Recurrent Malignant Mesothelioma

Current Clinical Trials

Note: Some citations in the text of this section are followed by a level of evidence. The PDQ editorial boards use a formal ranking system to help the reader judge the strength of evidence linked to the reported results of a therapeutic strategy. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Levels of Evidence for more information.)
Treatment of patients with recurrent mesothelioma usually utilizes procedures and/or agents not previously employed in the initial treatment attempt. No standard treatment approaches have been proven to improve survival or control symptoms for a prolonged period of time. These patients should be considered candidates for phase I and II clinical trials evaluating new biologicals, chemotherapeutic agents, or physical approaches.Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma (Stages II, III, and IV) section of this summary.) However, patients with recurrent mesothelioma who receive surgery, or at least do not receive chemotherapy as part of the primary treatment and recur subsequently, are candidates for chemotherapy. Patients with recurrent mesothelioma who have not received prior chemotherapy are candidates for first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin pemetrexed or cisplatin raltitrexed. (Refer to the
A large randomized study compared pemetrexed to best supportive care in 243 patients who received one prior regimen of chemotherapy that did not include pemetrexed. No survival benefit was shown in patients who received pemetrexed, although the progression-free survival rate, time-to-progression, and the response rates favored the pemetrexed arm.
Current Clinical Trials Check for U.S. clinical trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials that are now accepting patients with recurrent malignant mesothelioma. The list of clinical trials can be further narrowed by location, drug, intervention, and other criteria.
General information about clinical trials is also available from the NCI Web site.
References

1. Rusch V, Saltz L, Venkatraman E, et al.: A phase II trial of pleurectomy/decortication followed by intrapleural and systemic chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Clin Oncol 12 (6): 1156-63, 1994.
   
2. Markman M, Kelsen D: Efficacy of cisplatin-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy as treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 118 (7): 547-50, 1992. 
   
3. Zucali PA, Ceresoli GL, Garassino I, et al.: Gemcitabine and vinorelbine in pemetrexed-pretreated patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cancer 112 (7): 1555-61, 2008.
   
4. Boutin C, Viallat JR, Van Zandwijk N, et al.: Activity of intrapleural recombinant gamma-interferon in malignant mesothelioma. Cancer 67 (8): 2033-7, 1991. 
   
5. Ong ST, Vogelzang NJ: Chemotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma. A review. J Clin Oncol 14 (3): 1007-17, 1996.
   
6. Jassem J, Ramlau R, Santoro A, et al.: Phase III trial of pemetrexed plus best supportive care compared with best supportive care in previously treated patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma. J Clin Oncol 26 (10): 1698-704, 2008. 
   

Conditions Associated with Asbestos

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term disease of the lungs. Asbestosis is not a cancer. Inhaling asbestos fibers that irritate and inflame lung tissues, causing the lung tissues to scar, causes asbestosis. The scarring makes it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through the lungs. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly. The latency period for the onset of asbestosis is typically 10-20 years after the initial exposure. The disease can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to disabling and potentially fatal.

 Signs and Symptoms of asbestosis can include:

• Shortness of breath is the primary symptom
• A persistent and productive cough (a cough that expels mucus)
• Chest tightness
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.

Information for the ATSDR

Why Do You Need to be Concerned About Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that has been used commonly in a variety of building construction materials for insulation and as a fire-retardant. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, paper products, and asbestos cement products), friction products (automobile clutch, brake, and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings.


When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed by repair, remodeling or demolition activities, microscopic fibers become airborne and can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause significant health problems.

Most Common Sources of Asbestos Exposure:

• Workplace exposure to people that work in industries that mine, make or use asbestos products and those living
  near these industries, including:
• the construction industry (particularly building demolition and renovation activities),
• the manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials), and
• during automotive brake and clutch repair work
• Deteriorating, damaged, or disturbed asbestos-containing products such as insulation, fireproofing, acoustical materials, and floor tiles.

What factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?

Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including:

• Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to).
• Duration (how long an individual was exposed).
• Size, shape, and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers.
• Source of the exposure.
• Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease.

Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time.

It seem all in all that the longer you are exposed to asbestos and the amount of asbestos you are exposed to could determine how high the risks are.   

Who is at risk for an asbestos-related disease?
 
Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. But most people do not become ill from the exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in the shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, asbestos removal workers, firefighters, and automobile workers also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. Studies evaluating the cancer risk experienced by automobile mechanics exposed to asbestos through brake repair are limited, but the overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.

Individuals involved in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City are another group at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero. Others at risk include residents in close proximity to the WTC towers and those who attended schools nearby. These individuals will need to be followed to determine the long-term health consequences of their exposure.

One study found that nearly 70 percent of WTC rescue and recovery workers suffered new or worsened respiratory symptoms while performing work at the WTC site. The study describes the results of the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, which was established to identify and characterize possible WTC-related health effects in responders. The study found that about 28 percent of those tested had abnormal lung function tests, and 61 percent of those without previous health problems developed respiratory symptoms. However, it is important to note that these symptoms may be related to exposure to debris components other than asbestos.

Although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.

There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. To decrease these exposures, Federal law regulates workplace practices to limit the possibility of asbestos being brought home in this way. Some employees may be required to shower and change their clothes before they leave work, store their street clothes in a separate area of the workplace, or wash their work clothes at home separately from other clothes.

Cases of mesothelioma have also been seen in individuals without occupational asbestos exposure who live close to asbestos mines.

What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?
People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. When products with asbestos are ruffled in any way, tiny asbestos fibers shoot into the air where they can get inhaled and trapped in the moist lungs.  The asbestos fibers stay in the lungs.

Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems.

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, International Agency for Research on Cancer and the EPA. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. In addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma, some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder. However, the evidence is inconclusive.

Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity). Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos may be at increased risk for lung cancer

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 In "Fight Asbestosis inflammation to Prevent Mesothelioma From Forming" researchers identified chronic inflammation from asbestosis as a risk for developing mesothelioma.

Below are some suggestions from the book "Life Over Cancer" by Keith I. Block, M.D., for managing inflammation through diet. For patients battling asbestosis, making some dietary changes may not only lead to improved health, but can prevent the development of mesothelioma.

This information is also beneficial for anyone currently undergoing mesothelioma treatments.

Minimize Inflammation "Offenders." Avoid cigarette smoke, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a normal bodyweight, and get plenty of sleep.

Exercise - but be careful. If you are not actively exercising, but are planning on getting started be careful of injuries. This could lead to additional inflammation, and this should be kept to a minimum.

Salicylates. Salicylate is a natural anti-inflammatory compound found in foods. While this is the active ingredient in aspirin, it does not prevent clotting or lead to gastrointestial discomfort. Tomatoes, turmeric, and wintergreen are the best sources for salicylates.

Flavonoids. Flavonoids act much the same as Celebrex and other anti-inflammatory medications. Berries such as cherries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are very high in flavonoids. Other foods such as spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and zucchini as also rich in flavonoids.

Spices. Whole-leaf types of the following spices also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Basil, oregano, bay leaves, rosemary, sage, thyme, and mint.

Always check with your physician for information regarding diet and exercise

during your mesothelioma and asbestosis treatment. Also check with your physician if you are considering taking supplements.

MesotheliomaHelp.Net

posted by Nancy Meredith

Mesothelioma Doctor explains Symptoms, Diagnoses and Treatment of this deadly cancer. The Mesothelioma Cancer................................

Enough said!!

Mesothelioma cancer is the racket that can't be stopped. It's like cancer itself - the cells just keep growing and growing...............

Mesothelioma is such a double edge sword. Garlock Sealing Technologies, Bondex International and Specialty Products Holding Company all filed for bankruptcy this month alone because of mesothelioma claims.

The problem is that people deserve some compensation, but they also need the compensation from lawyers and lawsuits so they can pay for their medical bills. And also their families will be "OK" financially if they are still in the work force.

This is the tragedy of mesothelioma for you. There is no cure for mesothelioma and it is only caused by exposure to asbestos particles which can really pin down the companies responsible for people who acquire mesothelioma cancer.

The other problem is these companies need to lay people off when they file for bankruptcy.

So the double edge sword of mesothelioma cancer continues to slice apart companies and victims of the deadly cancer of which there is no cure to date.

The only people who are unscathed by all this are the mesothelioma lawyers. But they are the ones who coordinate and swing the sword.

I don't think it will end any time soon. Mesothelioma lawyers are just doing their job.

How to Give Emotional Support and Encouragement to A Terminal Mesothelioma Patient.

It's not easy giving emotional support and encouragement to a terminally ill mesothelioma patient but it can be done.

1. Support them in silence. That is the hardest thing for anyone to do these days. Be silent. Silence is scary to people. But if your loved one has terminal mesothelioma if you can sit beside them in silence you are bringing great comfort to them. I'm not saying don't answer their questions and don't give them words of encouragement. But a dying mesothelioma cancer patient often does not care what you ate for lunch earlier today. They are thinking about much more serious matters. Often they have much on their minds.

2. Which leads to the second way to give a terminal mesothelioma patient emotional support and encouragement. Listen! Make eye contact, don't be distracted by the TV or anything else. And don't change the subject or try to get them to discuss another matter. A dying mesothelioma patient is talking about things that he or she must get off of their mind so it's very important for you to listen to what they are saying as you are silent.

3. Discover what kind of mood they are in, how much energy they have, what they desire prior to passing away and then respect their wishes. Make sure you respect their wishes. Some people don't listen long enough to figure out what some final wished are of the mesothelioma victim. Don't be one of them. If they don't offer any of this information then be patient for a good time to ask them.

This should give you some solid guidance on how to both encourage and give mesothelioma patients emotional support. They really need it.

Billy DaMore

Mesothelioma is a huge problem in Libby, Montana - a population of only about 3,000 people.

Several hundred people have been exposed to asbestos fibers and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Some people in their 30's even because of playing in and around asbestos dumping grounds. It's a true tragedy in that town.

You can Google about it to get more of the details, but mesothelioma is a nightmare in that poor town at this time. And it stems from several years ago.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

1. Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
   
   Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.
   
   The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.
   
   There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
   
   
2. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
   
   Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
   
   These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

I feel so bad for victims of mesothelioma who served this country as a veteran. Somehow they contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos fibers.

They worked in various places like ship yards that had asbestos leading to their mesothelioma.

It's sad that the family has to seek compensation from the country they served just pay the medical bills. Mesothelioma can be very expensive medically speaking.

So it's really a lose lose situation for the family because there is no current cure for mesothelioma.

God bless all of you who served this country - men and women. Thank you so much.

May 7, 2010

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer obtained only from asbestos exposure.

And Rhoda Evans, wife of Bobby Evans contracted mesothelioma from asbestos fibers her husband brought home on his clothes.

Bobby Evans worked for the CertainTeed Corporation and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power where he cut CertainTeed water pipes made of asbestos cement. This process released microscopic asbestos fibers onto his clothing which Mrs. Evans often washed which exposed her to the deadly fibers.

After a diagnosis of mesothelioma most patients only live for an average of a year.

After contracting mesothelioma from the Los Angeles based Department of Water and Power the California jury determined that Rhoda Evans, and her husband, Bobby Evans, should be awarded the sum of 208 million dollars for compensatory and punitive damages.

There is no cure for mesothelioma at this time.

Thursday, December 3, 2009 Diagnosis of any terminal disease can leave patients feeling depressed, anxious, and angry. With the rarity of mesothelioma, patients diagnosed with the disease may have the added feeling of isolation with few people with which to discuss their feelings and concerns.

Keeping your emotions inside may lead to stress and can leave you with additional physical discomfort. Finding someone that you trust and can confide in will not only help you feel better, but can lead you to helping other mesothelioma victims down the road.

While a patient advocate provides emotional support, additional individuals and support networks can be beneficial. Below are some suggestions for locating confidants.

• Ask your primary care physician or oncologist for referral to a social worker or therapist who specializes in treating cancer patients.


• Your church or other religious organizations often have support groups that hold regular meetings.


• Many non-profit organizations dedicated to mesothelioma patients offer support referral services and can put you in touch with other mesothelioma patients.


• Ask friends and family if they know of any support groups or patients with mesothelioma to which you can talk.

Talking with others that have battled mesothelioma, or are trained counselors, who can give you insight into your emotions and into what's to come can ease your mind and allow you to focus on your treatments and recovery.


MesotheliomaHelp.Net

posted by Nancy Meredith

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control and without order. Cancer cells can also spread from their original site to other body parts. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is a noncancerous or cancerous tumor that affects the lining of the chest or abdomen. Inhaling asbestos fibers increase ones risk of getting malignant or cancerous mesothelioma.

Mesothelium are cells that line bodily organs - abdominal organs, usually the lungs, and heart.

The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, where the malignant tumors form on the pleura, the sac that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma affect the peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining) and the pericardium (which is lining around the heart).

Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure. People who are exposed to asbestos fibers for just a short period of time - even weeks - or even to a small amount may be at risk. So mostlyu people working with asbestos and their family members or those who live with them are at risk to develop mesothelioma. Remember it may take 35 years for somone to actually develop cancer after they first have been exposed.

Mesothelioma Cancer is horrible. It hits it's victims like a ton of bricks like other cancers do but after being diagnosed with mesothelioma

1. It's usually too late for a cure
2. There was a definite cause from asbestos exposure.
3. Because of the cause of mesothelioma there can be bitterness and other emotional aspects to ponder that are difficult.

Is there any way to survive mesothelioma cancer?


Well it depends on some factors like how soon you were diagnosed, where the cancer is, and if God intervenes.


Is there any way to survive mesothelioma cancer? It mainly depends on the mentioned above. But we can go into more detail.

If mesothelioma is caught early enough then the treatment options can work if the cancer is not too close to the heart or other vital organs for the doctors to operate or to do radiation.

If the mesothelioma has spread then it's almost impossible to operate and remove all of the cancer. But if the mesothelioma cancer is localized then maybe a surgeon can remove all of it.

But again this depends upon when the cancer was discovered - (if it was detected early enough).

As far as the spiritual aspect of mesothelioma cancer and other cancers as well studies have shown that people with strong spiritual beliefs have a tendency to fight off cancer and other diseases much more effectively. I personally believe that God is still in the healing business today as much as He always was. The Bible is full of healing and encouraging scriptures.

Is there any way to survive mesothelioma cancer? It depends on many factors. Make sure to discuss all of them with your doctor.

Billy Damore

This information is NOT intended to replace the services or advice of a physician. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information in this article to diagnose or treat any medical or health condition. You should consult a physician in all matters relating to your health.

Bionomics Phase II Clinical Trial to Provide Hope and Opportunity for Mesothelioma Sufferers
Monday, March 29, 2010



Bionomics, an Australian drug company focused on new treatments for cancer and serious disorders of the central nervous system, has announced they will initiate a phase II trial of BNC105 as second line chemotherapy for advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Bionomics has already commenced Phase II testing of the anti-cancer properties of BNC105 in renal cancer in the United States.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many cancer treatments.

Dr. Anna Nowak, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Australia and the trial's Principal Investigator, said that an early clinical trial of BNC105 showed some promise in mesothelioma. She adds that "this Phase II trial will provide hope and an opportunity to participate in a research study for people with mesothelioma who do not have other options for treatment."

The study plans to test 60 patients at 12 centers in Australia. The trial is being conducted by Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group and NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre.

The primary objective is to determine the tumor response rate. Secondary endpoints include progression free survival, quality of life, overall survival and treatment duration. Bionomics anticipates reporting interim results of this study in mesothelioma patients early in 2011.


BNC105 Clinical Trial - Phase II



© MesotheliomaHelp.Net. All Rights Reserved. Reprinting or republication of this article or any portion of its content is permitted but must include the http://mesotheliomahelp.net/ link.

posted by Nancy Meredith

New Zealand authorities are conducting multiple investigations to determine whether or not soldiers who have been training in a building in Manawatu were exposed to asbestos.

According to an article in New Zealand News, soldiers have been training in the Longburn Freezing Works building about 3 to 4 times a year for the last 10 years, said an army official. The building was discovered to be contaminated with asbestos after a fire took place there last year.

Upon discovery of the toxic mineral, the Manawatu District Council deemed the freezing works to be "a dangerous building" and ordered its demolition, which was to take place by last October.

Army Public Relations Officer Paul Stein said the army was not aware of the asbestos problem until last month, when they were told that building owner, Ken Thurston, had not complied with the council's demolition order.

The report, says Stein, prompted the army to begin "an internal investigation to find out if or when they had ever been told of the asbestos." In the meantime, Stein says he is not aware of any soldiers currently experiencing asbestos-related medical problems.

"But then that's what the whole investigation is looking at. And from the reading I've been doing asbestos exposure can take many years to come through."

Stein also said the army would investigate whether or not the building was actually safe even before the fire occurred, exposing the presence of asbestos.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Attorney Joseph W. Belluck of Belluck & Fox LLP says overhaul of NYC asbestos abatement

program marks progress, but more safeguards needed

New York, NY January 6, 2010 -- New York City needs to continue reducing the risk of exposure to cancer-causing asbestos until it is non-existent, a New York attorney said.

Attorney Joseph W. Belluck, a partner in Belluck & Fox LLP, a New York law firm

that focuses on representing victims of asbestos-related disease, praised a package of legislation passed by the New York City Council that overhauls the city’s asbestos abatement procedures. Belluck said the new laws represent an improvement in construction safety standards.

“The City should continue to adopt measures similar to this until there is zero asbestos exposure to firefighters, construction workers and residents of New York,” Belluck said.

The legislation, signed into law last month by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, established a permit program for asbestos abatement activities, enhanced asbestos cleanup safeguards, prohibited smoking in any part of a building where asbestos abatement is occurring and barred simultaneous asbestos abatement and demolition activities in the same building.

All asbestos fibers must be carefully contained and removed before a building is demolished because asbestos dust, if stirred up, can be inhaled and cause serious respiratory disease including mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of lungs or abdomen.

The package of legislative measures stemmed from a review panel’s recommendations after a fire at the former Deutsche Bank tower in August 2007 left two New York City firefighters dead. Workers were removing asbestos from the building and demolishing it floor by floor when the fire occurred. A construction worker’s cigarette ignited the blaze. The simultaneous abatement and demolition activities in the building hampered firefighters’ efforts to fight the blaze.

Asbestos use is no longer prevalent, but houses and buildings in New York and throughout the U.S. still have large amounts of asbestos materials and insulation that will eventually have to be removed. Health officials estimate that 1.3 million construction and general industry workers are exposed to asbestos and one of the most common ways is during asbestos removal activities if the dangerous substance is not handled properly.

MesotheliomaHelp.Net

Monday, February 1, 2010
The University of Hawaii's Cancer Reseach Center which receives about $1.5 million annually as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Cancer Center will be re-evaluated by NCI next week to determine whether it will maintain its status. Dr. Michele Carbone, Cancer Research Center director, is an authority on malignant mesothelioma and has studied the impact of genetics, environmental carcinogens and viral infections on mesothelioma development.

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to airborne asbestos fibers. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many cancer treatments. Currently there is no known cure for the disease.

Carbone indicates that the designation was in jeopardy when he took over as director in September 2009, but since then the staff has addressed some of the NCI concerns. The Hawaii Cancer Center has started to design a new research center, established a consortium with other Hawaiian cancer research centers, and filled vacant positions. All of these steps should be looked upon favorably by the representatives from NCI.Dr. Carbone has received more than half of all federal funding for mesothelioma and approximately 90 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s funding allocated for mesothelioma research.

National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Centers are recognized for their scientific excellence. They are a major source of discovery and development of more effective approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. All NCI-designated Cancer Centers receive substantial financial support from NCI grants and are re-evaluated each time their support grant comes up for renewal.

Sources:
NCI VisitMesothelioma Researcher at Hawaii

http://mesotheliomahelp.net

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

A treatment known as chemoembolization, where anticancer drugs are injected directly into a cancer tumor, has shown effective in the treatment of mesothelioma according to its supporters being treated in Germany. However, the National Health Service (NHS), the publicly-funded healthcare system in England, is not convinced.

England's Department of Health says they do not have enough information about the risks and benefits of the treatment to support it in patients with mesothelioma. Chemoembolization has proven effective in the treatment of liver cancer.

Mesothelioma, a rare, aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, can take up to 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos has occurred. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, it can be treated with varying degrees of success through the use of surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiation.

One patient who says the treatment has prolonged his life by years, as well improved his quality of life, had to use his life savings to pay for the treatment. He and others in a Devon, England mesothelioma support group are pressing NHS to reconsider its policy on funding the treatment.

Devon Primary Care Trust has indicated that any future applications for chemoembolization treatment would be reviewed based on the latest clinical information.

Source:
Mesothelioma Treatment Funding @ MesotheliomaHelp.Net.

By T.Going

Asbestos is used in over 3000 modern products and most people have suffered at least some degree of exposure to it at one point or another. Most asbestos exposure is limited to minute portions of well maintained building materials such as concrete, insulation and siding. Regular maintenance of these materials is important for preventing asbestos from degenerating into airborne fibers.

Unfortunately, because asbestos is so widespread, it is impossible to compute the damage that even a small quantity can cause. The lightweight nature of the asbestos particle facilitates airborne spreading of these deadly carcinogens. This is why most asbestos-related diseases affect the respiratory system. These are incurable diseases. Even tiny amounts of asbestos can inflict irreversible damage and symptoms usually only emerge 20 to 30 years down the road.

Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer are consequences of prolonged asbestos exposure. Any contact with asbestos merits immediate medical consultation because treatment options and survival rates are greatly improved the earlier they’re detected.

Unfortunately most asbestos-related conditions don’t show symptoms until the disease is terminally advanced. Most patients diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition rarely survive more than 18 months after diagnosis.

For more information on asbestos related diseases and mesothelioma please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com . About the author: This article may be freely re-printed as long as this resource box and all links stay intact.

Circulated by Article Emporium

Alimta News

Asbestos-Induced Lung Cancer Responds to Eli Lilly Experimental Drug

The Indianapolis Star

An experimental Eli Lilly and Co. drug lengthened the lives of patients with cancer of the lung lining that's mainly caused by asbestos. The study finding, released Monday, heartened cancer researchers because the deadly cancer has proven resistant to treatment and no drugs are approved in the United States to treat it. "This is an historic day. Patients and their families who deal with this disease now have a clear path forward," said Dr. Nicholas J. Vogelzang, director of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center.

The dramatic results came in the largest-ever patient study for cancer of the lung lining, called pleural mesothelioma. The study of 456 patients showed that those given the Lilly drug Alimta, plus a commonly used chemotherapy drug and vitamins, lived for 13 months after diagnosis of the cancer. That compared to seven months for those who received only the standard chemotherapy cisplatin and vitamins. "That is a very, very striking difference for a disease considered hopeless," Vogelzang said. Patients taking Alimta during the yearlong study also suffered from less pain and had fewer breathing difficulties, said Dr. Paolo Paoletti, a Lilly researcher who is team leader for Alimta's development at Lilly's Indianapolis labs.

Alimta could be on the market next year. Lilly plans to file in 2003 for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market Alimta for the lung cancer. Alimta is in the last of three phases of human testing for that cancer. Cancer of the lung lining is rare, diagnosed in only 2,500 Americans and 5,000 Europeans a year, but its prevalence is rising as more people are found to be exposed to the once commonly sold asbestos that causes the cancer. Most people die within nine months of diagnosis. Lilly also is testing Alimta on other cancers, including that of the pancreas, where Alimta shows early promise.

When Alimta was combined with the marketed Lilly drug Gemzar and given to patients with pancreatic cancer, a third of them were alive after one year, a new Lilly study shows. That compares to an 18 percent one-year survival rate generally among pancreatic cancer patients treated with Gemzar alone, Lilly said.

The molecule that is Alimta came to Lilly from a Princeton University researcher. It works like three or more cancer drugs in one, by targeting multiple enzymes that cancer cells need to take up folic acid and multiply.

By Linda Woodhouse

Since the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used commercially. The use of Asbestos dramatically increased during World War II and since the early 1940's millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust working within industries where initally the risks were not known. There has been widespread exposure to Asbestos by workers within shipyards, mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople and an increase risk of deveolping mesothelioma has been the result. .

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. By contrast, the British Government's Health and Safety executive (HSE) states formally that any threshold for mesothelioma must be at a very low level and it is widely agreed that if any such threshold does exists at all, then it cannot currently be quantified. For practical purposes, therefore, HSE does not assume that any such threshold exists. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. The Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma have resulted. Smoking current cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.

There is no curative treatment. Close monitoring (routine X-rays or even pleural biopsy) for mesothelioma is mandated. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary to relieve the shortness of breath. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory treatments to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Aerosol medications to thin secretions may be prescribed

About The Author Linda Woodhouse Looking for information about Mesothelioma? Go to: http://www.mesotheliomalegalreview.com 'Mesothelioma Legal Review' is published by Linda Woodhouse - The complete resource directory for Mesothelioma related information, legal services, and products Check out more Mesothelioma articles at: http://www.mesotheliomalegalreview.com/archive

New York University and Wayne State University researchers have discovered that the protein Osteopontin may serve as a marker for the early stages of pleural mesothelioma. This suggests that blood tests for Osteopontin may be an early indicator of the disease, which currently cannot be detected in its early stages through blood testing. Although further studies are necessary to confirm the reliability of this protein as a marker, the study is certainly a step in the right direction for those exposed to asbestos.

Pleural Mesothelioma is a disease which affects the lung lining in the chest, that has been directly associated with asbestos exposure. Those that have been exposed to asbestos are encouraged to speak with their physicians about possible clinical trials.

By David Arnold Livingston

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases nowadays. It doesn’t choose its victims. Men and women alike, old and young die of cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, specifically the Pleura (membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the Peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdomen).

Both Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneum Mesothelioma are primarily caused by the inhalation or exposure to asbestos, an incombustible fibrous mineral of impure magnesium silicate used in various industrial products. About 30 to 50 per cent of the total Mesothelioma cancer patients had not been exposed to asbestos, yet they have acquired the disease. Cancer specialists continue to study this rare kind of cancer so as to provide the public clear and exact information with regard to its cause, nature and cure.

Like many other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma has different stages. The earliest stage is still curable since only one layer of the pleura is affected. Surgery is the number one option for patients with Stage I Mesothelioma. The doctor removes the part of the lining of the lungs or chest (in case of Pleural Mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdomen (in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma). In Stage II Mesothelioma, surgery can still be executed although some lymph nodes may have already been infected by the malignant Mesothelioma cancer cells. The diaphragm may also be removed; in severe cases, the Mesothelioma patient has to sacrifice one of his lungs.

Usually, surgery comes with systemic treatments, which include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through radiotherapy, Mesothelioma cancer cells are killed; however, only the cells in the treated area die. High energy rays used in radiotherapy or radiation therapy may either come from an external machine or from thin plastic tubes positioned into the tissues where Mesothelioma cancer-stricken cells are found. Inside the plastic tubes are radiation-emitting materials that kill the malignant cells. The use of an external machine is called external radiation therapy while the other is called internal radiation therapy. Also, a radioactive substance such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is circulated around the body during radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill the malignant cells. In treating Mesothelioma, the anti-cancer drugs are usually given to the patient through intravenous injection (within the vein). Oncologists are still studying the possibility of treating Mesothelioma through intracavitary chemotherapy (within the chest or abdomen). Some Mesothelioma patients also undergo Photodynamic therapy, a kind of cancer therapy that combines the use of drug (photosensitizer) with a specific kind of light. The photosensitizing agent when exposed to the light produce oxygen that destroys nearby malignant cancer cells. The drug is injected into the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cells.

In order to relieve the symptoms of Mesothelioma such as the pain in the chest or abdomen due to the build up of fluid, a physician drains the fluid by using a needle. The procedure is known as thoracentesis (removal of fluid in the chest) or paracentesis (removal of the fluid in the abdomen). To prevent further accumulation of the lubricating fluid in the membranes of the chest or abdomen, drugs are given through a tube in the affected organ.

Although the said treatments to Mesothelioma have been proven effective, chance of recovery and survival still depends on the size or extent of the cancer. Chances are higher when Mesothelioma is still in its early stages. Surgery is only advisable only up to the second stage of the Mesothelioma cancer wherein only one part or smaller portions of the membranes are affected. A patient diagnosed with stage IV Mesothelioma (diffuse Mesothelioma) has only about 4-24 months to live. Furthermore, the age of the patient and his general health condition is also crucial to his recovery. Older patients do not respond well to certain cancer treatments such as surgery because their tissues, organs and other body parts are more delicate.

About The Author
David Arnold Livingston is passionate about Health and suggests you visit, as a resource: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/.

By Rick Hendershot, Linknet Publishing Network

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. In his article called Knee Deep in Asbestos - http://www.mesotheliomaadvisors.com/2.html - freelance writer Phil Jones relates how when he was a teenager he worked for a brief time in an asbestos mine in the Yukon.

One of the features of daily life was the constant presence of asbestos dust in the air. As Jones writes, "There were employees that worked in the mill whose sole job was to sweep up the dust that fell on the floor. There was so much of it that this was a constant ongoing job. The asbestos dust in the mill actually fell almost like snow and covered the floor completely. Without sweepers there would probably have been several inches of asbestos dust on the floor within an hour or so. In fact, I remember seeing sweepers go by pushing their wide brooms and the new dust settling onto the floor behind them as they walked."

This story illustrates a number of the more sinister aspects of the whole mesothelioma story. First, over the course of many decades, countless workers were placed in work environments where they were exposed to high levels of asbestos fibre with little protection. Their exposure to asbestos fibres was constant and often took place over a very long period of time - in most cases, over many years.

Second, the owners and managers of these work places were often either unaware of the risk of mesothelioma, or they actively attempted to hide or cover up those risks.

Third, since the effects of exposure to asbestos fibre often do not become apparent for 30 or 40 years after prolonged exposure, there often appeared to be no immediate health risk in these work environments. This made it very difficult for workers or their representatives to make a convincing case that worker health was being sacrificed on the altar of corporate profits.

About the author: For more information about mesothelioma, the causes of mesothelioma, the effects of mesothelioma, and the legal courses of action open to mesothelioma victims, visit Mesothelioma Advisors at http://www.mesotheliomaadvisors.com/ Rick Hendershot is a writer and founder of The Linknet Publishing Network.

By Peter Lenkefi

There is some important information you should be aware of if you are considering pursuing a Mesothelioma Law Suit. Prior to pursuing a Mesothelioma Law Suit you should seek advice from a reputable Mesothelioma Law Firm and gain an understanding of Mesothelioma Law.

A Mesothelioma Law suit can be costly, but it can also provide you with adequate compensation that will help cover your legal, medical and ongoing expenses, related to your Mesothelioma Cancer.

Previously, there have been cases in which the Mesothelioma Cancer sufferers have received thousands of dollars in compensation for their diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, due to exposure to an Asbestos related substance.

Currently, Mesothelioma Law is favorable towards Mesothelioma Cancer sufferers, who have been exposed to an Asbestos related substance through their work environment and companies are required to compensate their present, or previous employees for non-disclosure of the risks involved with handling an Asbestos related substance.

Mesothelioma Law works on the premise that this exposure to an asbestos related substance without prior knowledge has lead to the injury, or sometimes death of the Mesothelioma sufferer.

In almost all cases, whether indicated as injury, or death, the sufferer of Mesothelioma Cancer has had their life span considerable shortened, due to this exposure to an asbestos related substance.

Due to the legal processes of conducting a Mesothelioma Law suit, anyone who has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer and suspect, or know, that they were exposed to an asbestos related substance in the past, during their working life, should seek legal advice immediately.

Beginning your Mesothelioma Law suit early will ensure that you acquire adequate compensation in time to help with your medical expenses and ongoing support and treatment.

In order to begin a Mesothelioma Law suit you will need to find an experienced Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, that can usually be found at a reputable Mesothelioma Law Firm.

It is important that you disclose all information surrounding your Mesothelioma Cancer, including your diagnosis and prognosis, to your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, as this will help them to form a solid Mesothelioma Law suit for your case.

You should also try to provide your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer with details pertaining to the period in which your exposure occurred, who you where working for at the time and any details regarding whether you had prior knowledge of your exposure.

All information surrounding your Mesothelioma Cancer is important and will ensure that your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, will be successful in your Mesothelioma Law suit. So, if you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, seek appropriate legal advice.

About the author:
Learn more about mesothelioma treatment and asbestos litigation go here: http://www.mesothelioma-treatment-center.com/mesothelioma-lawsuit.htm

By T.Going

Asbestos is used in over 3000 modern products and most people have suffered at least some degree of exposure to it at one point or another. Most asbestos exposure is limited to minute portions of well maintained building materials such as concrete, insulation and siding. Regular maintenance of these materials is important for preventing asbestos from degenerating into airborne fibers. Unfortunately, because asbestos is so widespread, it is impossible to compute the damage that even a small quantity can cause.

The lightweight nature of the asbestos particle facilitates airborne spreading of these deadly carcinogens. This is why most asbestos-related diseases affect the respiratory system. These are incurable diseases. Even tiny amounts of asbestos can inflict irreversible damage as symptoms usually only emerge 20 to 30 years down the road.

Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer are consequences of prolonged asbestos exposure. Any contact with asbestos merits immediate medical consultation because treatment options and survival rates are greatly improved the earlier they’re detected. Unfortunately most asbestos-related conditions don’t show symptoms until the disease is terminally advanced. Most patients diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition rarely survive more than 18 months after diagnosis.

For more information on asbestos related diseases and mesothelioma please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com .

About the author:
This article may be freely re-printed as long as this resource box and all links stay intact.

By John Moore

What Exactly Is It?

Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the lung or the abdomen lining, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. Asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s, but during the late 1960s, concerns over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured over the following two decades. But even though new measures where brought in to get rid of it, many schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.

Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic. The people most at risk are :-

People working in factories that manufacture asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Family members of workers exposed to asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought home by the worker on his clothes or skin.

Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos manufacturing plant are also at risk.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until between twenty and fifty years after exposure, which explains why so many new cases of this form of cancer are coming to light now. Many people who haven't been in contact with asbestos for
decades, are now showing symptoms of this dreadful desease.

As with many forms of cancer, mesothelioma can spread rapidly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, loss of weight, and chest pains. If it is diagnosed early enough, the tumor can be surgically removed, and with chemotherapy and radiation treatment, a full recovery is often possible.

However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. In such cases, chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be used alongside other pain relief treatments, to ease the symptoms. Where cure is not possible, the average survival time is between four and eighteen months, depending on the stage of the tumor and the general health of the patient.

I was prompted to write about mesothelioma because as a child I lived near a factory which produced asbestos, and I personally know families who have suffered due to this terrible desease.


About the author:
Author John Moore ..As a child I lived near an asbestos factory, hence my decision to write this article. If you wish to use this article, please include my link.
http://www.online-mesothelioma-guide.com