For many patients who are suffering from malignant mesothelioma, their diagnosis came quickly after experiencing symptoms. In many cases, this is because symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear until the cancer has fully developed and it’s in the later stages. For those suffering from pleural mesothelioma – the most[…]
Asbestos & Mesothelioma Studies
Researchers Theorize Drug from the 1800s Could Improve Radiation Treatments in Mesothelioma Patients
Radiation therapy for those suffering from mesothelioma is not typically the first line of treatment because of its overall effectiveness. High-energy x-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons that make up radiation treatment aim to shrink tumors and ultimately kill cancer cells, but since mesothelioma tumors often have an irregular shape, it[…]
Phase III Clinical Trial for Nintedanib Discontinued After Yielding Negative Results
Disappointing results from the LUME-Phase III clinical trial regarding nintedanib is a setback for scientists and researchers who were hopeful they were on the brink of finding a new, first line treatment for those suffering from mesothelioma. Results from the Phase II clinical trial – published earlier this year –[…]
Survival Improves in Mesothelioma Patients who Received an Electricity-Based Treatment
The success of a recent Phase II clinical trial in malignant pleural mesothelioma has scientists and researchers excited about the possibility of adding a new treatment that will not only improve survival, but also improve quality of life of the cancer patient. Tumor Treating Fields, which is a therapy that[…]
Sarcopenia in Relation to Overall Survival in Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma only affects about 500 people each year, but its aggressive nature makes it hard to treat successfully and many who are diagnosed will on average survive only 6 to 12 months. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the abdominal lining, or peritoneum, which is why it is sometimes referred[…]
Empathetic Nurses Have Positive Impact on Cellular Activity in Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
A mesothelioma diagnosis and the treatment involved take a dramatic toll on the body and the mind, and with no known cure for mesothelioma, it is understandable that many feel loss of hope and despair. However, a recent study showed that having good mental health can improve treatment outcome, and[…]
Giant Steps Back in the Fight to Ban Asbestos In the United States
Under the Obama Administration, The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was updated to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) more authority to ban asbestos completely in the United States. The carcinogen was originally banned in 1989, but by 1991 the ruling was over-turned. Anti-asbestos advocates have been fighting ever since[…]
New Surgical Technique Illuminates Previously Undetected Mesothelioma Tumors
In addition to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, those suffering from mesothelioma also have the option for surgery (if they are physically able). Surgery is one of the better options for mesothelioma patients because it can remove most if not all the cancer; however, often times since the cancer is[…]
Metal-based Compound May Reduce Tumor Size in Pleural, Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelial cells are found in the lining of major organs such as the chest or the abdomen. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they slice through the soft tissue and become embedded in the lining of these organs. These fibers cause genetic mutations in the mesothelial cells which then[…]
Potential Breakthrough in Immunotherapy after Nivolumab Study Results
Immunotherapy treatments have once again made headlines, revolutionizing modern medicine and the way we have come to understand cancer treatment. The latest study results published in the American Journal of Case Reports, focuses on Opdivo (nivolumab), a type of check point inhibitor designed to stop immune cells from attacking the[…]