disease have been descr...

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Transfer of occupational health problems from a developed to a developing country: Lessons from the Japan-South Korea experience

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Many corporations move their manufacturing facilities or technologies from developed to developing countries. Stringent regulations have made it costly for industries to operate in developed, industrialized countries. In addition, labor costs are high in these countries, and there is increasing awareness among the general public of the health risks associated with industry. The relocation of hazardous industries to developing countries is driven by economic considerations: high unemployment, a cheaper labor force, lack of regulation, and poor enforcement of any existing regulations make certain countries attractive to business. The transfer of certain industries from Japan to Korea has also brought both documented occupational diseases and a new occupational disease caused by chemicals wit...

Mesothelioma Victims Concerned about James Hardie’s Move to Ireland

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:40:52 +0100

After stating their move to the Netherlands from Australia was ineffective, James Hardie has announced intentions to move its headquarters to Ireland for tax benefits. The decision to move stems from changes between Dutch and U.S. tax laws and a dispute involving the U.S. Internal Revenue Service about whether James Hardie has “substantial presence” in the Netherlands. Currently, a large portion of the company’s profits come from the United States and instead of keeping management stationed in the United States, James Hardie was being forced to have their management spend more time in the Netherlands in order to keep the tax costs low. As a result, the company felt they were unable to operate effectively in the United States. The move has many asbestos victims worried about the compa...

Regression of Established AB1 Murine Mesothelioma Induced by Peritumoral Injections of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Either Alone or in Combination with Poly(I:C) and CD40 Ligand Plasmid DNA.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:05:56 +0100

Page: 802DOI: 10.1097/JTO.0b013e3181a8634dAuthors: Stone, Geoffrey W. PhD *; Barzee, Suzanne BS *; Snarsky, Victoria MSc *; Santucci, Camila RVT *; Tran, Brian BS *; Kornbluth, Richard S. MD, PhD *+ (Source: Journal of Thoracic Oncology)

Pleural Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma: A Case Report.

Journal of Thoracic Oncology — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:05:56 +0100

Page: 920DOI: 10.1097/JTO.0b013e3181a97dc3Authors: Kao, Steven MBChB *; Mahon, Kate MBBS *; Lin, Betty FRCPA +; Rutland, Jonathan FRACP ++; Pawsey, Charles FRACP [S]; McCaughan, Brian FRACS [//]; Beale, Philip FRACP * (Source: Journal of Thoracic Oncology)

Localization of CD26/DPPIV in nucleus and its nuclear translocation enhanced by anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody with anti-tumor effect

Cancer Cell International — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results indicate that the intra-nuclear CD26 which moves from plasma membrane may play certain roles in cell growth of human cancer cells. (Source: Cancer Cell International)

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[Case reports] An EMA negative, desmin positive malignant mesothelioma: limitations of immunohistochemistry?

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We present a case of primary malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with an unusual immunohistochemical profile—desmin positive, EMA negative—and wish to highlight the importance of cautiously interpreting immunohistochemistry profiles when they do not fit the clinical history and histological appearance. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Mortality among sheet metal workers participating in a medical screening program

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study contributes to the literature demonstrating asbestos-related diseases among workers with largely indirect exposures and supports an increased lung cancer risk among workers with low ILO profusion scores. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2009 © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine)

Mesothelioma and Asbestos Risks Result in Fines for Three Louisiana Companies

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:14:10 +0100

Three Baton Rouge, Louisiana companies face fines of $112,000 proposed by federal safety regulators after they failed to protect workers from possible asbestos exposure during renovations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stands to collect money from Louisiana Health Care Consultants, LLC, Dean Building Holdings and Bob Dean Enterprises, Inc. after the companies allegedly violated 13 health and safety regulations during renovations at the State National Life Building. Asbestos regulations were put in place to protect workers and the public from the hazards associated with asbestos exposure. If toxic asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body and become lodged in organs, the particles may cause inflammation and infection. Overtime, an asbestos-related illn...

Hyperthermic Chemoperfusion for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Seminars in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:02:45 +0100

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a uniformly fatal disease with a poor prognosis. Multimodality therapy, including macroscopic complete resection, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, has improved survival relative to historical controls, but local recurrence remains problematic. Novel strategies are needed to improve local control. Intracavitary chemotherapy (IC) can deliver higher doses of drug locally with less toxicity than corresponding systemic therapy. When combined with hyperthermia, there is also an increase in local drug absorption and cytotoxic effect. Several phase I and II clinical trials have shown IC to be safe and feasible. Our experience and technique of hyperthermic IC is described. The evolution of our experience has led to the use of pharmacologic renal cytoprotection, wh...

The Role of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Pleural Diseases

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:02:15 +0100

Thorac cardiovasc Surg 2009; 57: 217-221DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1039314Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the role of F-18 fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET)/computed tomography (CT) in patients with undiagnosed pleural diseases and to compare the findings with those of invasive diagnostic procedures. The study included 83 patients with pleural lesions (63 with pleural effusion; 20 with pleural thickening) on CT scan performed between November 2005 and December 2007. The study group consisted of 63 males and 20 females; their median age was 47 years. PET‐CT scan was performed for all patients before surgery. A maximum standard uptake value greater than 3.0 was accepted as positive for malignancy. For histopathological diagnosis, video-assisted t...

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A 74-Year-Old Man with an Enlarging Pleural-Based Mass that was NOT a Mesothelioma

The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:02:15 +0100

We present an unusual case of a primary pleural sarcoma with unique clinical and histological features not previously seen in any other subtype of pulmonary sarcoma.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon)

Mesothelioma Cells Escape Heat Stress by Upregulating Hsp40/Hsp70 Expression via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:52:15 +0100

Therapy with hyperthermal chemotherapy in pleural diffuse malignant mesothelioma had limited benefits for patients. Here we investigated the effect of heat stress on heat shock proteins (HSP), which rescue tumour cells from apoptosis. In human mesothelioma and mesothelial cells heat stress (39–42°C) induced the phosphorylation of two mitogen activated kinases (MAPK) Erk1/2 and p38, and increased Hsp40, and Hsp70 expression. Mesothelioma cells expressed more Hsp40 and were less sensitive to heat stress compared to mesothelial cells. Inhibition of Erk1/2 MAPK by PD98059 or by Erk1 siRNA down-regulated heat stress-induced Hsp40 and Hsp70 expression and reduced mesothelioma cell survival. Inhibition of p38MAPK by SB203580 or siRNA reduced Hsp40, but not Hsp70, expression and also ...

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: current treatments and emerging drugs

Expert Opinion: Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs: Table of Contents — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:05:42 +0100

Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs , Early Online, Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Expert Opinion: Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs: Table of Contents)

Mesothelioma and the Potential Costs of Nanotechnology

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:23:12 +0100

According to a report by the Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN), eight loopholes in the current system of securities and accounting regulation prevent honest recording of a company’s potential liabilities. The IEHN is a partnership of investment managers responsible for more than $25 billion in assets. The report states that billions of dollars in potential litigation costs, much like that of asbestos litigation, are hidden from nanotechnology investors due to weak regulations governing disclosures and liabilities. Fortunately for investors, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Accounting Standards Board are in the process of examining disclosure requirements and solving the eight loopholes identified in the report. Many feel the litigation and heal...

Mesothelioma Patient, Former Drywaller Receives $8.4 Million in Asbestos Lawsuit

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:26:29 +0100

A mesothelioma patient was awarded $8 million in non-economic damages and more than $400,000 in economic damages following an asbestos lawsuit filed against a manufacturer and distributor of asbestos-containing joint compound. Jack Reynolds was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2008 after serving in the United States Navy for 10 years before working for a fellow Navy serviceman’s business installing and finishing drywall in residential construction. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Reynolds used asbestos-containing joint compound, a product manufactured and supplied by Hamilton Materials, Inc. The company was the supplier of Red Dot brand asbestos-containing joint compound from 1963 through 1977. The joint compound was used to...

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Mesothelioma Rates Rise in Israeli Town Due to Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:26:14 +0100

A new study presented by a senior Israeli health official has revealed that a town located in Northern Israel has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. Dr. Micha Bar-Hana, director of the Israeli Health Ministry’s Cancer Registry, elaborated on his findings at a conference held at the Rabin Medical Center. The town of Nahariya, centered in the northern part of Israel, had a mesothelioma rate of 5.72 people per 100,000 from 2002 to 2008. A total number of 19 patients were diagnosed with mesothelioma during that time. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Genoa, Italy is the city with the highest rate of asbestos-related diseases in the world, with a rate of 5.8 cases per 100,000 residents. The city was once home to a prominent asbestos plant that w...

[Institutional report - Thoracic oncologic] Chromosomal deletion in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with frequent deletions of specific chromosomal regions within 1p, 3p, 6q, 9p, 13q, 15q, and 22q. In this retrospective review of our patients with MPM, the tumor tissue of 40 patients (31 male and 9 female) was evaluated for chromosomal deletions and was karyotyped. Chromosomal deletions in regions 1p, 3p, 6p, 9p, 6q, 9q, 22q were observed in 22 of 40 patients (55%). Of this group of 22 patients, 15 (68%) demonstrated deletions in chromosome 6; 12 (54%) exhibited deletions in chromosome 22q; and 13 (59%) had deletions in chromosome 9p. Asbestos exposure was found in only 13 of the 22 patients (59%) with chromosomal deletions. There was no correlation between asbestos exposure and chromosomal deletion (95% CI –0.38–0.23, P=0.63...

Mesothelioma Update: EPA Declares Public Health Emergency in Libby, Montana

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:16:30 +0100

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently issued a public health emergency for the town of Libby in northwest Montana. The decision stems from the significantly high rate of asbestos exposure and the development asbestos-related diseases in the area. The town of Libby is the site where W.R. Grace & Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was contaminated with asbestos. In addition to the mine, several parts of the town were contaminated with asbestos as well, including fields, roads and playgrounds. Asbestos also reached people’s homes as W.R. Grace provided asbestos-contaminated soil for gardens and supplied an asbestos-contaminated insulation called Zonolite. Previously in May, Senator Jon Tester proposed a new plan to clean up Libby and promote a better he...

EPA Declares First-Ever Public Health Emergency In Montana

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100

The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday declared its first-ever "public health emergency," asbestos contamination near Libby and Troy, Mont., northwestern mining towns, the Associated Press reports. "Asbestos contamination from a now-closed vermiculite mine has been cited in the deaths of more than 200 people and illnesses of thousands more. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mesothelioma Claims the Life of Father and Son, Family Holds Fundraiser

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:22:27 +0100

The family of a father and son who both passed away from mesothelioma is holding a fundraiser to raise money for mesothelioma research through a charity they began after the passing of their loved ones. Harry Gray, 67, and his 45-year-old son Stephen both died after they were diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The Gray family then founded the Harry and Stephen Gray Mesothelioma Snowdrop Memorial Fund, and have already raised more than $16,000 to be donated toward mesothelioma research. The family is hosting another fundraising event on June 27, 2009, the two-year anniversary of Stephen’s passing. Carole Orton, Stephen’s sister, noted the event will be “about remembrance while also raising money for the charity and rais...

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[Editorials] Asbestos, lung cancer and mesothelioma in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

[Original articles] Mortality and cancer incidence in workers in two Australian prebake aluminium smelters

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study found no overall excess of mortality or cancer, but incident mesothelioma and kidney cancer risks were elevated. The lack of excess risk for lung or bladder cancer or deaths from respiratory disease may be related to the different level and pattern of exposure between Søderberg and prebake smelters. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

[Original articles] Mortality among British asbestos workers undergoing regular medical examinations (1971-2005)

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Known associations between asbestos exposure and mortality from lung, peritoneal and pleural cancers, mesothelioma and asbestosis were confirmed, and evidence of associations with stroke and stomach cancer mortality was observed. Limited evidence suggested that asbestos-related disease risk may be lower among those first exposed in more recent times. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

[Thoracic Oncology] Multicenter Phase II Trial of Neoadjuvant Pemetrexed Plus Cisplatin Followed by Extrapleural Pneumonectomy and Radiation for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This multicenter trial showed that trimodality therapy with neoadjuvant pemetrexed plus cisplatin is feasible with a reasonable long-term survival rate, particularly for patients who completed all therapy. Radiologic response to chemotherapy, but not sex, histology, disease stage, or nodal status, was associated with improved survival. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Mesothelioma Study Examines the Effects of Erionite Exposure

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:01:10 +0100

According to state health officials of North Dakota, enough volunteers have signed up to study the health hazards of erionite, an asbestos-like mineral. Terry O’Clair who is in charge of the air quality division for the state Health Department, said 33 people signed up for the study, which will determine whether or not they have been affected by long-term erionite exposure. Initially, state health officials and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had hoped for 50 people to sign up for the study to receive chest X-rays and CT scans, which will be sent to a team of researchers at the University of Cincinnati. “Our target number was at least 42, but with 33, it’s still enough to go forward,” O’Clair said. In addition to receiving chest X-rays and CT scans, ...

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Mesothelioma Lawsuit Results in $2 million for Family of Asbestos Exposure Victim

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:47:45 +0100

The family of a woman who passed away from mesothelioma received $2 million after a jury deliberated for three days following a three-week trial. Juanita Rodarmel of Bloomington, Illinois passed away after developing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. The case stated Rodarmel was exposed to the toxic mineral when she washed the clothing of her first husband, Leslie Corry, a former employee of Union Asbestos & Rubber Company. Secondhand exposure to asbestos frequently occurred when workers who handled asbestos-containing materials unknowingly brought asbestos fibers into the home in their hair or on their clothing and skin. If the fibers were inhaled or ingested by the family members of the workers, they could become lodged in the body, causing i...

Mesothelioma Treatment Phase II Clinical Trial Offers Hope

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:52:55 +0100

The biotechnology company MolMed, based in Italy, has announced positive results for their Phase II trial of NGR-hTNF for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The trial consisted of 57 malignant pleural mesothelioma patients that were previously treated with chemotherapy. According to MolMed’s Web site, NGR-hTNF is a compound based on the combination of a tumor homing peptide (NGR), peptides that hone in on tumors, with the human Tumor Necrosis Factor (hTNF). The resulting molecule increases vascular permeability and has a direct biological antitumor activity, making NGR-hTNF useful as both a therapeutic option and as a part of a combination therapy with most chemotherapy methods. In 2008, NGR-hTNF was granted Orphan Drug designation for the treatment of malignant mesotheliom...

Deceased Mesothelioma Patient’s Daughter Coordinates Cancer Survivor’s Day Event

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:47 +0100

The daughter of a man who passed away from mesothelioma coordinated the 12th annual Cancer Survivor’s Day event at a Spartanburg, South Carolina hospital June 7, 2009. The event, hosted by Gibbs Cancer Center, a nationally recognized cancer treatment and research facility associated with Spartanburg Regional Medical Center (SRMC), took place in the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium from 2 to 5 p.m. Lori Anne Morrow, a nurse at SRMC, coordinated the event but noted this year’s event was a little bittersweet since her father passed away in May 2009 and could not attend. In the past, Morrow’s father volunteered at the event and operated a spotlight. Before the event Morrow stated that although her father wouldn’t be there physically, she knew he would be there in spirit. The event, ...

Mesothelioma: Do asbestos and carbon nanotubes pose the same health risk?

Particle and Fibre Toxicology — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the product of new technology, may be used in a wide range of applications. Because they present similarities to asbestos fibres in terms of their shape and size, it is legitimate to raise the question of their safety for human health. Recent animal and cellular studies suggest that CNTs elicit tissue and cell responses similar to those observed with asbestos fibres, which increases concern about the adverse biological effects of CNTs. While asbestos fibres' mechanisms of action are not fully understood, sufficient results are available to develop hypotheses about the significant factors underlying their damaging effects. This review will summarize the current state of knowledge about the biological effects of CNTs and will discuss to what extent they present simil...

Mesothelioma Claims Life of High School Wrestling Coach

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:41:03 +0100

A former high school wrestling coach passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 83, and is remembered as a coach who, according to a rival coach, “could teach you how to win.” Bert Kraus was a guidance counselor and coached wrestling for 14 years at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois, building an impressive winning record. He also officiated matches at the NCAA Division 1 Championships and earned honors by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association. Kraus died May 27, 2009 at his home in Frankfort, Michigan where he was retired and enjoyed playing golf regularly. Kraus passed away after a year-long battle with malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Kraus was a co...

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Onconase cytotoxicity relies on the distribution of its positive charge

FEBS Journal — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Onconase® (ONC) is a member of the ribonuclease A superfamily that is toxic to cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. ONC is now in Phase IIIb clinical trials for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. Internalization of ONC to the cytosol of cancer cells is essential for its cytotoxic activity, despite the apparent absence of a cell-surface receptor protein. Endocytosis and cytotoxicity do, however, appear to correlate with the net positive charge of ribonucleases. To dissect the contribution made by the endogenous arginine and lysine residues of ONC to its cytotoxicity, 22 variants were created in which cationic residues were replaced with alanine. Variants with the same net charge (+2 to +5) as well as equivalent catalytic activity and conformational stability were found to exhibit large...

Müllerian Serous Cystadenoma of the Scrotum Following Orchiopexy

Advances in Urology — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:06:29 +0100

A 24-year-old man presented himself with a nodular lesion of about 1 cm diameter at the site of a previous orchiopexy associated with surgery for cryptorchism. Histopathology revealed the lesion to be adenomatous and confined to the scrotum. Histological and immunohistological features were not consistent neither with median raphe cysts or cutaneous adenomas nor with the intrascrotal adenomas of the rete testis, epididymis, nor with (malignant) mesotheliomas. However, the lesion did compare well with serous (papillary) cystadenomas of the testis or paratestis. These adenomas are thought to originate in remnants of the Müllerian system or of peritoneal lining altered by Müllerian metaplasia. This implies that the scrotal adenoma may have developed from an implant of such e...

Mesothelioma Patient Says Hospice Care is a Lifesaver

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:21:26 +0100

A man diagnosed with mesothelioma is singing the praises of hospice care, stating his time at St. Helena Hospice in Essex, England has given him a new lease on life. David Shirra was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, in late 2007. Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure and Shirra worked with asbestos frequently as a docker. Following his mesothelioma diagnosis, 71-year-old Shirra and his wife, Doreen, were shocked, stating the news hit them like “a bolt out of the blue.” His family, especially his teenage granddaughter, took the news very hard. Shirra’s time at St. Helena’s not only helped enjoy his life again, but it helped his granddaughter accept his diagnosis after she enrolled in an art therapy course offered by St. He...

Mesothelioma and Health Concerns Prompt Students to Submit Bill to Ban Asbestos

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:43:19 +0100

Three tenth-grade students from British Columbia recently designed a bill intended to end Canada’s mining and export of asbestos to developing countries. The students include Hayley McDermid, Claire Hinchliffe and Chloe Staiger. Twenty of Canada’s most noted health, environment and labor organizations support the students’ endeavors and have asked Canadian Parliamentarians to truly consider the bill. Nathan Cullen, a Member of Parliament, presented their bill to the House of Commons. Diana Daghofer, Co-Chair of Prevent Cancer Now, said, “We support these students 100 percent. We hope that Canada’s political leaders are listening to them and to the massive Canadian and international backing for a ban on the production, use and export of this deadly substance.” Preven...

Radiation May Increase Risk of Mesothelioma Development

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:11:19 +0100

Results from a recent study suggest that radiation treatment used for patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may actually increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Past studies have revealed a relationship between radiation and an increased risk for developing mesothelioma, a rare, but highly aggressive cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs. In a recent study, 2,567 patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma were examined by researchers for an increased mesothelioma risk. Patients were at least five-year survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and were previously treated with chemotherapy or radiation or a combination of both. Follow up after 18 years revealed that 13 patients developed mesothelioma at least five years after they were treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The ...

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Call for Applications: $100,000 Mesothelioma Research Grants

ScanGrants feed — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation announces the availability of its 2009 round of mesothelioma research grant funding.Continuing its efforts to stimulate translational research for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, the Meso Foundation is again soliciting applications for funding of innovative projects that address issues for the treatment of the disease. Eligible projects may relate to benchwork, translational or clinical research, must not be presently funded or pending review, and may be conducted through any not-for-profit academic, medical or research institution, in the U.S. or abroad.The Meso Foundation's ability to award grants results from the generosity of private donors, who give to the Foundation in order to make a direct impact on the tragedy of the disease. T...

MicroRNA Signature of Malignant Mesothelioma with Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications.

American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Busacca S, Germano S, De Cecco L, Rinaldi M, Comoglio F, Favero F, Murer B, Mutti L, Pierotti M, Gaudino G MicroRNAs (miRNAs) post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of target genes and may behave as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Human malignant mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer, with poor prognosis and low median survival. Here we report for the first time a cross-evaluation of miRNA expression in mesothelioma (MPP-89, REN) and mesothelial cells (HMC-TERT). Microarray profiling, confirmed by Real Time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), revealed a differential expression of miRNAs between mesothelioma and mesothelial cells. In addition, a computational analysis combining miRNA and gene expression profiles allowed the accurate prediction of genes potentially targe...

[Asbestos-Related Diseases in a Population Near a Fibrous Cement Factory.]

Archivos de Bronconeumologia — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The factory introduced an important area-wide risk factor for asbestos-related diseases for both workers and for the nearby population. The number of cases of asbestos-related diseases detected annually showed an upward trend. The incidence was extremely high in the period studied. PMID: 19501947 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Archivos de Bronconeumologia)

Mesothelioma Patient’s Family Receives $4.5 Million in Asbestos Lawsuit

Asbestos and Mesothelioma News — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:28:56 +0100

The family of a Kansas City, Missouri man who passed away from mesothelioma received a $4.5 million settlement June 3, 2009. The lawsuit was filed against several companies by Robert Wagner who alleged that the asbestos exposure he experienced on the job working with asbestos-containing products and materials resulted in his mesothelioma diagnosis, which eventually led to his death. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The disease develops when tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body where they become lodged in organs or body cavities, causing inflammation or infection. Wagner worked installing tiles, wood and other asbestos-containing materials in buildings in downtown Kansas City, including the Crown Center and Kansa...