Peritoneal mesothelioma is an incredibly rare form of cancer that affects the peritoneum, or abdominal lining. It is not entirely understood how exposure to asbestos causes this type of cancer, but scientists and researchers theorize that ingested asbestos fibers work themselves into the peritoneal cavity, or if inhaled, are transported[…]
Overall Survival
New Surgical Technique Could Be Ideal for Patients with Advanced Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that has been notoriously difficult to treat. Caused by asbestos exposure, the latency period between the time of initial exposure and disease spans decades and generally by the time the cancer is detected, it is highly advanced. Surgical treatments for those with[…]
Immunotherapy May Help Extend the Lives of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Patients
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing the health care industry by adding extra years of life to people with lung cancer. A few years ago it was rare for patients with an advanced stage of this disease to live past two years but today it has become more common to do so. Immunotherapy[…]
Immunotherapy Treatment Durvalumab Enters Phase II Clinical Trial
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, those who are able to withstand surgery in general may have a better chance of survival, as the cancer is being physically removed. However, mesothelioma is a difficult cancer and often surgery is not an option, and the cancer is unresectable. The success[…]
Biomarker CD47 as a Successful Diagnostic and Treatment Tool
Survival rates for diffuse mesothelioma are notoriously low with the median survival ranging between 12 to 22 months. A contributing factor to treatment being ineffective is that the disease if often in the advanced stages by the time it is noticed and diagnosed. Early detection may be a key factor[…]
Clinical Trial Investigates Multimodality Treatment for Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are collaborating with Pfizer to study the effects of immunotherapy treatment Avelumab when combined with stereotactic body radiation therapy, or SBRT, for those suffering from mesothelioma. SBRT treatments use a device called a linear accelerator that delivers precise and intense doses of[…]
Multimodality Therapy in Pleural Mesothelioma
Even though there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are many different treatment options for those suffering from this almost always fatal cancer. Palliative therapy has been successful in lessening symptoms and making the patient more comfortable. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are treatment methods that can be successful on[…]
An Inaccurate Mesothelioma Prognosis Can Result in Wrong Treatment
Mesothelioma is not easy to diagnose. Symptoms often mimic other ailments and patients often do not make the connection between asbestos exposure and their illness. Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, patients are often given a poor prognosis – typically less than one year. However, with recent advancements in treatments and immunotherapies,[…]
