Researchers have created a new compound that could potentially help mesothelioma patients. Lurbinectedin is a synthetic material that can stop the growth of mesothelioma and other cancers. It works by blocking cytokine transcription in tumor cells. Cytokine transcription is the copying of DNA to allow the passing of the genetic information out of the cell.
A new cancer treatment using electricity has been approved for use in mesothelioma patients. The NovoTTF-100L uses Tumor Treating Fields, which are electric signals tuned to a specific frequency, to disrupt cancerous cell division. The fields are applied to the patient with adhesive bandages and are used for at least 18 hours a day. This
Biomarkers are measureable substances that indicate if someone has a disease. Doctors and researchers are able to find different substances within a person’s body and deduce that the person has a specific type of cancer. Researchers have found a relatively new biomarker called microRNA, which could possibly be used to diagnose mesothelioma. MicroRNAs control gene
The immune system is the body’s first line of defense when fighting off any illness, attacking foreign organisms or other substances that may harm or threaten the over health of the body. When the immune system is compromised, the body is unable to fight infections and becomes weak as the illness takes over. For those
Pleural mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos is a rare cancer – only 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year – but it is highly aggressive. There is no cure for plural mesothelioma but findings published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery reveal that a new type of combination treatment specifically
In the Fall of 2018 scientists and researchers from Novocure, an oncology company that specializes in treating solid tumors, were hopeful their latest success with Tumor Treating Fields therapy would lead to FDA approval and ultimately, more options for those suffering from mesothelioma. After a successful clinical trial, these hopes became a reality as the
When it comes to effective mesothelioma treatments, options are unfortunately limited. There is no cure for mesothelioma and first line chemotherapy treatment Alimta, is no guarantee. Many who are suffering from mesothelioma, who have found little or no comfort in traditional treatments, may turn to clinical trials for hope. Through clinical trials, patients have access
A Phase III clinical trial is now underway in the pivotal study of interferon alfa-2b gene therapy in pleural mesothelioma. After promising results from the Phase II clinical trial, scientists and researchers are hopeful they are just one step away from FDA approval for this cancer treatment that is over 20 years in the making.
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
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
A rare and aggressive malignancy, mesothelioma, is cancer affecting the lining that surrounds various organs and cavities within the body. Mesothelioma gets its name from this lining, which is called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is strictly caused by asbestos exposure. Victims are typically only given a year, sometimes just months, to live after
Scientists are continually exploring new opportunities for drugs to combat mesothelioma and recently, scientists have zeroed in on a particular enzyme that is said to be “overexpressed” in pleural mesothelioma. This enzyme, known as orotate phosphoribosyl transferase (OPRT) is believed to curb the development and spread of mesothelioma which would have a huge impact on
Earlier this month, Ohio legislators approved a bill that would allow patients with malignant mesothelioma to buy and use marijuana for medical purposes – legally. The bill will now move on to the governor, and if that is signed, Ohio will become the 25th state to legalize some form of medical marijuana. This news is