Mesothelioma is difficult to treat for a number of reasons. The long latency period before initial diagnosis means that the cancer is typically in advanced stages by the time it is discovered. A built-up resistance to common cancer treatments also makes it difficult for treatment to have a positive effect on cancer victims. This contributes
Scientists and researchers from Merck announced an update on their findings for the Phase 1b KEYNOTE-28 study that involves the investigation of the immunotherapy treatment called KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and the anti-tumor activity of KEYTRUDA ® and focused on patients with small cell lung
Asbestosis, a severe and life threatening disease, is directly linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. In asbestosis, these fibers make their way to one’s lungs and become embedded in the inner tissue. The tissue then scars causing “fibrosis.” Once the tissue begins to scar, it then starts to harden which stops the flow of
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive asbestos –related cancer that has a poor survival rate due to the fact that the cancer is hard to detect early, and once detected, has usually spread and is hard to control. Surgery is typically an effective option for removing cancerous cells, but in some cases, surgery
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive asbestos –related cancer that has a poor survival rate due to the fact that the cancer is hard to detect early, and once detected, has usually spread and is hard to control. Surgery is typically an effective option for removing cancerous cells, but in some cases, surgery
Combining different types of treatment when it comes to treating mesothelioma is common because of how aggressive the cancer can be. While some treatments do prove to be effective, the overall prognosis of an individual with this asbestos-related cancer remains dim. A recent study done in Korea carefully evaluated the combination of cisplatin, a common
Combining different types of treatment when it comes to treating mesothelioma is common because of how aggressive the cancer can be. While some treatments do prove to be effective, the overall prognosis of an individual with this asbestos-related cancer remains dim. A recent study done in Korea carefully evaluated the combination of cisplatin, a common
The Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2016 S.3427 was introduced to the Senate on September 28, 2016. Supported by Senator Barbara Boxer, this bill was read and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Its purpose is to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to potentially have asbestos banned in
Asbestos is typically thought of as a substance that is no longer in use anymore because it is a well-known carcinogen. Asbestos is fire resistant, strong, cheap, abundant, and absorbs sound. It is no wonder it rose to popularity throughout the 20th century since it was so versatile. While asbestos is solid rock, it is
Asbestos is fire resistant, absorbs sound, strong, abundant, and cheap, so naturally it was a popular building material in the United States and throughout the world in the 20th century. The thin, needle-like, almost invisible fibers of asbestos appear to be mild: no smell, no taste, and does not immediately irritate the eyes, nose, or
September 26, 2016, was Mesothelioma Awareness Day. This day dedicated to raising awareness for mesothelioma, was established in 2004 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). MARF is a nonprofit organization that believes that there is a cure for mesothelioma and through education, fundraising and awareness, a cure can be achieved. Mesothelioma is a deadly
The researchers and scientists at the Baylor College of Medicine Mesothelioma Treatment Center at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center excitedly announced a new clinical trial that combines immunotherapy and surgery for the treatment of mesothelioma. This is the first time that these two treatments have been combined and scientists and researchers are hopeful for positive
It is a well-known fact that the naturally-occurring mineral asbestos is a carcinogen; linked to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Once industrial workers began to suffer the effects of asbestos years after being exposed, studies began to focus on the toxicity of the substance. Scientists know that exposure alone is the cause for many asbestos
Peritoneal mesothelioma is an incredibly rare cancer that makes up about 30% of all mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is a protective membrane that surrounds the abdomen and allows the surrounding organs to expand and contract easily. When asbestos fibers become ingested or inhaled, the lining of the abdomen could
Peritoneal mesothelioma is an incredibly rare cancer that makes up about 30% of all mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is a protective membrane that surrounds the abdomen and allows the surrounding organs to expand and contract easily. When asbestos fibers become ingested or inhaled, the lining of the abdomen could