There was a time when asbestos was seemingly in everything. Among other things, it was used in building materials such as pipe covering, cements, gaskets, pumps, clothing, gloves, and shipbuilding materials. This was due to its durability and high resistance to heat and corrosion as well as the fact it[…]
From the blog
Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma in Prior Asbestos Workers
Purpose: Occupational exposure to asbestos is known increase the risk of developing cancer of the lungs (bronchogenic carcinoma) or of the pleura (mesothelioma). Symptoms are subtle and non-specific, diagnosis is often late and the prognosis consequently is dismal. Currently there is no accepted non-invasive tool for the early diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer in asbestos-exposed subjects. In the last decade, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) has been successfully developed and validated for the early diagnosis of lung cancer in high-risk smokers. Malignant mesothelioma might, in an early stage, resemble a benign pleural plaque, which is a common finding after asbestos exposure. We target to develop low-dose CT as a tool to serially image the pleural plaques, quantify their individual and overall volume, compute the growth rate with time, and, as such, identify the presence of mesothelioma early, before symptoms occur.
Asbestos brake pads can still endanger your health
Asbestos exposure is commonly associated with occupation, specifically in mills and plants, but many miss the risks found in everyday products. Even though the Environmental Protection Agency began regulating the use of asbestos products more than thirty years ago, most of these items still linger in the present. Aside from[…]
Asbestos exposure affects more than mill workers
Asbestos has been a threat for centuries more than people realize. Modern use didn’t expand until the Industrial Revolution, but its discovery dates back to 2500 B.C. as a way to strengthen ceramic pots and utensils. Since then, it’s been used in many products, including tiles, insulation, crayons and clothing.[…]
Studies indicate growth of asbestos-related diseases
Because the Environmental Protection Agency began limiting the use of asbestos in the 1970s, many believe it is a disease of generations past. Unfortunately, it’s common use and the lack of a worldwide ban means it still poses significant risks. In fact, many predict resurgence. In 1990, a convention met[…]
New mesothelioma treatment method may prolong the effectiveness of chemotherapy combination
Chemotherapy remains one of the most effective treatments for mesothelioma. Because there is no cure, it works to prolong the lives of patients. Unfortunately, even the most effective methods can become inadequate as treatments continue. A current clinical trial is attempting to extend the usefulness period of chemotherapy and in[…]
Methoxyamine, Cisplatin, and Pemetrexed Disodium in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Mesothelioma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery or Mesothelioma That Is Refractory to Cisplatin and Pemetrexed
Purpose: This phase I/II trial studies the side effects and the best dose of methoxyamine when given together with cisplatin and pemetrexed disodium and to see how well it works in treating patients with solid tumors or mesothelioma that have spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured or controlled with standard treatment (advanced), or mesothelioma that does not respond to cisplatin and pemetrexed disodium (refractory). Methoxyamine may shrink the tumor and may also help cisplatin and pemetrexed disodium work better by making tumor cells more sensitive to the drugs. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin and pemetrexed disodium, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving methoxyamine together with cisplatin and pemetrexed disodium may be a better treatment for solid tumors or mesothelioma.
Do Your Genes Put You at a Higher Risk of Developing Mesothelioma
Purpose:The purpose of this research study is to investigate the possibility that a person’s genes put a person at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. The investigators will examine genes from DNA (genetic material) isolated from blood. This study will also examine the impact of environmental and work exposures and family history of common cancers on the development of mesothelioma. The genetic markers in this study will basically identify how a person’s body processes frequently encountered environmental pollutants and will not tell about chromosomes, specific diseases, or other potential health problems.
Mesothelioma prognosis remains poor
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer, killing more than 3,000 people each year in the United States. Unlike many diseases, mesothelioma is wholly preventable because it’s only caused by asbestos exposure. After diagnosis, patients typically live around one year. When mesothelioma presents itself, 90 percent of patients experience chest[…]
Choosing a mesothelioma attorney
It’s likely at some point in your life you’ve seen a mesothelioma commercial. Attorneys attempt to reach victims of asbestos exposure through visuals, large text and repeating messages. The goal is to deliver the message quickly and effectively for retention. While occasionally mocked, law firms have a reason for such[…]
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