A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating for those suffering with the disease and family members alike. The nature of the illness is aggressive, and there is currently no cure. The quality of life for a mesothelioma patient can decrease significantly and quickly as the cancer spreads throughout the body. One of[…]
Full Archive
Acupuncture as Potential Palliative Care for Mesothelioma Patients
When one thinks of acupuncture, one may envision a nice relaxing trip to a day spa, where after a long massage or a relaxing facial, tension in body can be further relieved through this ancient practice where thin needles are inserted into the body. However, this traditional Chinese medicine may[…]
Quality of Life After Pleurectomy/Decortication vs. Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy
On the rare instance that mesothelioma is diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, patients have the option for surgery. There are several surgical procedures used to treat mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma surgeries aim to provide a curative effect, while others are performed for palliative purposes. Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extra[…]
Phase 1 Clinical Trial For Those With Peritoneal Mesothelioma Underway
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer affecting only about 3,000 Americans each year. Most of those diagnosed are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, but a small number (approx. 500 per year) are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is mesothelioma in the abdominal lining. With so few diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, studying and[…]
Decade Long Study Reveals Potential for Early Detection in Mesothelioma
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[…]
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[…]
Asbestos Related Deaths Reportedly Double Previous Estimations In the United States
Since the dangers of asbestos exposure began to come to light over 40 years ago, regulations have been implemented to ban asbestos in most household products and to severely limit asbestos exposure in the workplace. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that causes lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other life-threatening diseases,[…]
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[…]
