Chemotherapy remains one of the most effective treatments for mesothelioma. Because there is no cure, it works to prolong the lives of patients. Unfortunately, even the most effective methods can become inadequate as treatments continue. A current clinical trial is attempting to extend the usefulness period of chemotherapy and in turn extend the lives of more
The Mayo Clinic exists to provide the latest technology and different treatment options to those suffering from many ailments and diseases. Clinical trials are done to determine new and improved methods to make sure patients are receiving the most effective care. The Rochester, Minnesota, location is currently running several mesothelioma clinical trials, including one using more
A recent mesothelioma study found the addition of bevacizumab to the chemotherapy treatment of pemetrexed plus cisplatin may increase the survival rate in patients. From 2008 to 2014, patients were given the standard treatment in 21-day increments for six cycles, with some receiving bevacizumab. The addition of bevacizumab increased survival to a median of 19.8 more
There was a time when asbestos was seemingly in everything. Among other things, it was used in building materials such as pipe covering, cements, gaskets, pumps, clothing, gloves, and shipbuilding materials. This was due to its durability and high resistance to heat and corrosion as well as the fact it could be so easily processed. more
As it currently stands, mesothelioma is an incurable form of cancer that affects the lining of organs. Caused only by asbestos, mesothelioma takes decades to develop and once symptoms present themselves, has typically progressed to a Stage 4 cancer. Those diagnosed typically survive less than two years. Current treatments involve surgery and chemotherapy, but they more
Many years have passed since asbestos use became limited in the United States, yet the effects are still felt by workers and families alike. Those employed by steel mills, paper mills, shipyards and more put their lives in danger every day simply by going to work. Unlike other substances, overall evidence suggests there isn’t a […]
Asbestos is a silent killer, infecting its victim and waiting years to make its presence known. Many believe asbestos is a threat of the past and assume it’s banned with no risk of exposure. In reality, asbestos remains a deadly and destructive force. In the 50 years since the landmark medical study definitively indicated asbestos […]
Named breakthrough of the year by Science Magazine in 2013, immunotherapy is a new option for treating cancer, but not without speculation and concern. This new treatment is limited to a few types of cancers, but the remarkable results found from clinical trial data shows promise for the future. Immunotherapy uses the body to battle […]
Ambler, Pennsylvania, is a small town near Philadelphia. Like other towns in the United States, it carries a deadly burden and legacy. The historic town, originally called Wissahickon for the railroad depot, served as stop on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. Soon after being renamed to Ambler, the industry that would define the town arrived in […]
Considered to be a miracle fiber, asbestos use skyrocketed as more and more people embraced the flame-resistant substance. A known carcinogen, asbestos can infect the body and cause a variety of cancers, including mesothelioma. Many associate mesothelioma with construction tradesmen or steel workers, but its reach is much larger. The wives and mothers of the […]
Asbestos seems like a threat long since past. Most countries stopped using it in buildings by the 1990s and many have removed the dangerous substance in the years following. When the mesothelioma commercials flash across the screen, people don’t pay attention to the real threat of asbestos exposure. Residents of Canberra, Australia, deal with the […]
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer affecting around 3,000 Americans each year. In more than 70 percent of the cases, asbestos exposure is the main cause. A recent two-year study may have determined another leading contributor to the deadly disease. Rats exposed to vinylidene chloride (VDC), an industrial toxicant, had higher malignant mesothelioma rates. The exposure […]
Several research articles recently published detail new and innovative drug solutions to fight mesothelioma. Scientists from around the world continue to develop potential solutions with Korea releasing their findings tied to a leukemia treatment and red wine. Published in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the study found clofarabine, a drug typically used with relapsed leukemia cases […]
The prognosis for mesothelioma is grim- only 40 percent of all victims survive the first year with the average dwindling to eight percent after three years. Different studies varied in their conclusions about whether men or women survive longer. Recognizing none of the existing studies were population-based, researchers decided to do a large-scale study. An […]
To monitor a patient for mesothelioma involves subjecting them to CT scans with high levels of radiation. Repeated screenings increase risks for other health issues. For workers exposed to asbestos, these scans are necessary for survival even with the drawbacks. A study out of France found a new CT method using a low does Veo […]