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[…]
From the blog
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 –[…]
Mesothelioma Awareness Day is September 26, 2018
Mesothelioma Awareness Day will once again take place on September 26, marking 15 consecutive years of awareness aimed to educate and inform society about the deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Established in 2004 by the Meso Foundation, the event eventually received recognition by the House and U.S. Senate[…]
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[…]
CAR T-Cell Therapy Research for Mesothelioma and Other Cancers
In malignant pleural mesothelioma, mesothelin – a protein that can be over expressed in many cancers – is present in 80 percent to 90 percent of all these cases. However, it is not common to see mesothelin on mesothelial cells, which allows for potential targeted treatment. CAR T -cell therapy[…]
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[…]
Decrease in Survival Rate Among Those Who Receive Non-traditional Cancer Treatment
Complementary medicine and alternative medicine may sound one in the same, but are vastly different in how each is used, and varying results often make people wary of its true effectiveness. Alternative medicine is atypical, and not used with any sort of mainstream treatment. Complementary medicine, sometimes referred to as[…]