An annual conference is held in Washington, D.C., as part of Global Asbestos Awareness Week, featuring medical professionals, survivors and advocates sharing about advancements and personal struggles. For 10 years, more than 70 speakers and honorees have participated in the three-day event. Many are honored for their dedication to advancing[…]
From the blog
Cisplatin, Pemetrexed, and Imatinib Mesylate in Malignant Mesothelioma
Purpose
Determine the highest tolerable dose of drug combination (cisplatin, pemetrexed [Alimta®], and imatinib mesylate [Gleevec®]) that can be given to patients with unresectable or metastatic malignant mesothelioma.
Asbestos organization fights to ban the fibrous carcinogen
Ten years ago, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) expanded their reach by making the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week. Soon after, other countries suffering from the carcinogen’s deadly effects joined and transformed the week into a global occasion. The ADAO started in 2004 to provide a[…]
New research suggests earlier mesothelioma diagnosis is a possibility
Those familiar with the asbestos-caused cancer mesothelioma are well aware the disease takes decades to develop and by the time it’s recognized, it’s too late for recovery. When symptoms finally develop and mesothelioma is diagnosed, its victims often survive less than one year. In 2008, Japanese researchers released a study[…]
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization celebrates tenth annual week
Ten years ago, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) expanded their reach by making the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week. Soon after, other countries suffering from the carcinogen’s deadly effects joined and transformed the week into a global occasion. The ADAO started in 2004 to provide a[…]
New study suggests breast cancer drug may shrink mesothelioma tumors
After new evidence surfaced suggesting the enzyme aromatase is associated with malignant mesothelioma, Italian scientists began testing breast cancer drug Aromasin (exemestane) on mice and mesothelioma cells. Designed to inhibit aromatase, Aromasin curbs cell growth in breast cancer patients by helping reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. In[…]
Placebo Controlled Study of VS-6063 in Subjects With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (COMMAND)
Purpose: This study is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study of defactinib (VS-6063) in subjects with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) who have not progressed (confirmed partial response or stable disease) following ≥ 4 cycles of treatment with pemetrexed/cisplatin or pemetrexed/carboplatin. Prior to entry and randomization to the study, each subject must have tumor Merlin status(high or low) established by immunohistochemistry performed at a central laboratory. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive oral VS-6063 400 mg twice per day, or matched placebo. Randomization will be stratified by tumor Merlin status (high versus low). Progression will be assessed both locally and by central review using the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) Version 1.1. Subjects will continue to receive treatment until disease progression or other discontinuation criteria are met. Following documentation of nonfatal disease progression, all subjects will be followed for overall survival by telephone contact every 2 months until end of life or the close of the study.
Alimta remains best treatment for victims of malignant pleural mesothelioma
For those with inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma, Alimta (permetrexed) combined with cisplatin remains the top treatment. Japanese researchers recently analyzed the results of 30 patients taking either Gemzar or the Alimta combination and compared complications, disease control and survival rates. Thirty mesothelioma cases were examined featuring 13 patients taking Gemzar[…]
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.
Research shows both mesothelioma surgeries produce results
A recent study by United Kingdom researchers discovered when considering the mesothelioma surgery options, there is no clear choice. Cancer centers and mesothelioma doctors often disagree about which procedure to offer between extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decotication (P/D). The surgeries attempt to either remove and cure the patient or relieve[…]
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