Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Xem phim HD online

2011-09-21T17:12:00.000-10:00

Xem phim HD online: Minh moi xay dung mot site phim xem phim HD online. Mac du quy mo chua duoc lon nhung dang phat trien dan dan. Cac ban vao ung ho nha! Thanks ca nha nhieu!
Xem phim hd online nhanh - Phim chieu rap - Phim le - Phim bo - Phim xem nhieu

Chemo Combination Improves Survival in Asbestos-Related Cancer

2010-04-15T22:47:00.000-10:00

People with mesothelioma — a form of cancer associated with asbestosexposure — have a higher survival rate when treated with a combination of two cancer drugs, a large multicenter study finds.

Mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen, is associated with exposure to asbestos. There is no known cure.

In the study, patients receiving pemetrexed and cisplatin — along with the vitamin supplements folic acid and B12 — survived nearly three months longer than patients getting cisplatin alone.

Researchers led by John Green, M.D., at the Clatterbridge Center for Oncology in England, reviewed a study of 448 patients with advanced mesothelioma who were treated with either the single drug or the combination.

"Pemetrexed used in combination with cisplatin significantly increases the length of survival, when compared with cisplatin alone," the researchers say. "Further research is needed into the optimum treatment regimen for pleural mesothelioma."

The review appears in the current issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.

The researchers examined data from a clinical trial of 20 treatment centers in Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia. Eighty-one percent of the patients were men, with an average age of 61. Patients who received the combination treatment survived an average 2.8 months longer.

Patients receiving both medications also reported improved quality of life in terms of fatigue, loss of appetite, pain and cough.

During the early stages of the trial, patients receiving pemetrexed had serious symptoms of toxicity, including drug-related death. Other side effects included blood cell abnormalities, nausea and diarrhea, which decreased in both incidence and severity after the vitamins were added to the treatment.

People who work trades such as shipbuilding, railway engineering, construction work and asbestos manufacture have higher rates of mesothelioma than the general public. The cancer may take 10 to 60 years to develop, and the risk does not diminish after exposure to asbestos has stopped.

Family members of people exposed to asbestos at work also have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma from asbestos fibers carried home on the clothes of the people they live with.

Daniel Baram, M.D., a pulmonologist at the Lung Cancer Evaluation Center at the State University of New York, said, "Most cases [of mesothelioma] are still from pre-OSHA workplace improvements. I suspect that modern asbestos abatement precautions will avoid most, if not all, future cases. The latency is over 30 years, so we are still diagnosing cases with exposure during World War II and the '40s and '50s."

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, Green said, because "there is a lag of many years between exposure and asbestosis, which is a nonmalignant condition, and a greater lag before the development of overt malignancy."

"There is no way of diagnosing the premalignant phase during the latent period of 15 to 20 years," Green added. "Many of these patients smoke and are in economically disadvantaged communities. Many individuals have moved away from heavy industries and may not admit or know they were exposed to asbestos as young men, with similar issues for their partners."

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 10 percent to 15 percent of schools and other public buildings in the United States contain asbestos insulation.

Although safety measures for working with asbestos have been in place since the 1970s, mesothelioma is projected to account for 65,000 deaths between 2001 and 2050 worldwide, peaking between 2012 and 2015, according to background information in the review.

It is a personal matter as to whether the survival increase for patients receiving the two drugs is worthwhile, Baram said. "It depends in large part on the patient. A 2.8-month mean survival increase means that some patients may get even more than that, though some people will get less. Many, if not most, patients when faced with a disease with a very bad prognosis are often willing to undergo aggressive therapy, although the toxicity is serious and potentially life-threatening."

Source

Lise Millay Stevens, Contributing Writer, Health Behavior News Service

ASCO: Recent Study Confirms Pemetrexed-Platinum Activity in Malignant Mesothelioma

2010-04-15T22:46:00.000-10:00

CHICAGO, June 6 -- Confirming results of previous studies, pemetrexed combined with either cisplatin or carboplatin demonstrated activity in previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma, said researchers.

Treatment using a pemetrexed-cisplatin doublet led to an overall response rate of 26.3% in 745 mesothelioma patients, and the combination of pemetrexed and carboplatin was associated with an overall response rate of 21.6%, found Armando Santoro, M.D., of the Instituto Clinico Humanitas in Milan, Italy, along with his colleagues.

One-year survival was 63 to 64% using both regimens, Dr. Santoro reported at the meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

The median time to progression was about seven months with both regimens, said Dr. Santoro. None of the differences was statistically significant.

Somewhat surprising, said Dr. Santoro, was that the carboplatin doublet caused more toxicity, but he feels that pemetrexed-carboplatin remains a better option for elderly patients and other patients with increased susceptibility to chemotherapy's toxicity.

The researchers' findings were derived from an analysis of outcome data on 1,704 chemotherapy-naïve malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, including 1,497 patients with response data. Dr. Santoro indicated they were among more than 3,000 mesothelioma patients worldwide who received pemetrexed alone or in combination with a platinum agent under the pemetrexed expanded access program.

All of the patients had unresectable disease. They received pemetrexed at a dose of 500 mg/m2 by 10-minute intravenous infusion, followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 or carboplatin AUC 5. The chemotherapy regimen was repeated every 21 days. Patients treated with pemetrexed-cisplatin were given a median of five cycles of therapy, compared with six cycles for the pemetrexed-carboplatin regimen.

Among the 745 patients, the cisplatin regimen resulted in 15 complete responses (2%) and 181 partial responses (24.3%). Of the 752 patients receiving carboplatin, seven (0.9%) had complete responses and 156 (20.7%) had partial responses, resulting in an overall response rate of 21.6%.

Stable disease was seen in 51.4% of cisplatin-treated patients and 54.1% of patients treated with carboplatin. The disease control rate (CR + PR + SD) was 77.7% with cisplatin versus 75.8% with carboplatin.

Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity was greater using the pemetrexed-carboplatin doublet, including:

Neutropenia, 36.1% versus 23.9%
Leukopenia, 21% versus 13.1%
Anemia, 14.3% versus 7.2%
Thrombocytopenia, 14.3% versus 5%

"The important point of this study is that the two combinations demonstrated similar activity," said Dr. Santoro. "As a result, physicians can choose the regimen they consider most appropriate for an individual patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma without having to sacrifice efficacy."

Source

Peggy Peck, Managing Editor, MedPage Today

Mesothelioma Subtype Shows Lengthier Projected Longevity: IASLC

2010-04-15T22:45:00.000-10:00

SEOUL, Sept. 21 -- Some malignant mesothelioma patients may have a prognosis that's not as grim as once widely believed, said a Nordic collaborative group.

Patients diagnosed with epithelial subtype mesothelioma and treated solely with chemotherapy had a median survival of 15 months, while some patients survived beyond three years. This was reported at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer meeting by Gunnar Hillerdal, M.D., of the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm and colleagues.

The Nordic group experience contrasts with a clinical perception that mesothelioma patients usually die within a year, the investigators noted. A large multicenter trial based in the U.S. demonstrated a 12 month survival rate when using cisplatin with or without pemetrexed versus nine months with cisplatin alone. Other trials have yielded similar results.

Dr. Hillerdal said, "The Nordic Mesothelioma Group experience is different."

Surgery is used sparingly in treating mesothelioma in the Nordic countries. Dr. Hillerdal said, elsewhere in the world, patients with the most favorable characteristics (such as good performance status and lower-stage disease) often are recommended for surgery, leaving patients with the worst prognosis for chemotherapy treatment.

Data on 147 mesothelioma patients treated with chemotherapy alone and followed until death or for a minimum of 18 months were analyzed by Nordic investigators. All the patients were given gemcitabine, carboplatin, and liposomal doxorubicin.

In analyzing survival by histologic subtype it was seen that the epithelial subtype represented 108 patients (73%), 21 patients (14%) for the mixed subtype, and 18 patients (12%) for the sarcomatous subtype.

44% of epithelial subtype mesothelioma patients survived at least 18 months, 25% survived for two years, 9% lived three years or longer, and two patients remained alive after five years of follow-up. Those diagnosed with epithelial stage IV disease (distant metastases) had a median survival rate of 11 months, two lived for at least two years, and one patient was still living at 61 months.

Dr. Hillerdal remarked, "This is more favorable than stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer".

Patients with mixed subtype mesothelioma or sarcomatous disease had a less favorable outlook. This was demonstrated in a median survival rate of eight months and four months, respectively. There were no patients in either group that lived as long as two years.

"The key message from this study is that the survival rate for people diagnosed with mesothelioma is not as bad as many would believe," said Dr. Hillerdal. "Survival with chemotherapy can be just as good as with surgery or even better with proper patient selection. Patient selection is the important thing to consider. Stage is less important than subtype, and that should be kept in mind when evaluating results of surgical remedies."

Source

Charles Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today

Radical Decortication/Pleurectomy is the Best Surgical Approach for N2 Malignant Mesothelioma: Presented at recent STS

2010-04-15T22:43:00.000-10:00

Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Stage 3 pure epithelial mesothelioma patients who underwent the more extensive treatment of radical decortication/pleurectomy in an attempt to cure the disease, appear to have significantly better results than patients who had less extensive operations, according to a study presented at the 44th Annual Meeting of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).

In a presentation on January 29, Delphine Trousse, MD, Registrar in Thoracic Surgery, H™pital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France said, "There is no gold standard surgical procedure for stage 3 mesothelioma."

After reviewing 127 consecutive cases of patients diagnosed with stage 3 mesothelioma, however, Dr. Trousse found that the 57 patients who underwent radical decortication / pleurectomy demonstrated better overall survival at 1 year (83%) and at 2 years (73%) than patients undergoing alternative surgical treatment.

Among the 35 patients treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy, the one-year survival rate was 55% and the 2-year survival rate was 18%. 35 patients treated by vascular access thorosectomy (VATS) decortication/pleurectomy had a one-year survival rate of 67% and a 22% 2-year survival rate.

Statistical significance was reached at the P =.003 level when measuring the difference between the extensive surgery and the less extensive treatments.

The oral presentation by Dr. Trousse used data from research conducted at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, England, United Kingdom before she relocated to Marseille, France.

Dr. Trousse said, "These data support the preferential choice of radical pleurectomy / decortication in surgical treatment for N2 positive epithelial mesothelioma."

Of note was that the 90-day survival rate in the series was best among those patients who underwent VATS pleurectomy/decortication (P =.024). VATS surgery was used for patients who were either too weak or had comorbidities that made more extensive surgical procedures undesireable.

"Sex and age were not associated with long-term survival" she said. 104 men and 23 women participated in the series; 62 years was the average age of the patients undergoing surgery.

Dr. Trousse said, "median survival for the entire group was 50 months, with 1-year survival of 63%, 38% at 2 years and 14% at 3 years, which is a pretty good survival rate for stage 3 mesothelioma."

Source

Ed Susman

Comprehensive Approach for Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma is Described

2010-04-15T22:40:00.000-10:00

Columbia University researchers have reported that combination resection, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and whole abdominal radiation therapy is effective for treating malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The February 2008 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Oncology reported details of this study.

Less than 20% of all cases are peritoneal mesothelioma which is far less than the reported number of pleural mesothelioma cases. There is a 20-30 year latency period for abdominal mesothelioma which is shorter than the latency period for pleural mesothelioma. Due to the relative rarity of peritoneal mesothelioma controlled trials of various treatment options are not available. The most common treatment strategy for peritoneal mesothelioma is multimodal and usually involves surgical debulking which is then followed by systemic and/or intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The role of radiation therapy has not been documented well.

The current study involved researchers treating 27 patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The reported regimen included surgical debulking followed by four intraperitoneal treatment courses of cisplatin alternated with four intraperitoneal treatment courses of doxorubicin. In addition, four doses of intraperitoneal gamma interferon were and a second laparotomy with resection of residual disease was performed. Intraoperative hyperthermic administration of intraperitoneal mitomycin, and cisplatin was followed by whole abdominal radiation therapy. The researchers reported a median survival rate of 70 months and a 67% three-year survival rate. The authors also reported that seven patients were alive and showed no evidence of disease at a median point of 17 months. The conclusion from this study is that patients with peritoneal mesothelioma respond effectively to intensive multimodality therapy.

Additional Comments: This study involved a relatively large number of patients treated in a consistent manner with relatively good outcomes. The precise contribution of each treatment component is not clear and will probably remain so.

Source

Cancer Consultants, ID

Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Developed by Renowned Surgeon

2010-04-15T22:38:00.000-10:00

Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, renowned oncologic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma at the Washington Cancer Institute, developed a leading-edge surgical procedure to treat mesothelioma called heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. In this procedure, as much of the tumor as possible is first removed by the surgeon. Following the removal of the tumor, a chemotherapy agent heated to between 40°C and 48°C is administered into the abdomen. The fluid is perfused for anywhere between one and two hours and then it is drained.

High concentrations of selected drugs can be administered into the abdominal and pelvic surfaces using this technique. The other benefit associated with using this technique to treat peritoneal mesothelioma is that the heated chemotherapy treatment increases the level to which the drugs can penetrate the tissues and damages malignant cells more than normal ones.

A Case Report: Malignant Mesothelioma with Unexpected Contralateral Mediastinal Shift

2010-04-15T22:36:00.000-10:00

Case Introduction: An unusual clinical feature of mesothelioma is the presentation of contralateral mediastinal shift due to pleural mesothelioma tissue, rather than a pleural effusion.

Case Summary: A woman, 63 years of age, who had been treated in the past for invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, presented with chest pain and breathlessness. A radiograph of the chest revealed that she had contralateral mediastinal shift. Her symptoms were relieved after drainage of over 3 litres of pleural fluid.

Further investigations that she underwent revealed pleural mesothelioma rather than metastatic breast cancer which was expected. A few months later she again re-presented with breathlessness and a contralateral mediastinal shift was also again demonstrated in a chest radiograph.

On this occasion, a thoracic ultrasound revealed only a small loculated pleural effusion and, surprisingly, a large amount of malignant tissue which explained what was appearing in the chest radiographs.

Case Conclusion: This case illustrates that the mesothelioma tissue itself caused the mediastinal shift away from the affected side, not a pleural effusion which usually causes contralateral mediastinal shift in mesothelioma cases.

Author: James S Myerson, Mary ER O'Brien and Shibani Nicum
Credits/Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports 2008, 2:125

Source

7thSpace Interactive

Despite Onconase Trial Results Quintessence Moves Ahead

2010-01-25T20:08:00.000-10:00

In an article posted in this column a few weeks ago, it was reported that researchers at Madison-based Quintessence Bioscience were waiting for the results of a Phase IIIb clinical trial from Alfacell Corp., a significant East Coast competitor, on an anti-cancer therapeutic compound, Onconase. QBI-139, Quintessence's lead drug candidate, is very similar to Onconase but has not yet gone through clinical testing.

Upon the release of the Onconase trial results, Ralph Kauten, Quintessence Chairman and CEO commented that he was "disappointed that the Onconase clinical trial results were not reported to be overwhelmingly successful."

In a communication that Quintessence sent to its shareholders about the Alfacell trial, Kauten shared the following:

"Data has been released by Alfacell showing that their first-in-class drug, Onconase, did not meet the primary endpoint in the Phase IIIb confirmatory trial for malignant mesothelioma. The trial involved a comparison of a combination of Onconase plus doxorubicin versus doxorubicin by itself. The intended primary endpoint was an overall increase in patient survival. Initial analysis of Alfacell's data showed no statistically significant improvement for patients evaluated after taking the doxorubicin and Onconase combination."

Alfacell, in other words, tested whether treating mesothelioma patients with a combination of Onconase plus the standard chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, would increase their survival at a statistically significant rate vs. those treated with doxorubicin alone. Mesothelioma is a very difficult cancer to treat and is generally related to asbestos exposure. Upon analysis of the data, there was no significant difference in survival rates when comparing the two therapeutic approaches which indicates that the patient survival rate was not favorably impacted by adding Onconase.

When the data were examined more closely, however, it became evident that a subset of patients failing the standard chemotherapy approach for treating mesothelioma, showed a small but statistically discernable increase in survival when they were treated using Onconase. It is based on the results of these data that Alfacell intends to submit an application to the FDA that would allow the use of Onconase as a "second-line" therapy for mesothelioma patients who do not respond to traditional chemotherapy. The FDA has not reacted favorably to this type of sub-group analysis of data in the past so it is unclear how they will respond to the application. Traditionally, they have not favored this type of analysis, but because there are emerging indications of a change in that attitude, Alfacell is continuing with the process for getting the new drug approved.

Is there reason to be concerned?

It was asked again if there should be any concern at Quintessence over these less than encouraging results from Alfacell. Despite the results, Quintessence remains committed to moving QBI-139 into clinical trials, most likely sometime this summer. In their communique to shareholders, Quintessence also explained the following:

"Getting Onconase approved is made more challenging because it failed to meet the primary endpoints in the Alfacell Phase IIIb trial. Onconase, however, still has major potential to get approval for use as a second line treatment therapy for malignant mesothelioma. This change would create a smaller market for the drug, but we continue to be of the opinion that the road to general acceptance of RNases as cancer therapeutics will be paved by any successful FDA approval of Onconase."

It was further reported that "Quintessence continues to progress toward filing an IND and starting a Phase I clinical trial for QBI-139. Most of the data that supports the IND has been collected and analyzed and GMP manufacturing is taking place. We are in contract negotiation with the clinical trial site and a contract monitoring group. We look forward to being able to demonstrate the clinical benefit of QBI-139 in patients who have been diagnosed with cancer."

The future of RNase-based therapies that Alfacell and Quintessence are developing hinges on the FDA's response to Alfacell. Unfortunately, if a drug is tested on the wrong disease and fails, it is difficult to try to test it on another, more appropriate, disease. If a drug gets a bad reputation, NIH grant reviewers and investors may not respond enthusiastically.

Testing Onconase on mesothelioma may turn out to be a bad decision on the part of Alfacell, but it was still an interesting strategic decision made by the company. Alfacell chose Mesothelioma for the initial clinical trials because of the stubbornness that Mesothelioma exhibits in response to traditional therapy. As a result, the FDA granted Onconase fast track status and orphan-drug designation and Onconase was able to get into advanced clinical trials much sooner that it would have otherwise.

The results that have been demonstrated by Onconase do not mean that RNase-based therapies will not work on other types of cancers and there is still reason to believe that Quintessence's lead RNase therapy, QBI-139 will be even better than Onconase.

Source

WTN News - Madison, WI

Mesothelioma Alerts

2010-01-21T07:35:00.001-10:00

Despite Onconase Trial Results Quintessence Moves Ahead

WTN News - Madison, WI
June 6, 2008

A Case Report: Malignant Mesothelioma with Unexpected Contralateral Mediastinal Shift

7thSpace Interactive
May 1, 2008

An unusual clinical feature of mesothelioma is the presentation of contralateral mediastinal shift due to pleural mesothelioma tissue, rather than a pleural effusion.

Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Developed by Renowned Surgeon

Mesothelioma.com
April 29, 2008

Comprehensive Approach for Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma is Described

Cancer Consultants, ID
April 9, 2008

Researchers have reported that combination resection, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and whole abdominal radiation therapy is effective for treating malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Radical Decortication/Pleurectomy is the Best Surgical Approach for N2 Malignant Mesothelioma: Presented at recent STS

By Ed Susman
February 6, 2008

Stage 3 pure epithelial mesothelioma patients who underwent the more extensive treatment of radical decortication/pleurectomy appear to have significantly better results than patients who had less extensive operations.

Mesothelioma Subtype Shows Lengthier Projected Longevity: IASLC

By Charles Bankhead, Staff Writer, MedPage Today
September 21, 2007

Some malignant mesothelioma patients may have a prognosis that's not as grim as once widely believed, said a Nordic collaborative group.

ASCO: Recent Study Confirms Pemetrexed-Platinum Activity in Malignant Mesothelioma

By Peggy Peck, Managing Editor, MedPage Today
June 06, 2007

Confirming results of previous studies, pemetrexed combined with either cisplatin or carboplatin demonstrated activity in previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma, said researchers.

Chemo Combination Improves Survival in Asbestos-Related Cancer

By Lise Millay Stevens, Contributing Writer, Health Behavior News Service February 8, 2007

People with mesothelioma — a form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure — have a higher survival rate when treated with a combination of two cancer drugs, a large multicenter study finds.

Onconase Shows Unique Promise In Treating Mesothelioma

RTT News June 27, 2006

Alfacell Corp. said that according to the research findings published in National Academy of Sciences Journal, the company's anti-cancer drug Onconase might be one of the most effective methods of treatment for mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by asbestos.

FDA approves Alimta®-Cisplatin Combination for treatment of Asbestos-Related Cancer

Press Release February 2, 2004

The first and only drug regimen proven to help patients with an asbestos cancer live longer was approved today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Experimental Cancer Drug Tarceva

Reuters October 9, 2002

OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. is more confident than ever of the potential of its experimental cancer drug Tarceva (erlotinib HCl), even after the failure of a similar drug in a major clinical study this summer, OSI Chairman and CEO Dr. Colin Goddard told investors at the UBS Warburg Global Life Sciences conference here on Wednesday.

Sources

WTN News

7thSpace Interactive

Cancer Consultants, ID

Ed Susman

MedPage Today

Health Behavior News Service

RTT News

Reuters

Eli Lilly and Company

Resources

2010-01-21T07:35:00.000-10:00

American Cancer Society

The "Cancer Information" section includes practical information on psychosocial issues affecting cancer patients. Topics range from home health care to pain control to managing grief.

CancerNet

Information from the National Institute of Health's PDQ database covers many specific cancers, featuring overviews and treatment options.

Center for Disease Control & Prevention

This Web site offers visitors a comprehensive database of data and statistics.

Oncolink

Created and maintained by the University of Pennsylvania, Oncolink offers information about all aspects of cancer for patients and families, from specific types of cancer to ways of coping to the newest information on treatments.

Mesothelioma and Cancer Books

We have compiled a selection of the top 11 ranking cancer books based on research done through the American Cancer Society, IntelliHealth.com, Johns Hopkins University, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Sources

American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/

Oncolink
http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/

National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/

Therapy Studies

2010-01-21T07:33:00.000-10:00

This category will be the broadest, including articles describing new therapies for mesothelioma, comparing various types of therapies and discussing the outcomes following therapy. The most important aspects of the studies which will be highlighted in the commentary shall be: the type of patients analyzed, the form of therapy used and the outcome pursued by the investigators.

Surgery

Commonly Asked Questions

Dr. David Sugarbaker, M.D. has provided us with a list of commonly asked questions about extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Circulating CA125 in Patients with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Perfusion.

Recent clinical trials report encouraging results in selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion (IPHP). - Ann Surg Oncol. 2007 Feb;14(2):500-8. Epub 2005 Apr 14.

The role of PET in the surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Current imaging modalities fail to define precisely the extent of disease in MPM and are inaccurate in selecting patients for treatment. - Lung Cancer. 2005 Jul;49 Suppl 1:S27-32. Epub 2005 Apr 14.

Radiation Therapy

Factors influencing the outcome of radiotherapy in malignant mesothelioma of the pleura - a single-institution experience with 189 patients.

A study to determine the factors influencing the response to palliative radiotherapy 9RT) in malignant mesothelioma of the pleura (MM). - Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 1999 Feb 1;43(3):511-6

Chemotherapy

Results of a phase II trial of combined chemotherapy for patients with diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.

The authors conducted a Phase II trial in which two drugs (etoposide and 5-fluorouracil) were added to the Cancer and Leukemia Group B cisplatin-mitomycin regimen in an effort to define a more effective chemotherapy. - Cancer 1999 Apr 15;85(8):1740-9

Systemic drug therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

This paper reviews the available literature on the systemic drug therapy of MPM. - Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 1998 Apr;53(2):236-40

Management of Mesothelioma By Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Followed by Resection and Radiation-A New Approach

A case presentation performed during the Grand Rounds at the Froedtert Hospital on the Management of Mesothelioma discusses the neoadjuvant chemotherapy approach followed by resection and radiation.

Other Drugs

Cisplatin is a Proven Chemotherapy Drug for Treating Mesothelioma

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978 and is used to treat patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Single-arm, open label study of pemetrexed plus cisplatin in chemotherapy naive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: Outcomes of an expanded access program.

An expanded access program (EAP) provided patient access to pemetrexed prior to its commercial availability. - Lung Cancer. 2007 Feb;55(2):187-94

New agents in the management of advanced mesothelioma.

The current review will cover the dramatic improvements in the treatment of this rare disease that have been recently achieved, as well as the promise that new, molecular-targeted therapies, such as bortezomid, mTOR inhibitors, and Met inhibitors, seem to offer for the next few years. - Semin Oncol. 2005 Jun;32(3):336-50

Future directions in the development of pemetrexed.

Pemetrexed is a novel antifolate that inhibits several folate-dependent enzymes in addition to thymidylate synthase. Such a drug may have theoretical advantages over fluoropyrimidines and specifically acting antifolates. - Semin Oncol 2002 Apr;29(2 Suppl 5):54-61

Eli Lilly boosted by mesothelioma treatment drug Alimta®.

Control of cell cycle progression in human mesothelioma cells treated with gamma interferon.

Recombinant human interferon gamma (r-hu-IFNgamma) exerts both antitumoral activity in the early stages of human malignant mesothelioma and a cytostatic effect in human mesothelioma (HM) cell lines in vitro. - Oncogene 2001 Mar 1;20(9):1085-93

Gemcitabine for malignant mesothelioma: A phase II trial by the Cancer and Leukemia Group B.

The CALGB conducted a phase II multicenter trial to evaluate the activity of gemcitabine in malignant mesothelioma (CALGB protocol 9530). - Lung Cancer 2000 Feb-Mar 31(2-3):311-7

New Drug Offers Hope For Asbestos Sufferers

Researchers at the Newcastle Freeman Hospital have seen rapid improvements in the symptoms of mesothelioma sufferers taking the breakthrough new drug, Alimta®.- Scotsman 2000 Nov 7;6

A Phase II study of gemcitabine in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Lung Cancer Cooperative Group.

Gemcitabine has shown activity in patients with less chemosensitive solid tumors. Phase II screening of novel drugs is an accepted method with which to investigate new therapies in malignant mesothelioma. -Cancer 1999 Jun 15;85(12):2577-82

Lovastatin - Cholesterol Drug May Inhibit Mesothelioma Cancer Cell Growth

Researchers at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota may have discovered an effective treatment for mesothelioma using a common cholesterol reducing drug.

L-NDDP as a Therapeutic Option - A Letter from Roman Perez-Soler, M.D.

Dr. Roman Perez-Soler, Associate Director for Clinical Oncology and Translational Research at the NYU Medical Center's Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer and Research Institute, discusses a promising new therapeutic option for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy for malignant mesothelioma: beyond the infant years.

Mesothelioma may be particularly well suited for gene therapy treatment owing to its accessibility, allowing both intrapleural and intratumoral gene delivery. - Cancer Gene Ther. 2006 Oct;13(10):897-904. Epub 2006 Jan 27.

Gene therapy of mesothelioma.

As the incidence of this disease has yet to peak, there is a pressing need for new therapeutic approaches. One such approach is gene therapy. - Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2005 Aug;5(8):1039-49.

Intrapleural administration of interleukin-2 for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma: a Phase II study.

Several clinical studies have demonstrated objective antitumoral responses to intrapleural interleukin-2 (IL-2) administration in the treatment of malignant pleurisy. - Cancer 1998 Nov 15;83(10):2099-104

Mesothelioma: A Rare and Deadly Disease

This article further explains what mesothelioma is, and mentions gene therapy as a method by which to cure it. Included is contact information for Dr. Joseph A. Treat conducting gene therapy research at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Medicine.

Gene Therapy Raises Hopes... But Only Time Will Tell.

This article discusses the theory behind genes that would attack harmful cancer cells while leaving normal healthy cells alone.

The Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma With Gene Modified Cancer Cells: A Phase-I Study

Please see the latest gene therapy treatment study headed by Dr. Paul Schwarzenberger from the LSU Medical Center and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.

Gene Therapy For Thoracic Cancer: A Trial To Treat Malignant Mesothelioma

Investigators at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center have been awarded a Program Project grant from the National Cancer Institute that will help fund a novel gene therapy trial to treat patients with mesothelioma, a cancer frequently linked to asbestos exposure.

Photodynamic Therapy

Procedure and Study

Photodynamic therapy is one of the most promising new fields of medicine for the treatment of diseases and disorders of tissues. It is safe and non-invasive. Explanations of the procedure and a scientific study are provided here.

Advantages and Side Effects

The National Cancer Institute provides an easy-to-understand discussion of the development of PDT and its pros and cons.

A Scientific Study

The LumaCare™ site provides an abstract and details of a recent study entitled "Photodynamic Therapy of Malignant Mesothelioma of Pleura". The study was conducted at the Norwegian Radium Hospital.

Immunotherapy

Intralesional cytokine therapy in cancer: a pilot study of GM-CSF infusion in mesothelioma.

Intralesional infusion of cytokines is feasible but can be associated with systemic toxicity and has considerable technical problems. It produces a localized immune reaction with tumor regression in a minority of patients. - J Immunother 1998 Sep;21(5):389-98

Multimodality Therapy

5-year prospective results of trimodality treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Even though followed by a prolonged survival in highly selected patients, the promising results of Sugarbaker's trimodality treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are debated and not yet uniformly replicated. - J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2006 Oct;47(5):595-601

Trimodality management of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

We reviewed our experience with trimodality management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). - Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2001 Mar;19(3):346-50.

Pleuropneumonectomy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma(*)

The objective of the study was presentation of the use of pleuropneumonectomy in a multimodality treatment setting and the results. - Chest 1999 Dec;116(3 Suppl):450S-454S

Pleural space perfusion with cisplatin in the multimodality treatment of malignant mesothelioma: a feasibility and pharmacokinetic study.

This study was planned to investigate the feasibility, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a multimodality therapy including an operation, pleural space perfusion (60 minutes) with cisplatin (100 mg/m2), hyperthermia (41.5 degrees C), and postoperative radiotherapy (55 Gy to chest wall incisions). - J Thorac Cardiovasc 1999 Apr;117(4):759-65

Sources

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

David Sugarbaker, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Lary A. Robinson, M.D., Director, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Cancer Control
http://www.moffitt.org/moffittapps/ccj/v4n4/article4.html

Diagnostic Studies

2010-01-21T07:30:00.000-10:00

These articles may offer a comprehensive review of current diagnostic tools for mesothelioma, or they may analyze specific diagnostic approaches separately. They will also cover topics such as markers for the early recognition of the disease or its recurrence following therapy.

Current problems in the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is challenging although MPM is highly aggressive tumor. - Kyobu Geka. 2007 Jan;60(1):14-8

A molecular diagnostic test for distinguishing lung adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma using cells collected from pleural effusions.

Patients with malignant mesothelioma or adenocarcinoma of the lung often present with respiratory complications associated with a malignant pleural effusion. - Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Sep 1;12(17):5129-35

'Mucin-positive' epithelial mesothelioma of the peritoneum: an unusual diagnostic pitfall.

This case of primary peritoneal 'mucin-positive' epithelial mesothelioma demonstrates morphological and histochemical mimicry with diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma. - Histopathology 2000 Jul;37(1):33-6

Circulating natural killer cells in retired asbestos cement workers

The effect of past exposure to asbestos on natural killer (NK) cell number and activity is uncertain. - J Occup Environ Med 2000 Jan;42(1):19-24

Laparoscopy and mesothelioma

At present, exploratory laparoscopy offers the quickest, safest, and least invasive way to confirm the clinical diagnosis of peritoneal malignant mesothelioma. - J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 1999 Oct;9(5):433-7

Cytologic diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, with particular emphasis on the epithelia noncohesive cell type.

The effusion cytologies from 21 cases of malignant mesothelioma (MM) (15 pleural, 6 peritoneal) diagnosed at the Indiana University Medical Center during 1990-9\1997 were reviewed. -Diagn Cytopathol 1999 Feb;20(2):57-62

Prognostic value of FDG PET imaging in malignant pleural mesothelioma

The purpose of this study was to assess whether tumor metabolic activity, as assessed by fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging, correlates inversely with survival. - J Nucl Med 1999 Aug;40(8):1241-5

Medical thoracoscopy in the diagnosis of unexplained pleural effusion.

Approximately 20% of pleural effusions remain without an established aetiology after evaluation. Thoracoscopy has a very high sensitivity for the diagnosis of both benign and malignant diseases and greatly increases the diagnostic yield for pleural effusion. - Respirology 1998 Jun;3(2):77-80

Evaluation of Membranous Staining of Mesothelioma

While epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and human milk fat globule-2 (HMFG-2) are each reported to stain the majority of cases of adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma, authors have reported that the pattern of staining for these two antibodies can be a useful discriminant. - Cell Vis 1998 Jan-Feb;5(1):24-7

Source

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Etiological Studies

2010-01-21T07:29:00.001-10:00

This research attempts to define factors causing mesothelioma, such as asbestos. They also analyze other environmental and occupational factors that affect the individual susceptibility for the development of mesothelioma.

Sex difference in diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is rare and in the past has proved an invariably fatal disease. - Br J Surg. 2006 Dec;93(12):1536-42

Mesothelioma in patients with nonoccupational asbestos exposure. An evidence-based approach to causation assessment.

The specific parameters of nonoccupational asbestos exposures (NOAE) that can distinguish an idiopathic from an asbestos-caused malignant mesothelioma (MM) are controversial. - Ann Diagn Pathol. 2006 Aug;10(4):241-50

Multicentric study on malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-occupational exposure to asbestos.

It is suggested that low-dose exposure to asbestos at home or in the general environment carries a measurable risk of malignant pleural mesothelioma. - Br J Cancer 2000 Jul;83(1):104-11

Exposures to asbestos arising from bandsawing gasket material.

A simulation of bandsawing sheet asbestos gasket material was performed as part of a retrospective exposure evaluation undertaken to assist in determining causation of a case of mesothelioma. - Appl Occup Environ Hyg 2000 May;15(5):404-8

Recent geographic patterns of lung cancer and mesothelioma mortality rates in 49 shipyard counties in the United States, 1970-94.

Lung cancer mortality rates among white males in the United States were observed to be elevated during 1950-69 in counties with shipbuilding industries during World War II; risk was found to be associated with asbestos exposure. - Am J Ind Med 2000 May;37(5):512-21

Mesothelioma and lung tumors attributable to asbestos among petroleum workers

Asbestos exposure has been definitively found to be associated with both mesothelioma and lung cancer. Nevertheless, in the overall population of oil refinery workers potentially exposed to asbestos, many studies clearly show a definitely increased risk of mesothelioma, but no proven excess of lung cancer after comparison to the general population. - Am J Ind Med 2000 Mar;37(3):275-82

Distribution of mesothelioma cases in different occupational groups and industries in Australia, 1979-1995

A study was conducted in 1996 to examine the past and current incidence rates of mesothelioma in a number of industries and occupations as the basis for predicting future outcomes. - Appl Occup Environ Hyg 1999 Nov;14(11):759-67

Environmental exposure to asbestos in asbestos cement workers: a case of additional exposure from indiscriminate use of industrial wastes.

The paper presents data on cancer risk, especially pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer, among the workers of asbestos cement plant who living in the vicinity of the plant, were also environmentally exposed to asbestos. - Int J Occup Med Environ Health 1998;11(2):171-7

Mineral fibre persistence and carcinogenicity

Epidemiological research during the past 40 years has demonstrated with increasing clarity that amphibole asbestos fibres--crocidolite, amosite and tremolite--are more carcinogenic than chrysotile. - Ind Health 1998 Oct;36(4):372-5

Tyler asbestos workers: mortality experience in a cohort exposed to amosite

This study examines the causes of death among 1130 former workers of a plant in Tyler, Texas dedicated to the manufacture of asbestos pipe insulation materials. - Occup Environ Med 1998 Mar;55(3):155-60

Mineralogic Evaluation of Lung Tissue of Persons with Malignant Mesothelioma

Victor L. Roggli, M.D., studies the effects of different forms of asbestos fibers in 94 patients with malignant mesothelioma and draws conclusions as to which forms are most harmful.

Source

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Case Studies

2010-01-21T07:29:00.000-10:00

These studies look at very rare forms of presentation of mesothelioma, for instance, mesothelioma occurring in children, or mesothelioma affecting sites such as the heart, scrotum or the ovaries. They also discuss the rare issue of benign mesothelioma.

Perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma resulting in an intradural spinal cord mass: case report.

Spinal cord involvement by perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma is rare. - J Neurooncol. 2007 Jan;81(2):185-9

Malignant pleural mesothelioma in pregnancy.

A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented at 18 weeks' gestation with unrelenting chest and shoulder pain, massive pleural effusion, and a large thoracic mass. - J Matern Fetal Med 2000 Nov-Dec;9(6):373-5

Results of treatment of 33 patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare peritoneal malignancy, representing approximately one-third of all mesotheliomas. It is regarded as a universally fatal cancer with few treatment options. - Br J Surg 2000 Nov;87(11):1587-93

Primary malignant gonadal mesotheliomas and asbestos.

An awareness of the existence of these rare forms of malignant mesothelioma is important to prevent misdiagnosis. - Histopathology 2000 Aug;37(2):150-9

Malignant pleural mesothelioma presenting as spontaneous pneumothorax: a case series and review.

Since many people were exposed to asbestos during and after World War II, spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with the possibility of such exposure should raise the suspicion of malignant pleural mesothelioma. - Am J Ind Med 2000 Aug;38(2):219-23

Malignant mesothelioma presenting as pulmonary metastasis ahead of growth of primary tumour

This is a rare case of pulmonary metastasis being present for several months before an appearance of primary mesothelioma. - Respirology 1999 Sep;4(3):279-81

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: a report of two cases and review of literature.

Two cases of rare malignant mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis are presented. Both cases were advanced on clinical and radiological studies. - Surg Oncol 1999 Apr;70(4):251-4

Epithelial mesothelioma with deciduoid features.

A rare case of malignant mesothelioma in a 15-year old girl is described. The patient presented with secondary amenorrhoea and clinical symptoms resembling those of an ovarian cyst.Virchows Arch 1999 Mar;434(3):263-6

Video-assisted thoracoscopic excision of a benign cystic mesothelioma of pleura.

We are reporting on the case of a 44-year-old woman upon which video-assisted thoracoscopic excision of a benign cystic mesothelioma of the pleura was performed. To our knowledge, this is the second report on a case of a benign cystic mesothelioma of the pleura. - Nippon Kyobu Geka Gakkai Zasshi 1998 Aug;46(8):664-6

Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura with a large tumor embolus in the left atrium: an autopsy case.

Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura often involves the heart but seldom invades the intracardiac cavity. We report a 78-year-old woman with right pleural mesothelioma who died of heart failure. - Intern Med 1998 Jul;37(7):614-7

Source

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Review Studies

2010-01-21T07:27:00.000-10:00

These are articles reviewing the extensive literature on mesothelioma in an attempt to offer current answers on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of malignant mesothelioma. While they are an excellent way to start an inquiry, they may not answer more specific questions, pertinent to the individual case.

A systematic review on the efficacy of cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for diffuse malignancy peritoneal mesothelioma.

In the past, diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) was regarded as a preterminal condition. - Ann Oncol. 2006 Nov 27; [Epub ahead of print]

Malignant pleural mesothelioma: a comprehensive review.

The incidence of malignant mesothelioma continues to increase, but the disease remains difficult to detect early and treat effectively. - Cancer Control. 2006 Oct;13(4):255-63

Pathology of human malignant mesothelioma--preliminary analysis of 1,517 mesothelioma cases.

The author reviewed 1,517 human malignant mesothelioma cases from 1975 through August 2000. These mesothelioma cases were definite or probable in diagnostic certainty. Sources of these cases varied including asbestos insulation workers, UNARCO workers, Cancer and Leukemia B mesothelioma panel cases and random cases. - Ind Health 2001 Apr;39(2):183-5

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor that predominantly afflicts men over 50 years of age. Nearly 3000 MPMs are reported annually in the United States with the incidence expected to rise into the new millenium. - World J Surg 2001 Feb;25(2):210-7

Advances in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

This review will discuss the roles of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and combined modality approaches in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, as well as scientific advances made in the past decade that have led to the development of experimental techniques, such as photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, that are currently undergoing human clinical trials. - Chest 1999 Aug;116(2):504-20

Current Therapy For Mesothelioma

Expert Dr. Sugarbaker and his associates in Boston have published a study of Current Therapy options and predicting survival for malignant mesothelioma victims.

A Letter from Dr. Lary A. Robinson

Dr. Lary A. Robinson, from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, shares with Jim Early the center's strong interest and experience in the evaluation and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma of all stages.

Source

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Articles & Abstracts

2010-01-21T07:26:00.000-10:00

In an effort to answer the questions arising from having a diagnosis such as mesothelioma, this section provides abstracts and links to the most recent medical literature on mesothelioma. We are in the process of performing a systematic review of the literature between 1993 - 2004. We have excluded articles that were restricted to animal subjects and were not published in the English language. The criteria used in selecting studies were determined by an internal medicine epidemiologist. We will organize the articles according to their content in the categories described below.

Review Studies

These are articles reviewing the extensive literature on mesothelioma in an attempt to offer the most up-to-date answers on cause and diagnosis of mesothelioma and the most recent treatment options. While they are an excellent way to start an inquiry, they may not answer more specific questions, pertinent to the individual case.

Case Studies

A number of rare presentations of mesothelioma have been observed. Mesothelioma occurring in children, or mesothelioma affecting sites such as the heart, scrotum or the ovaries will be reviewed in case studies in this section. The rare issue of benign mesothelioma is also discussed.

Etiological Studies

This research attempts to define factors causing mesothelioma, such as most importantly, asbestos. They also analyze other environmental and occupational factors that affect the individual susceptibility for the development of mesothelioma.

Diagnostic studies

Therapy studies

Source

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Ask Your Doctor

2010-01-21T07:25:00.000-10:00

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a life changing event. Patients are suddenly faced with trying to understand a disease that they may have never heard of before as well as how far it has progressed, available treatment options and overall prognosis. As you move through the process of diagnosis and treatment it is important to ensure that you maintain clear communication channels with your health care team. To assist you in planning for this important communication with your doctors we have provided a framework below to help you get the information that you will find most helpful at the start of care. Remember - every question is important! Here are some questions that you might want to ask your doctor:

What type of mesothelioma have I been diagnosed with?
Is the cancer localized or has it spread to other organs in the body
Have you identified what stage my cancer has progressed to? What does that mean for me?
Is there a treatment protocol that you can recommend?
How effective do you believe the treatment will be?
Are there any risks or side effects associated with these treatment options? If so, how severe are they?
Given your findings to date what do you believe my prognosis to be?
If you believe my cancer is curable, is there a chance that it will come back?
What kind of recovery times can I expect?
Are there any clinical trials available for me to participate in given my diagnosis?
How can I go about seeking a second opinion?
How can I begin preparing now for any recommended treatment options?

Asking these questions will provide you with a good start to developing open communications with your provider. It is entirely probable, however, that you will have additional questions of your own. Please think about these in advance and write them down before you get to the doctors office. We hope that you find this framework useful in establishing a good rapport with your cancer care team.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma

Clinical Trials

2010-01-21T07:24:00.000-10:00

Studies of promising new or experimental treatments in patients are known as clinical trials. During a course of treatment for lung cancer, the doctor may suggest that a patient take part in a clinical trial of a new treatment. A clinical trial is only done when there is some reason to believe that the treatment being studied may be of value to the patient. Treatments used in clinical trials are often found to have real benefits.

There are three phases of clinical trials in which a treatment is studied before the treatment is eligible for approval by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

The purpose of a Phase I study is to find the best way to give a new treatment and how much of it can be given safely. Physicians watch patients carefully for any harmful side effects. The research treatment has been well tested in laboratory and animal studies, but the side effects in patients are not completely predictable.

Phase II trials determine the effectiveness of a research treatment after safety has been evaluated in a Phase I trial. Patients are closely observed for an anticancer effect by careful measurement of cancer sites present at the beginning of the trial. In addition to monitoring patients for response, any side effects are carefully recorded and assessed.

Phase III trials require entry of large numbers of patients; some trials enroll thousands of patients. One of the groups may receive standard (the most accepted) treatment, so the new treatments can be directly compared. The group that receives the standard treatment is called the "control group. " For example, one group of patients (the control group) may receive the standard chemotherapy for a certain type of cancer, while another patient group may receive another type of chemotherapy that may or may not contain an investigational drug to see if this improves survival. All patients in Phase III trials are monitored closely for side effects, and treatment is discontinued if the side effects are too severe.

Researchers conduct studies of new treatments to answer the following questions:

Is the treatment likely to be helpful?
Does this new type of treatment work?
Does it work better than other treatments already available?
What side effects does the treatment cause?
Do the benefits outweigh the risks, including side effects?
In which patients is the treatment most likely to be helpful?

However, there are some risks. No one involved in the study knows in advance whether the treatment will work or exactly what side effects will occur. That is what the study is designed to discover. While most side effects will disappear in time, some can be permanent or even life-threatening. Keep in mind, though, that even standard treatments have side effects. Depending on many factors, you may decide that a clinical trial may be beneficial in your case.

Enrollment in any clinical trial is completely up to you. Your doctors and nurses will explain the study to you in detail and will give you a form to read and sign indicating your desire to take part. This process is known as giving your informed consent. Even after signing the form and after the clinical trial begins, you are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason. Taking part in the study does not prevent you from getting other medical care you may need.

To find out more about clinical trials, ask your cancer care team. Among the questions you should ask are:

What is the purpose of the study?
What kinds of tests and treatments does the study involve?
What does this treatment do?
What is likely to happen to me with, or without, this new research treatment?
What are my other choices and their advantages and disadvantages?
How could the study affect my daily life?
What side effects can I expect from the study? Can the side effects be controlled?
Will I have to be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long?
Will the study cost me anything? Will any of the treatment be free?
If I am harmed as a result of the research, what treatment would I be entitled to?
What type of long-term follow-up care is part of the study?
Has the treatment been used to treat other types of cancers?

Source

National Cancer Institute - Mesothelioma Trial Results
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Clinics - Cancer Centers

2010-01-21T07:21:00.000-10:00

The Cancer Centers have been listed alphabetically by state for your convenience.

To locate a hospital or treatment center that caters to veterans, please visit our Veteran Specific Hospitals and Medical Centers page.

National

National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
301-496-4000
800-4-CANCER
800-422-6237

Alabama - [ back to top ]

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Basic Health Sciences Building
1824 Sixth Avenue South
237 T.I.
Birmingham, AL 35294-3300
205-934-5077

Arizona

University of Arizona Cancer Center
1501 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85724
520-626-7383

California

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA
Box 951781
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1781
800-825-2631
310-825-5268

USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
1441 Eastlake Avenue MS #83
Los Angeles, CA 90033-0800
323-865-0816

City of Hope National Medical Center
Beckman Research Institute
1500 East Duarte Road
East Duarte, CA 91010-3000
626-359-8111
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Salk Institute
Cancer Center
10010 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
619-453-4100 x1386
Cancer Center

The Burnham Institute
10901 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
619-455-6480 x3209
Cancer Center

University of California at Irvine
Cancer Center
Building #23 4th Floor
101 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868
714-456-6310
Clinical Cancer Center

UCSF Stanford Health Care
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
650-723-4000

University of California at San
Diego Cancer Center
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0658
619-534-7600
Clinical Cancer Center

Colorado

University of Colorado Cancer Center
4200 East 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80262
Clinical Cancer Center

Connecticut

Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT 06520-8028
203-785-4095

Florida

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
University of Miami Medical School
1475 Northwest 12th Avenue, Room 4023
Miami, FL 33136

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612-9497
813-979-3050

Hawaii

Cancer Research Center of Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
1236 Lauhala Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-3013
Clinical Cancer Center

Illinois

Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
303 East Chicago Avenue
Olson Pavilion, Room 8250
Chicago, IL 60611
312-908-5250
Clinical Cancer Center

University of Chicago Cancer
Research Center
5841 South Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
Clinical Cancer Center

Indiana

Purdue University Cancer Center
Hansen Life Sciences Research Building
South University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1524
765-494-9129 Cancer Center

Maine

The Jackson Laboratory
600 Main Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609-0800
207-288-6041
Cancer Center

Maryland

The Johns Hopkins Oncology Center
600 North Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21287-8943
410-955-8822

Massachusetts

Center for Cancer Research
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room E17-110
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
617-253-6422
Cancer Center

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Boston, MA 02115
617-632-3000

Michigan

University of Michigan
Comprehensive Cancer Center
102 Observatory
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0724
313-936-1831

Barbara Ann Karmanos
Cancer Institute
110 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
1-800-KARMANOS

Minnesota

University of Minnesota
Cancer Center
Box 806, 420 Delaware Street, S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-624-8484
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Mayo Cancer Center
Mayo Foundation
200 First Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
507-284-3753
Clinical Cancer Center

Nebraska

University of Nebraska Medical Center
Eppley Cancer Center
600 South 42nd Street
Omaha, NE
402-559-7081
Cancer Center

New Hampshire

Norris Cotton Cancer Center
Dartmouth-Hitchock Medical Center
One Medical Center Drive
Lebanon, NH 03756-0001
603-650-6300

New Jersey

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
195 Little Albany Street, Room 2002B
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901
732-235-8064
Clinical Cancer Center

New York

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Cancer Research Center
Chanin Building
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
718-430-2302
Cancer Center

American Health Foundation
320 East 43rd Street
New York, NY 10017
212-953-1900
Cancer Center

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
P.O. Box 100
Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
516-367-8383
Cancer Center

Herbert Irving
Comprehensive Cancer Center
College of Physicians and Surgeons
701 West 168th Street, Room 1509
New York, NY 10032
212-305-6921

Kaplan Cancer Center
New York University Medical Center
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-263-5349
Clinical Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan-Kettering
Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021
800-525-2225
212-639-6561

Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263-0001
213-845-5770
800-767-9355

University of Rochester Cancer Center
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642
716-275-6292
Clinical Cancer Center

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Cancer Research Center
Chanin Building
1300 Morris Park Avenue
Bronx, NY 10461
718-430-2302

North Carolina

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive
Cancer Center
University of North Carolina
School of Medicine Chapel Hill
CB#7295
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295
919-966-3036

Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duke University Medical Center
Box 3843
Durham, NC 27710
919-684-5613

Comprehensive Cancer Center of
Wake Forest University at Bowman
Gray School of Medicine
Medical Center Boulevard
Winston-Salem, NC 27157
336-716-7971

Ohio

Ohio State University
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital
300 West 10th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
614-293-4878

Case Western Reserve University
Cancer Research Center
11100 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Oregon

Oregon Cancer Center
Oregon Health Sciences University
3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, L609
Portland, OR 97201-3098
503-464-1617
Clinical Cancer Center

Pennsylvania

Fox Chase Cancer Center
7701 Burholme Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
215-728-3600

Wistar Institute Cancer Center
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4268
215-898-3926
Cancer Center

University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
16 Penn Tower
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-6334

University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
3471 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2592
412-692-4670

Kimmel Cancer Center
233 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-4645
Clinical Cancer Center

Jefferson Cancer Center
Thomas Jefferson University
233 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-4645

Tennessee - [ back to top ]

Vanderbilt Cancer Center
Vanderbilt University
649 Medical Research Building II
Nashville, TN 37232
800-811-8480
615-936-5847
Clinical Cancer Center

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
332 North Lauderdale Street
Memphis, TN 38105
901-495-3300
Clinical Cancer Center

Texas - [ back to top ]

The University of Texas
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcolmbe Boulevard
Houston, TX 77030
713-792-7500

San Antonio Cancer Institute
8122 Datapoint Drive, Suite 600
San Antonio, TX 78229
210-616-5580

Utah

Huntsman Cancer Institute
University of Utah Health
Sciences Center
15 North 2030 East, Room 2100
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
801-581-4048
801-581-4330
Clinical Cancer Center

Vermont

Vermont Regional Cancer Center
University of Vermont
Medical Alumni Building
Burlington, VT 05405-0068
802-656-4414

Virginia

Cancer Center
University of Virginia Health
Sciences Center
Box 334
Charlottesville, VA 22908
804-924-2562
Clinical Cancer Center

Massey Cancer Center
Medical College of Virginia
401 College Street
Richmond, VA 23298
804-828-0450
Clinical Cancer Center

Washington

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1100 Fairview Avenue
P.O. Box 19024
Seattle, WA 98109-1024
206-667-5000

University of Washington
Academic Medical Center
Seattle, WA

Washington, D.C.

Lombardi Cancer Research Center
Georgetown University Medical Center
3800 Reservoir Road NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-687-2110

Wisconsin

McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
University of Wisconsin
1400 University Avenue, Room 1009
Madison, WI 53706-1599
608-262-2177
Cancer Center

University of Wisconsin
Comprehensive Cancer Center
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792-0001
608-263-8600

Leading Doctors

2010-01-21T07:19:00.000-10:00

California

Robert Cameron, M.D.
UCLA Medical Center
10833 Le Conte Avenue
P. O. Box 951741
Los Angeles, CA 90095

David Jablons, M.D.
UCSF Mt. Zion Medical Center
2330 Post St., Suite 420
San Francisco, CA 94115

Thierry Marie Jahan, M.D.
University of California at San Francisco
Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero Street
4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115

Mark W. Lischner, M.D.
Pulmonary Medicine Associates
5 Medical Plaza Drive, Suite 190
Roseville, CA 95661

Connecticut

Mark Cullen, M.D.
Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine
135 College Street, 3rd floor
New Haven, CT 06510

Jack A. Elias, M.D.
Yale University
Department of Internal Medicine
P.O. Box 208056
330 Cedar Street
BB110
New Haven, CT 06520-8056

Michael Grey, M.D.
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
Department of Medicine
Chief of Medicine
100 Grand Street
New Britain, CT 06050

Graeme L. Hammond, M.D.
Retired

Michael Kashgarian, M.D.
Department of Pathology
Yale University School of Medicine
P.O. Box 208023
310 Cedar St., LH B20
New Haven, CT 06520-8023

Carrie Redlich, M.D.
Yale University School of Medicine
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
135 College St, 3rd floor
New Haven, CT 06510

Florida - [ back to top ]

Lary A. Robinson, M.D.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute
At The University of South Florida
12902 Magnolia Dr.
Tampa, FL 33612

Georgia

Daniel Miller, M.D.
General Thoracic Surgery
Emory University Clinic
1365 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30322

Illinois

Hedy Lee Kindler, M.D.
University of Chicago Medical Center
Mesothelioma Program
5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2115
Chicago, IL 60637

Indiana

Laurence Bates, M.D.
Indiana Oncology Hematology Consultants
8111 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46237

Anita Conte, M.D.
Indiana Oncology Hematology Consultants
8111 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46237

Michael Slaughter, M.D.
Indiana Oncology Hematology Consultants
8111 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46237

Randall Trowbridge, M.D.
Indiana Oncology Hematology Consultants
8111 S. Emerson Avenue, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46237

Kentucky

Timothy W. Mullett, M.D.
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
138 Leader Ave.
Lexington, KY 40506-9983

Maryland

H. Richard Alexander, Jr., M.D.
Department of Surgery
University of Maryland School of Medicine
22 South Greene Street, Room S4B05A
Baltimore, MD 21201

Stephen Yang, M.D.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Thoracic Surgery
600 N. Wolfe Street Blalock 240
Baltimore, MD 21287

Massachusetts

Raphael Bueno, M.D.
Associate Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts 02115

Michael Y. Chang, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115

Pasi A. Janne, M.D.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
44 Binney Street
Dana 1234
Boston, MA 02115

Richard L. Kradin, M.D.
Pulmonary Associates
55 Fruit Street, Cox 2
Boston, MA 02114

David Sugarbaker, M.D.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115

Michigan

John Ruckdeschel, M.D.
Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
4100 John R
Detroit, MI 48201

New Jersey - [ back to top ]

Bruce G. Haffty, M.D.
UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
195 Little Albany Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08903

New Mexico

Claire Verschraegen, M.D.
Cancer Research and Treatment Center, University of New Mexico
900 Camino De Salud NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131

New York

Manjit Bains, M.D.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Philippe A. Chahinian, M.D.
The Mount Sinai Medical Center
New York, NY

Raja M. Flores, M.D.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

David Ilson, M.D.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Medical Oncology
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Dr. Stephen M. Levin
St. John's Riverside Hospital/Mount Sinai
Associate Professor, Preventive Medicine
Community & Preventive Medicine
17E 102nd Street
New York, NY 10029

Borys Mychalczak, M.D.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Radiation Oncology Department
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Harvey Pass, M.D.
NYU Medical Center
School of Medicine
530 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Roman Perez-Soler, M.D.
Montefiore Medical Center
111 East 210th Street
Hofheimer Main, Room 100
Bronx, NY 10467

Valerie Rusch, M.D.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10021

Stephen Rush, M.D.
Long Island Radiation Therapy
1129 Northern Boulevard
Manhasset, NY 11030

Scott Swanson, M.D.
Mount Sinai Medical Center, Thoracic Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
1190 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10029

Robert N. Taub, M.D.
Professor of Clinical Medicine, Program Director
Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital
Atchley Pavilion Room 907
161 Fort Washington Ave.
New York, NY 10032

North Carolina

David H. Harpole, Jr., M.D.
Duke University Medical Center
2424 Erwin Road
Suite 403
Durham, NC 27705

Rhode Island

David Ettensohn, M.D.
73 Beechwood Avenue
Pawtucket, RI 02860

John Pella, M.D.
Our Lady of Fatima Hospital
1150 Reservoir Avenue, Ste. 305
Cranston, RI 02920

Sundaresan T. Sambandan, M.D.
Hematology and Oncology Associates of Rhode Island
1220 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920

Anthony Testa, M.D.
1524 Atwood Avenue Suite 340
Johnston, RI 02919

South Carolina

James Bradof, M.D.
Retired

Tennessee

Spencer McCachren, M.D.
Thompson Oncology Group
1915 White Ave
Knoxville, TN 37916

Texas

Larry R. Kaiser, M.D.
UT Health Science Center at Houston
P.O. Box 20036
Houston, TX 77225

Cesar Moran, M.D.
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030

David Rice, M.D.
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 445
Houston, TX 77030

Joan H. Schiller, M.D.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75390-8852

W. Roy Smythe, M.D.
Professor and Chairman Department of Surgery
The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center
Scott and White Clinic
2401 South 31st Street
Temple, TX 76508

Anne Tsao, M.D.
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombie Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030

Washington

Michael S. Mulligan, M.D.
UWMC Thoracic Surgery Clinic
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific Street
Seattle, WA 98195

Eric Vallieres, M.D.
Swedish Cancer Institute-Surgical Practices
1101 Madison Street
Suite 850
Seattle, WA 98104

Washington, D.C.

Paul H. Sugarbaker, M.D.
Director of Surgical Oncology
Washington Cancer Institute
Washington Hospital Center
106 Irving Street NW, Suite 3900
Washington, DC 20010

West Virginia

Nepal C. Chowdhury, M.D.
St. Mary's Medical Management
2828 First Ave., Suite 200
Huntington, WV 25702

Arthur N. Mcunu, M.D.
St. Mary's Medical Management
2828 First Ave., Suite 200
Huntington, WV 25702

Edward R. Setser, M.D.
St. Mary's Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons
2828 First Ave., Suite 200
Huntington, WV 25702

Rebecca S. Wolfer, M.D.
University Surgical Associates
Marshall University Medical Center
1600 Medical Center Dr., Ste. 2500
Huntington, WV 25701

Wisconsin

H. Ian Robins, M.D.
University of Wisconsin Hospital
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792

International

Robert Winter, M.D.
Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Papworth Everard
Cambridge
CB23 3RE
01480 830 541

Treatment by Stage

2010-01-21T07:18:00.000-10:00

The treatment protocol for mesothelioma differs based on the stage that a patient has progressed to at the time of diagnosis. Provided below is an example of the types of treatment that a pleural mesothelioma patient will undergo at various stages of the disease. We have identified the stages using the Butchart staging system.

Stage I Mesothelioma Treatment

Surgical intervention is most commonly recommended for pleural mesothelioma patients having a Stage I diagnosis. The procedures that are likely to be performed are pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy. Post surgery, doctors may further evaluate the patient to determine if chemotherapy or radiation treatment is necessary. It is often determined with stage I mesothelioma that those adjunct therapies are not required.

Stages II, III Mesothelioma Treatment

When mesothelioma has progressed to stages II and III the cancer cannot be cured. At these stages medical treatment focuses on alleviating the severity of the symptoms and keeping the patient as comfortable as possible in order to optimize quality of life. For example, if there is significant fluid build-up in the chest the doctor may order that it be drained. Additionally, there may be instances where removing some or all of the tumor and / or undergoing chemo or radiation treatments will provide symptom relief. Clinical trials at some of the larger cancer centers in the country may also offer different treatment options for patients in these stages.

Stage IV Mesothelioma Treatment

When a patient has been diagnosed with stage IV mesothelioma the prognosis is very unfavorable. At this stage, the cancer has usually metastasized throughout the body to other organs and as with stages II and III, cannot be cured. In this stage, symptoms generally increase in severity and pain management becomes the primary focus of the medical team. Therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation are typically not offered at this stage unless they are needed to support pain management objectives. Oftentimes families find that it is most helpful to seek out additional support through a local Hospice program. Hospice programs focus on providing patient care, developing a pain management protocol and providing support for both the patient and family members at this difficult time. Patients with stage IV mesothelioma may also be interested in participating in specialized clinical trials offered at leading cancer hospitals and centers and are encouraged to seek out those programs if desired.

Experimental Therapies

2010-01-21T07:17:00.000-10:00

Several forms of mesothelioma treatment such as the drug Alimta®, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and multimodality therapy are still in their experimental stages. We invite you to read the following articles on experimental therapies for malignant mesothelioma.

Drug Therapy

Alimta®, a new type of cancer treatment being developed by Eli Lilly, is the first treatment to significantly increase the length of survival and ameliorate the symptoms of the disease. The trial, one of the largest against the fatal disease, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists.

Click here to browse through drug therapy related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Gene Therapy

Many strategies of gene therapy are currently under study. Even though the results in animal experiments have been remarkable they have remained disappointing in humans. Other agents such as onconase, thalidomide, lovastatin have been used as single therapy or in combination with chemotherapy with various results.

Click here to browse through gene therapy related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Immunotherapy

This therapy involves the removal of patient cells, activation by exposure to cytokines and reinstillatin into the peritoneum, accompanied by additional chemotherapy. In the few cases tried this form of treatment lead to significant shrinkage of the tumor. However most patients had very early stages of disease, and general recommendations are therefore difficult to make, prior to further research.

Click here to browse through immunotherapy related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Photodynamic Therapy

This therapy involves the use of a drug that makes the cancer cells sensitive to a particular wavelength of light. The drug is administered before the surgical procedure. The results have been disappointing, and no survival benefit has been shown in studies so far.

Click here to browse through photodynamic therapy related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Multimodality Therapy

Doctors are always learning more about the best way to treat patients with mesotheliomas. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma are highly debated. Treatments which use some combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, called multimodality therapy, are now being studied and may provide the most promising option for some patients.

Click here to browse through multimodality therapy related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Sources

PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

David Sugarbaker, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dr. Lary A. Robinson, M.D., Director, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Cancer Control
http://www.moffitt.org/moffittapps/ccj/v4n4/article4.html

Chiropractic Services for Mesothelioma Patients - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T07:16:00.000-10:00

Undergoing treatment for certain cancers, including malignant mesothelioma, is an incredibly stressful experience for both the mind and body. For this reason, many patients seek to complement tradition cancer treatments with therapies that can provide relaxation and increase comfort. This is referred to as integrative oncology. Integrative oncology stresses the overall goals of cancer treatment to be achieved not only through traditional therapies, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, but also through the integration of non-curative therapies within a given treatment regimen. Among the therapies being used in conjunction with traditional treatments is the use of chiropractic care.

Pain Management

Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery have all been known to cause a great deal of side effects in patients undergoing cancer care. Often, the efficacy of the therapy depends on the patient's ability to cope with these side effects, as high dosages of chemotherapy and radiation are quite frequently required to eliminate malignant cells in the patient. In addition to restlessness, nausea, and loss of appetite, most cancer patients will complain of some level of pain. Pain can be caused by a number of different factors and it varies from patient to patient, but it is usually directly attributed to either malignant cell growth or as a side-effect of traditional treatments. For this reason, most patients will use some measure of pain management during cancer treatment.

Many cancer patients have effectively utilized chiropractic care to these ends, alleviating muscle and bone weaknesses through a licensed practitioner. Most cancer patients will complain of at least some level of musculoskeletal pain caused as a side effect of both the cancer itself, as well as that of cancer treatments. Patients able to overcome this pain will be better positioned to maintain their health as they battle this difficult disease. Generally speaking, those who are able to remain healthy through treatment are those who will achieve the most favorable results from their therapy.

Chiropractic care, however, is not advisable for all cancer patients. Those undergoing cancer treatment should speak with their primary oncologist before commencing any alternative therapy, as the overall goals of the patient's treatment regimen should remain a priority. However, given the success in others, patients are urged to explore all options that may boost the efficacy of their treatment.

Naturopathy - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T07:15:00.000-10:00

Naturopathy is an alternative paradigm of medicine that focuses on nature's remedy and the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself. Naturopathy replaces or greatly diminishes the use of surgical procedures and drugs in favor of holistic approach through the use of mineral, diet, and lifestyle-based remedies. While Naturopathy has roots in the Nature Cure movement in Europe, it is now practiced throughout the world, with the most standardized practices in the United States and Canada.

Required Education

In the United States and in Canada, a Naturopathic Doctor can received accreditation for the designation through completion of a four year program of study at Naturopathic medical school that includes not only the study of natural medicine, but also that of conventional medicine and basic health sciences.

Practice

Naturopathy is premised on a number of principles. These are; 1. Do not harm by providing the most effective health care with the least amount of patient risk possible. 2. Recognize and respect the self-healing power of nature. 3. Identify and remove the cause of illness and don't simply alleviate symptoms. 4. Inspire and educate rational self-responsibility for health. And 5. Consider and factor in all circumstances for each individual's particular health.

Methods

Each Naturopath is trained and specializes in different modalities of treatment. Some of the more popular include acupuncture, applied kinesiology, botanical medicine, color therapy, live blood analysis, and nutritional methods.

Naturopathy is not an uncontroversial division of medicine but many have benefited greatly from naturopathic therapies, including those undergoing cancer treatment. Mesothelioma patients may find naturopathic medicine to be more helpful than traditional invasive therapies. Many mesothelioma patients have far-outlived initial prognosis through complementing traditional therapies with naturopathic remedies or even foregoing traditional medicines altogether. It is important to discuss with your physician the implementation of any non-traditional therapies into a treatment regiment to ensure they do not adversely affect other treatments that may already be prescribed.

Hypnotherapy - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T07:14:00.000-10:00

Hypnotherapy is a technique that often gets mixed reviews from both the medical profession and those outside the healthcare field. Misconceptions about this alternative treatment for cancer and other diseases usually comes from the comical displays of hypnosis performed on television, meant to entertain audiences, not to aid anyone in overcoming any sort of challenge.

The fact remains, however, that hypnotherapy has indeed proven advantageous in many situations. It has often been used to help individuals stop smoking or to overcome issues like fear of flying or panic attacks. In addition, today's hypnotherapists are not TV entertainers; they are certified, licensed professionals that are trained in hypnosis as well as other psychological techniques.

But can hypnotherapy aid the cancer patient? For the past several decades, doctors who are open to recommending alternative treatments to their cancer patients have been touting hypnosis as a therapy that may indeed assist the cancer victim in several ways. While the belief that hypnotherapy can cure cancer may be promoted by a few individuals, it is commonly noted that hypnosis does not offer a cure for the disease but does enhance quality of life for the person battling cancer.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

Hypnosis is often described as an altered state of consciousness, similar to that which one experiences when they are beginning to fall asleep or are just waking up. During this trance-like state, which is induced by the hypnotherapist, the patient is fed suggestions that will enter the subconscious mind without being intercepted by the conscious mind. What is said during the trance is actually more important than the actual state of being in a trance, professionals note.

Once a person participates in several guided hypnosis sessions with the therapist, they can often achieve self-hypnosis when the need arises. This means it isn't necessary to visit the hypnotherapist every time one needs to be in a state of hypnosis. That makes hypnotherapy a very affordable form of treatment.

How Does it Help the Cancer Patient?

Patients who have used hypnosis note that it helps them in a variety of ways and in a number of circumstances.

Side effect reduction

The side effects of traditional cancer treatments, like chemo, can be quite overwhelming. Nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, and any number of other difficult side effects can occur regularly. Hypnosis, which promotes a more peaceful state, can help reduce the anticipation of these effects and may even lessen the side effects themselves in some instances.

Stress reduction

Living with cancer and its prognosis is difficult for anyone. Hypnotherapy can help cancer patients in dealing with their diagnosis by producing a reduction in stress. The calming affects of hypnosis can, therefore, improve quality of life for those feeling overwhelmed. Stress reduction through hypnosis may also help caregivers be more effective and assist in handling the challenges of their job more easily.

Preparation for surgery or other procedures

Cancer patients are faced with a lot of situations that may cause nervousness or fear. Hypnosis before these procedures, which might include surgery, may help lessen the fear and help things run more smoothly. Even small situations like fear of needles can be aided by hypnosis. Studies have also shown that hypnotherapy may even shorten the recovery period after a surgery or other procedure.

Immune system aid

While the study of the mind and how it affects the immune system is relatively young, many believe that there is a real connection between mind, body, and spirit and that achieving a state of relaxation through hypnotherapy may indeed increase the effectiveness of the human immune system, therefore aiding in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Studies continue on this theory.

Aromatherapy - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T07:09:00.000-10:00

There are essentially two categories of therapy for patients of cancer. Clinical therapies, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are likely the most medicinally beneficial. However, this is not to say that other, complementary, therapies are not important as well. These complementary therapies may not be able to cure the disease, but will often treat the holistic wellbeing of the person. Among the cancer patients who use these are patients of mesothelioma. One of the more common complementary therapies used by patients of mesothelioma is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is not for all mesothelioma patients and offers no cure for the disease. However, when used in conjunction with other more traditional therapies, aromatherapy has helped many cancer patient's lives much more manageable as they battle their disease.

Aromatherapy, as a therapy, is a relatively recent phenomenon in the complementary treatment of cancer patients, but its uses can be traced back thousands of years in other capacities. The idea of the therapy is to stimulate the senses and perceptions in such a way to create a relaxing and calm environment. The senses are incredibly related to a given person's levels of anxiety. Therefore, when the senses are relaxed it is possible to ease levels of stress and anxiety in some people. Using certain essential oils, these scents trigger emotional ease, which can be highly valuable for a patient battling terminal illness.

In some cases, aroma therapy will be coupled with massage therapies, which can ease the entire body in both sensory perception and muscle relaxation. In certain trials, certain patients have experienced an easing of symptoms related to chemotherapy, such as nausea and fatigue, when subjected to controlled aromatherapy environments. These trials were not clinical in nature and may not demonstrate the same results in all patients.

It is important to keep in mind with most alternative therapies that they are strictly based on personal preference and results will vary greatly from one patient to another. It is also important to consult a physician before engaging in any complementary therapies. Although beneficial, the patient needs to be conscious of the goals of the traditional therapies first and ensure they are compromised.

Tens Therapy - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T07:08:00.000-10:00

Among the most common maladies faced by cancer patients is that of chronic pain. Therefore some of the most valuable and effective therapies for these patients are pain relief therapies. Certain cancers are more associated with pain and discomfort than others. Mesothelioma, as a rule, can be quite uncomfortable as the patient goes through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. One of the therapies used in conjunction with traditional therapies is known as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy. It has proven to be highly effective in pain management in patients of many different cancers, including mesothelioma.

What is TENS therapy? TENS therapy uses small conductions of electricity to send electrical impulses through the body. These impulses will stimulate the nerves to the point that they can eliminate pain reactions, greatly lessening pain for a period of time. Acute pain is most effectively treated with TENS therapy as these are generally "spot treatments," rather than sustained therapies. In some cases, certain physicians will advise patients to undergo TENS therapy as a form of massage.

What should a patient expect during TENS therapy? Generally speaking, a small electrode will be attached to the patient's skin in the general area of pain. The conductor will then transmit a very mild current through the area to stimulate the nerve endings. Patients often describe the treatment as a tingling or warming effect similar to a heat pack. Sessions last between five and fifteen minutes and can be undergone as often as necessary. Patients will either visit a TENS therapy specialist or can even rent the equipment for home use.

Like any complementary therapy, TENS therapy is not for everyone and patients are urged to speak to their physician before participating in TENS treatments. Patients who have a history of heart conditions may not meet the eligibility guidelines for TENS therapy. Electrical impulses can aggravate the function of irregular heartbeats and TENS therapy is therefore not recommended for these patients.

Yoga - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T07:07:00.000-10:00

Yoga seems to be growing in popularity across the country among people in all states of health, meaning Yoga can be valuable not only for healthy people but also cancer patients as well. For patients battling a difficult cancer, Yoga is beginning to be integrated in palliative treatment regimens in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation treatments. Yoga cannot cure a disease, but can be extremely beneficial for patients experiencing discomfort or pain. Less pain and discomfort often means more time with family and loved ones, making these therapies extremely helpful.

What is Yoga? The practice originated in India but is very different than the practices we see today in fitness centers and other health centers. In today's practice, the ultimate emphasis is placed upon certain body positions or postures, known as asanas and is usually regarded as a form of exercise. In its most literal of terms the word Yoga means "union," which suggests a oneness or unity of mind, soul, and body. Through careful rejection of distractions and posturing of the body, it is believed that this can be attained. In today's culture, these beliefs are accepted with different levels of participation. However, very few will not agree that Yoga has many complementary clinical benefits.

Yoga emphasizes a great deal of self reflection and fitness, and is therefore valuable to patients of difficult cancers, such as mesothelioma. Maintaining a healthy body and mind is essential for battling any disease, but is particularly important for cancer patients, whose body is debilitated by chemotherapy and other treatments. Among Yoga's more important benefits is its ability to induce relaxation, which is essential for patients battling anxiety and stress.

Like many alternative therapies, results from Yoga will vary from patient to patient. Patients are urged to try many alternative therapies and find their personal comfort level. However, it is not advisable for any patient of any illness to begin complementary therapies without first consulting a physician. These therapies can be extremely beneficial but the more traditional therapy's goals must be kept in mind so that they are not affected. Patients must be in fairly good physical health to begin Yoga and should verify this with their personal physician.

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

2010-01-21T06:57:00.001-10:00

The inclusion of various herbal and nutritional supplements into the daily health routine of individuals has been conclusively linked to better health and overall wellness. Many people choose to supplement the foods that they eat with additional vitamins and minerals. For cancer patients, the implementation of specified herbal and nutritional enhancements can be a very integral part of their treatment plan. The supplements that a cancer patient may take can often strengthen their immune system and contribute to their overall wellness.

Many cancer patients, including those who suffer from mesothelioma, may experience debilitating side effects as a result of traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. These side effects include a decrease in iron and protein levels within the body, as well as fatigue and other unfortunate consequences. Several clinical studies show that cancer patients can benefit greatly from the intake of various herbal and nutritional supplements and that the implementation of these supplements may actually boost cell resistance and promote cell regeneration. Additionally, cancer patients that couple the intake of nutritional supplements with chemotherapy have shown increased responses to cancer treatments.

Physicians that treat cancer patients believe that certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, A, and E, as well as Selenium, a naturally occurring antioxidant that can be found in dairy products and fish, may be beneficial to cancer patients. The majority of physicians will recommend that patients take in these crucial vitamins via the food that they eat, but in the event that a cancer patient is unable to digest regular food items, the inclusion of supplements can be an asset to traditional treatments. On the contrary, Vitamin B and calcium have not demonstrated beneficial health effects in cancer patients.

As with all alternative treatment methods, cancer patients must discuss the inclusion of nutritional and herbal supplements with their physician before beginning a new treatment regimen.

Massage - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T06:57:00.000-10:00

Massage has long been utilized as a method of relaxation for general and medicinal purposes. Many individuals who have experienced injuries or certain illnesses turn to massage as an additional method of easing pain, including cancer patients. Massage promotes a sense of overall wellbeing and works to relax the body and restore a sense of calm and balance to the mind.

Individuals who suffer from mesothelioma, a debilitating and painful form of lung cancer, may greatly benefit from massage. Massage is not a curative treatment option, but when combined with traditional cancer treatment methods, such as chemotherapy, massage can be an integral part of a mesothelioma patient's healing plan. Patients who experience massage in conjunction with other treatments have reported a lessening of pain and an overall feeling of calm and relaxation.

Massage focuses on the working of specified muscles in attempt to manipulate the tissue and blood vessels below the surface, increasing blood flow throughout an individual's body. As the muscles are stimulated, oxygen supply within the body improves, which eases soreness, aches, and pains that cancer patients may experience as a result of their disease. In the United States, the traditional Swedish massage is the most popular option, but there are various other areas of massage, including shiatsu, deep tissue, hot stone, and Thai massage.

While massage will not cure or lessen the severity of mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, it can certainly ease the effects and promote a sense of relaxation in cancer patients. Massage is most helpful in the event that a patient is experiencing anxiety or emotional imbalance due to their traumatic disease, as it relaxes the entire body and thus induces a general feeling of peacefulness and balance within the mind and soul. Alternative treatment therapies, including massage, have been shown to vastly improve the overall health of cancer patients.

Patients who wish to implement massage into their treatment plan should consult with their physician prior to beginning any new methods.

Oncology Massage

The use of massage therapy as a form of cancer treatment is a fairly young concept within cancer care protocols. Progressive care such as massage therapy is now being considered more and more by patients and physicians. Conventionally used as a physical feel-good tool, researchers are now finding that the psychological and emotional effects of massage therapy can have a positive effect on individuals, especially cancer patients. However, there is one limiting factor: the lack of certification and licensing programs for those practicing massage on cancer patients, formally known as oncology massage.

Oncology massage refers to the form of massage therapy catered to the needs of cancer patients. Considering each patient's case is unique, it is the therapist's responsibility to be fully educated in the proper use of massage for various forms of cancer. Although the physical touch of massage has great benefits for the patient, emotional and psychological aspects need attending to as well. A therapist who is trained specifically in the field will have the experience and awareness to provide the patient with the proper care.

The aggressiveness of mesothelioma cancer often requires extreme treatment protocols such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Therapists specifically trained in oncology massage have the appropriate awareness and experience in complimenting alternative therapy with such conventional treatments. Palliative treatments like massage therapy are often successful in easing the pain and discomfort that is often emitted from conventional treatment regimes. Having a therapist that is trained in oncology massage is extremely important to ensure the patient is receiving adequate treatment.

Meditation - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T06:56:00.000-10:00

Meditation is a method of relaxation and mental restoration that is implemented by many individuals. It has long been proven to instill a sense of peacefulness and balance within the body and mind. For cancer patients, meditation has many benefits, as it can provide a sense of relaxation and calm in the midst of a debilitating disease. Patients that suffer from mesothelioma, for example, experience a welcome respite from the anxiety and uncertainty that results from a cancer diagnosis when incorporating meditation into their treatment plan.

Meditation is said to have originated in the ancient eastern countries of China, Tibet, India and Japan. It became popular in the United States in the sixties as part of a new cultural movement associated with that time period. In the 1980's, meditation was first used alongside traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

By definition, meditation is a "discipline in which the mind is focused on an object of thought or awareness." Those who practice meditation may rely on the repetition of certain phrases or words, also known as mantras, paired with deep-breathing exercises, or they may envision various calming scenarios or situations in an effort to increase the wellbeing of their body and soul. Cancer patients may appreciate the temporary distraction from their debilitating reality, as meditation can provide time for reflection and focus. Stretching and other body movement is often combined with meditation in an effort to provide a whole-body experience for cancer patients.

Although meditation may not be helpful for all individuals, it can be a very beneficial alternative treatment method for certain cancer sufferers. Prior to incorporating body movement, including yoga or stretching, into a meditative routine, patients should consult with their physician to ensure that they are healthy enough to undergo these activities.

Reflexology - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T06:55:00.000-10:00

Alternative treatments are growing in popularity among people with cancer and the ancient therapies that have been in practice for centuries are coming to light and being lauded by those giving them a try. Reflexology is one of those ancient therapies.

There is proof that reflexology has been in practice since at least 2300 BC. Evidence comes from a 6th Dynasty wall painting that was found in the tomb of Ankhmahor (highest official after the Pharaoh) at Saqqara, depicting the practice. This Egyptian painting shows four individuals practicing hand and foot manipulation and was a major discovery for those who already believed that reflexology had origins in the ancient world. As a matter of fact, connections between reflexology and many ancient cultures have indeed been established.

Evidence of the practice in the modern world came in the 16th century with the publication of books on the topic by a handful of European physicians. But it was Dr. William H. Fitzgerald that brought reflexology to the contemporary Western world in the early 1900s. Fitzgerald, a graduate of the University of Vermont, had discovered that pressure applied to certain points on the body could relieve pain and improve the functions of certain organs of the body. He developed a new system of ten zones running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and fingers that would respond to this pressure therapy. He called the treatment "Zone Therapy."

A few decades after Fitzgerald's discoveries, physical therapist Eunice Ingham was credited with the discovery that pressure points on the human foot were situated in a mirror image of the corresponding organs of the body with which the respective pressure points were associated. Ingham devised a chart of 12 pressure points in each hand and foot that could be manipulated to provide pain relief to her patients. It is Ingham's system that is considered the foundation for modern-day reflexology, therefore, most modern reflexologists work from Ingham's maps of pre-defined pressure points. An expert in reflexology knows exactly which pressure point corresponds with which part of the body and can design treatment accordingly.

Foot reflexology is the most commonly practiced as it is believed that the foot contains some 7,000 nerve endings. A foot reflexology treatment generally takes about 45 minutes and involves no machinery or any other medical devices, just the practitioner's hands. Usually, the therapist simply applies pressure at the prescribed reflex points with the thumb and forefinger, working from the front of the foot to the heel. By the end of the treatment, reflexologists note that a state of relaxation has been heightened, blood flow has increased, and pain has lessened.

Pain is a big issue for cancer sufferers, including those with mesothelioma, which is a very debilitating form of the disease. Therefore, cancer victims are constantly seeking new ways to reduce pain, aside from consuming large amounts of pain medication, which can cause extreme sedation and otherwise compromise one's quality of life.

Because reflexology is a natural and safe procedure, many mesothelioma patients have turned to its use as a complementary therapy; that is, a therapy that's used in addition to conventional therapies like chemo or radiation, not as a replacement for these treatments. As a matter of fact, studies show that about 60 to 80 percent of all cancer patients choose to use some sort of complementary therapy as part of their treatment, often to ease the symptoms associated with traditional treatments, which can cause pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and much more.

Reflexology has long been recognized as one of the most successful forms of complementary therapy. By 1998, the American Cancer Society announced in its monthly journal that about one-third of all cancer patients surveyed were utilizing this ancient therapy, which both patients and practitioners claim promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Research backs up these claims. A study conducted by the East Carolina University School of Nursing noted a significant decrease in anxiety and pain among those stricken with lung and breast cancer who choose reflexology as a complementary treatment. Furthermore, researchers at Michigan State discovered that among women with advanced breast cancer, reflexology has proven to be the most successful complementary therapy when compared with others like guided imagery and reminiscence therapy. Gwen Wyatt, director of the Michigan State study, notes that she and her colleagues will continue with the study of reflexology and cancer patients thanks to a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

In the meantime, reflexology has also proven successful for the relief of post-operative pain for the many mesothelioma patients who undergo various surgical treatments for their disease and in palliative care for those in end stage cancer. The American College of Physicians encourages care givers to learn and use reflexology in their publication entitled "A Home Care Guide for Advanced Cancer" and a study that appeared in England's Nursing Standard journal indicated that advanced cancer patients "relaxed, were comforted, and achieved relief from some of their symptoms" when reflexology was administered to them.

Sources

Reflexology-USA.org

Reflexology-research.com

Michigan State University

Acupuncture - Alternative Treatments

2010-01-21T06:54:00.001-10:00

Acupuncture is not only an ancient methodology of pain control but is also an avenue toward healing changes with respect to hormones, digestion, brain function, immune response, etc. Acupuncture was first implemented thousands of years ago in China. Acupuncture consists of the very strategic insertion of tiny needles into predetermined "acupoints" on the body. The placement of needles is very specific in an effort to ease physical pain and restore balance and calm to the soul. The ancient Chinese believed that the appropriate placement of these tiny needles could provide a variety of medical benefits.

Although acupuncture may seem to be an unconventional method of pain management, it is very popular in the United States. Acupuncture is so widely used, in fact, that the Food and Drug Administration has classified acupuncture needles as a "medical devices" and has approved acupuncture as a treatment method for various health conditions.

Individuals turn to acupuncture for various health concerns, and many cancer patients, including mesothelioma sufferers, rely on acupuncture to manage the discomfort that is a result of their debilitating disease. Mesothelioma inflicts great pain on those who suffer from the disease, and acupuncture is often a very effective method of lessening and controlling this pain. Several clinical studies have been conducted during which cancer patients receive a combination of traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, along with acupuncture. The patients that have participated in such studies report that the inclusion of acupuncture as a means of pain management was quite successful, as many of these individuals were able to forego some of their traditional pain medication.

In addition, studies have shown that cancer patients who incorporated acupuncture into their treatment strengthened their immune systems and also experienced a decrease in the uncomfortable effects of chemotherapy. These patients felt less fatigued, maintained a healthy weight, and experienced less nausea during the chemotherapy sessions.

In general, acupuncture is safe for the majority of people. Common side effects associated with acupuncture include soreness at the insertion site or a feeling of lightheadedness after an acupuncture session, but these symptoms were quite minimal. The vast majority of cancer patients who experienced acupuncture believe that they benefited greatly.

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment Options

2010-01-21T06:54:00.000-10:00

There are many options for treatment upon receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, may be the very first options that a physician will recommend. These, however, are not the only options, and many individuals suffering from mesothelioma choose to couple the traditional forms of treatment with alternative options.

Alternative treatments that may benefit individuals who suffer from various forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is often used as a palliative therapy, involving the insertion of very narrow needles into the skin at specific pressure points. This has been proven to relieve pain in many individuals suffering from a wide variety of ailments, including mesothelioma.

Reflexology

Foot reflexology is an alternative treatment therapy designed to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain.

Meditation

Meditation is the process of moving into deep relaxation. It is therapeutic in the sense that it can help patients develop a calm mind to make sound decisions and be at peace with health conditions they may have, including cancer like mesothelioma.

Massage

Massage therapy is the practice of hands-on physical manipulation of the body's soft tissue. Massage can be both relaxing and pain-relieving. Massage methods include Acupressure, Anma, and Balinese, all of which have differing effects on the body. Massage is often used during treatments for certain health conditions, like cancer, to ease muscle tension and induce relaxation.

Herbal & Nutritional Supplements

Many natural herbs have natural medicinal aspects which have been used to treat seemingly incurable ailments. Nutritional Supplements many times work in conjunction with herbal remedies to provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to fight off infection and other illness.

Yoga

Yoga is a combination of meditation and movement. Yoga is of Hindu origin and is designed to promote a heightened sense of oneness between body and mind, inducing relaxation and contentment.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation is used as a palliative care option. An electrical stimulation is directed through different areas of the body resulting in pain relief which can increase the level of endorphins. TENS Therapy is typically administered by a physical therapist, but can also be done at home if a patient has the necessary documentation for TENS equipment.

Aromatherapy

This method of therapy involves the use of aromatic oils, plants, and other substances to be used in conjunction with massage and or baths. These fragrances can result in a heightened mood, which can promote good health and pain relief.

Hypnotherapy

Guided hypnosis sessions can have substantial positive effect on a patient undergoing treatment for cancer, including mesothelioma. For this reason, hypnosis is now being increasingly integrated into alternative cancer treatment regimens.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is an alternative paradigm of medicine that focuses on nature's remedy and the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself. Naturopathy favors a holistic approach to treating illnesses like mesothelioma through the use of mineral, diet, and lifestyle-based remedies.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is an alternative therapy used to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain while going through conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

Why should I consider alternative treatment?

When paired with traditional treatment methods, alternative options can be an important component of a treatment plan. These alternative methods are most helpful in regards to controlling pain and maintaining balance and peace within an individuals mind and body. Many patients find these treatments, such as massage or meditation, to be a welcome distraction from the ongoing cycle of hospital visits, medication, and general stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.

It is very important to consult with your physician before pursuing any new form of treatment. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not a patient is healthy enough to incorporate alternative treatment practices into their already-established treatment plan.

Cisplatin - Chemotherapy - Conventional Treatments

2010-01-21T06:52:00.000-10:00

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978 and is used to treat patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cisplatin is administered when surgical procedures are not an option, and it is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, including Alimta®. Manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb, Cisplatin is also used to treat ovarian and lung cancer and is a highly effective method of mesothelioma treatment that is often recommended by oncologists.

Cisplatin is administered intravenously and may be given along with other drugs, such as anti-nausea medication and antibiotics that prevent buildup of Cisplatin within the kidneys. Your doctor will determine how often you receive Cisplatin and for how long, but patients who receive Cisplatin in tandem with Alimta® will follow a 21-day treatment cycle.

Because Cisplatin was developed three decades ago, the side effects associated with this drug are often much more severe. Side effects include damage to the kidneys, (which is often prevented by administering other drugs, such as a diuretic or sodium polystyrene sulfonate, during Cisplatin treatment) serious nausea, depleted levels of calcium, potassium and other nutrients, loss of appetite, tiredness, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection. Because cancer treatment in general has become so advanced since Cisplatin was first developed, doctors are generally able to control the unpleasant side effects associated with Cisplatin treatment in an effort to make the patient more comfortable.

Other drugs similar to Cisplatin include Carboplatin, generally used to treat cancer of the lung, head and neck, and Oxaliplatin, which is most often used to treat colorectal cancer.

As with any mesothelioma cancer drug, your doctor will decide whether or not Cisplatin is a beneficial option for treating your cancer.

Source

Cancer Research UK - Cisplatin
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4002

Alimta® - Chemotherapy - Conventional Treatments

2010-01-21T06:50:00.000-10:00

Alimta®

Alimta® is the very first chemotherapy drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer. Also known as Pemetrexed, Alimta® is administered to mesothelioma patients who are unable to undergo surgical procedures to remove cancerous tissue.

Developed in 2000, Alimta® has been hailed as a "huge breakthrough" in treating mesothelioma cancer patients. In clinical trials at Britain's Newcastle Freeman Hospital, Alimta® was administered to 27 British mesothelioma sufferers, most of whom were former construction workers. The use of Alimta® resulted in a rapid improvement of their symptoms. Trial leader Professor Hilary Calvert stated that half of the patients experienced a decrease in tumor size and that most of the patients had marked improvement in their symptoms. Professor Calvert called the trial's findings "the best results I've seen in my career."

Alimta® is most generally administered along with Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug. Together, these two drugs have been known to extend the life of mesothelioma cancer patients by several months, and are beneficial in controlling mesothelioma symptoms, such as discomfort and breathing difficulties.

Alimta® treatment occurs over a 21-day period. On the first day of treatment, Alimta® is administered intravenously, which takes about fifteen minutes. Cisplatin is infused following the first dose of Alimta® but is not administered again until the 22nd day of treatment. Side effects associated with Alimta® include fatigue, anemia, fever, upset stomach, and mouth sores, but certain antibiotics can control these unpleasant effects of the chemotherapy treatment.

As with any mesothelioma treatment method, your doctor must determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Alimta® treatment.

Source

Alimta
http://www.alimta.com/pat/index.jsp

Chemotherapy - Conventional Treatments

2010-01-21T06:49:00.000-10:00

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs for treating cancer. The drugs can be swallowed in pill form or they can be injected by a needle into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy. This means that the drug enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body (through the whole system) to reach and destroy the cancer cells.

In treating mesothelioma, these drugs may also be given intrapleurally (directly into the chest cavity), or intraperitoneally (into the abdominal cavity). Depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be given as the primary (main) treatment or as an adjuvant (addition) to surgery.

Several anticancer drugs have been used to treat mesothelioma. The drug most effective when given alone is doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Other drugs that may be given alone include cisplatin and methotrexate. These anticancer drugs are often given in combination to try to increase their effectiveness. Combinations of drugs used in the treatment of mesothelioma include methotrexate and vincristine; cisplatin and Alimta®, vinblastine and mitomycin; cisplatin and doxorubicin; and doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (or ifosfamide) and cisplatin. Other drugs such as paclitaxel and irinotecan are currently being studied to determine their effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells but also damage some normal cells. Therefore, careful attention must be given to avoiding or minimizing side effects, which depend on the specific drugs, the amount taken, and the length of treatment. Temporary side effects might include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and mouth sores. Because chemotherapy can damage the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow, patients may have low blood cell counts. This can result in an increased risk of infection (due to a shortage of white blood cells), bleeding or bruising after minor cuts or injuries (due to a shortage of blood platelets), and fatigue or shortness of breath (due to low red blood cell counts).

Most side effects disappear once treatment is stopped. There are remedies for many of the temporary side effects of chemotherapy. For example, antiemetic drugs can be given to prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. If you experience any side effects, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Click here to browse through related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Radiation Therapy - Conventional Treatments

2010-01-21T06:48:00.000-10:00

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. External beam radiation therapy uses radiation delivered from outside the body that is focused on the cancer. This type of radiation therapy is often used to treat mesothelioma. These treatments are much like getting a diagnostic x-ray except for a longer time. Brachytherapy involves radioactive material being placed directly into the chest or the abdomen at the site of the mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is sometimes used as the main treatment of mesothelioma in some patients, especially those whose general health is too poor to undergo surgery. Adjuvant radiation therapy can be used in addition to surgery to kill small deposits of cancer that cannot be seen and removed during surgery. Palliative radiation therapy can also be used to ease symptoms of mesothelioma such as shortness of breath, pain, bleeding, and difficulty swallowing.

Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue and mild skin changes that resemble a sunburn. Often these side effects are temporary. Radiation may also make the side effects of chemotherapy worse. Chest radiation therapy may cause lung damage and lead to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Abdominal radiation therapy may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you are having any of these side effects of radiation therapy, talk with your doctor since there are ways to help control these symptoms.

Click here to browse through related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Surgery - Conventional Therapies

2010-01-21T06:44:00.000-10:00

Conventional mesothelioma therapies include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You should keep in mind that if you choose one course of action for mesothelioma treatment, you may preclude other courses. All of your options should be considered as soon as possible.

Surgery

Depending on the stage of a mesothelioma, surgery may be used to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding tissue. Often, however, an operation is not appropriate and the patient may have only minimally invasive procedures to relieve symptoms. A thoracentesis, where fluid in the chest is removed by placing a needle into the chest cavity, may be done to make a patient more comfortable. Sometimes talc or an antibiotic may be injected into the chest cavity to try to prevent the fluid from returning. These techniques are successful in controlling the fluid, at least temporarily, in as many as 90% of patients. Because pleural fluid can compress the lung and cause shortness of breath, these procedures can help patients breathe more easily, however, they do not cure the cancer. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, a needle may be inserted into the abdomen to drain the fluid. Similarly, a needle inserted into the pericardium (sac around the heart) can drain pericardial fluid and help relieve circulatory problems. However, draining this fluid may result in complications. Sometimes the cancer cells spread along the needle path, and a tumor nodule may form under the skin of that area.

Surgery for mesothelioma may be performed for one of two reasons: for palliation (to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the tumor), or to cure. Palliative surgery is typically done in cases where the tumor has already spread beyond the mesothelium and is difficult to completely remove, or in cases where the patient is too ill to tolerate a more extensive operation. Curative surgery is offered when the patient is in otherwise good health and the tumor is thought to be localized and can be completely removed. Unfortunately, microscopic spread of cancer cells into the chest wall and diaphragm are common even when such spread cannot be detected by routine tests. Therefore, given the extent of these operations and their very limited success, the exact role of surgery in treating mesothelioma is often debated.

There are two types of operations that may be offered to patients with pleural mesothelioma: pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pleurectomy/decortication is usually a palliative (relieves symptoms without curing the cancer) operation in cases where the entire tumor cannot be removed. It involves removal of the pleura, where the majority of the tumor is located. It is effective in controlling effusions (fluid accumulation) and decreasing the pain caused by the cancer.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a far more extensive operation and most often used in cases of localized mesothelioma. The operation is technically difficult and performed only by surgeons in large specialized medical centers. It involves removing the pleura, diaphragm, pericardium, and the whole lung on the side of the tumor. The patient must be in overall good health with no other serious illnesses in order to tolerate the large operation. This operation is intended to remove all or most of the cancer and some surrounding tissues as well.

Surgical treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma is often performed either to help relieve symptoms or to attempt to remove the tumor from the wall of the abdomen and other digestive organs. As with pleural mesothelioma, these tumors are often too extensive to remove completely. Similar operations can be performed to remove a mesothelioma from the pericardium (the sac around the heart).

Click here to browse through related medical literature, articles and abstracts.

Mesothelioma Treatment

2010-01-21T06:43:00.000-10:00

For your convenience, we have consolidated mesothelioma treatment information for your review. This section is updated on a weekly basis.

Conventional Therapies

Alternative Treatments

Many of those being treated for serious illness find comfort in different alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture. These untraditional methods of disease management can complement conventional therapies and allow the patient to be more at peace and comfortable during this difficult time. Meditation and Yoga are common methods used by many to reach a state of relaxation, and release endorphins, our body's natural pain relievers.

Experimental Therapies

Treatment by Stage

This section lists typical treatment strategies based on the stage (using the Butchart staging system) of a pleural mesothelioma.

Leading Doctors

We have become familiar with medical doctors who specialize in aggressively treating malignant mesothelioma. Some of these doctors will review your medical records for free to see if you are a candidate for their mesothelioma treatment protocol.

Cancer Centers

Top Cancer Centers for mesothelioma treatment have been listed alphabetically by state for your convenience. Listings include contact information and Web site links where available.

Clinical Trials

Information about current studies of promising new or experimental mesothelioma treatments.

Ask Your Doctor

As you deal with your cancer and the process of treatment, you need to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. We have listed some questions that you might want to ask in this section.

Medical Support for Veterans with Mesothelioma

A diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer is a devastating reality for a veteran and his or her family. There are many treatment options available for veterans, and many avenues for veterans seeking medical support.

Articles & Abstracts

Selected abstracts relating to malignant mesothelioma from PubMed, the National Library of Medicine's search service.

Resources

Links to helpful resources on the World Wide Web for victims of mesothelioma and their families.

Mesothelioma Alerts

Despite Onconase Trial Results Quintessence Moves Ahead

WTN News - Madison, WI
June 6, 2008

A Case Report: Malignant Mesothelioma with Unexpected Contralateral Mediastinal Shift

7thSpace Interactive
May 1, 2008

An unusual clinical feature of mesothelioma is the presentation of contralateral mediastinal shift due to pleural mesothelioma tissue, rather than a pleural effusion.

Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Developed by Renowned Surgeon

Mesothelioma.com
April 29, 2008

Comprehensive Approach for Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma is Described

Cancer Consultants, ID
April 9, 2008

Researchers have reported that combination resection, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and whole abdominal radiation therapy is effective for treating malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Treatment Options for Malignant Mesothelioma
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/Patient/page5

Mesothelioma Information

2010-01-21T06:42:00.000-10:00

As with any disease or health condition, mesothelioma researchers have, over time, collected statistical information about mesothelioma. These statistics can help us learn about the proclivities of the disease and its incidence and potentially help future patients as we learn more about mesothelioma.

Incidence of Diagnosis

New cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in between 2,500 and 3,000 Americans each year. These numbers, while significant, would indicate that mesothelioma is still a relatively rare disease, though incidence is expected to rise in the next decade according to projections.

Age at Diagnosis

The first diagnosis of mesothelioma typically occurs in men and women between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma patients, certainly, have been diagnosed at ages younger than 50 and older than 70, but diagnoses for those age groups are considered statistical anomalies.

Does Mesothelioma Occur in a Particular Sex or Racial Demographic More than Another?

Mesothelioma is much more common in men than women, due mostly to occupational asbestos exposure being more common among men of industrial labor sites. That is not to say, however, that women cannot be diagnosed with mesothelioma. In fact, recent evidence suggests that mesothelioma incidence in women may rise in the coming years as secondary exposures to asbestos can manifest in the form of a positive mesothelioma diagnosis. Also of note is that mesothelioma is much less common among African Americans than white Americans, the reasons for which researchers are still investigating.

What are Typical Patient Survival Rates Following a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

As mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its advanced stages, the prognosis is sometimes poor with life expectancy being little more than a year following diagnosis. If diagnosed early enough however, patient prognoses increase dramatically. Patient survival rates are often contingent on the treatments available to the particular patient. Early-stage tumors eligible for surgical resection, for instance, will result in improved prognoses over those diagnosed with later-stage disease. As new therapies and treatments are researched and employed in the future, it is realistic to anticipate an improvement in patient survival rates.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma

Stage IV Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T06:41:00.001-10:00

When determining the extent and nature of any kind of cancer - which in turn, plays a large part in designing an appropriate course of treatment - oncologists use a rubric or "staging" system. This is only one of the criteria by which malignancies are classified, the first of which is determined by the location of the tumor and the third of which is determined by the cellular structure (or lack thereof).

Staging assists the oncologist in determining how far the cancer has advanced and how treatable the patient's malignancy really is.

Although there are three distinct staging systems currently in use, all three are based on four primary stages:

The tumor is confined to one organ or region and is relatively small.
The tumor has grown in size, and has spread to one other tissue.
The tumor has spread to adjacent areas.
The tumor has spread to distant areas of the body, or "metastasized."

In Stage IV, the cancer has spread throughout the body and is invariably terminal.

Butchart System

This is the oldest system used by oncologists, and is used only for patients diagnosed with the pleural variety of mesothelioma. In Stage IV under the Butchart System, the cancer has spread via the blood stream and can be found throughout parts of the body remote from the tumor's point of origin.

TMN System

TNM stands for Tumor, Lymph Nodes, and Metastasis. This is a newer method which is usually employed for staging malignant pleural mesothelioma, although it is also used for the peritoneal type as well.

Under this system, the cancer has spread well beyond the original site and into the neck as well as the lymphatic system.

Brigham System

This is the newest staging system, which was developed especially for use in cases of mesothelioma.

In Stage IV of the Brigham System, the cancer is inoperable. Tumors are either be too large to remove surgically or have penetrated deep into vital organs. The cancer has metastasized to that point that malignant cells can be found throughout the patient's body, so that even if some of it can be removed, the cancer will almost certainly recur elsewhere.

Prognosis

By Stage IV, the patient is terminal, and has less than a year to live in most cases. At this point, doctors focus on quality of life issues, offering palliative treatments that can at the very least reduce patient discomfort and pain.

Sources

Cancer Guide. "Understanding Cancer Types and Staging." Cancerguide.org, March 2009, http://cancerguide.org/basic.html

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton:Taylor & Francis, 2006.)

Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. (London: Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2006.)

Stage III Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T06:41:00.000-10:00

Staging assists the oncologist in determining how far the cancer has advanced and how treatable the patient's malignancy really is.

Although there are three distinct staging systems currently in use, all three are based on four primary stages:

The tumor is confined to one organ or region and is relatively small.
The tumor has grown in size, and has spread to one other tissue.
The tumor has spread to adjacent areas.
The tumor has spread to distant areas of the body, or "metastasized."

Stage III mesothelioma has spread to other organs in the chest or abdomen.

Butchart System

This is the oldest system used by oncologists, and is used only for patients diagnosed with the pleural variety of mesothelioma. In Stage III, the cancer has spread from the pleural lining to the abdomen. The entire lymphatic system may also be involved at this point.

TMN System

Under Stage III of this system, the cancer has metastasized from the pleural lining into the heart, ribs, esophagus, and other vital organs. At this point, the lymphatic system has definitely been affected.

Brigham System

This is the newest staging system, which was developed especially for use in cases of mesothelioma. Under Stage III of the Brigham System, the cancer is inoperable due to its spread into other areas. Tumors may be located in inaccessible areas, or may be too widespread. In addition, the cancer has affected the lymphatic system.

Prognosis

By the time the disease has reached Stage III, prognosis is grim. Even if the primary tumor can be removed, cancer cells have most likely spread to other areas, and metastasis is almost a certainty. At this point, palliative treatments that can reduce pain and make the patient more comfortable during his/her final days are the generally the only viable options.

Sources

Cancer Guide. "Understanding Cancer Types and Staging." Cancerguide.org, March 2009, http://cancerguide.org/basic.html

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton:Taylor & Francis, 2006.)

Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. (London: Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2006.)

Stage II Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T06:40:00.000-10:00

Staging assists the oncologist in determining how far the cancer has advanced and how treatable the patient's malignancy really is.

Although there are three distinct staging systems currently in use, all three are based on four primary stages:

The tumor is confined to one organ or region and is relatively small.
The tumor has grown in size, and has spread to one other tissue.
The tumor has spread to adjacent areas.
The tumor has spread to distant areas of the body, or "metastasized."

Stage 2 mesothelioma has spread beyond its point of origin to nearby tissue.

Butchart System

The Butchart System is the oldest rubric used by oncologists, and is employed only in cases of pleural Mesothelioma. The tumor's Butchart classification primarily describes the size of the tumor. Under this rubric, the tumor has spread from its point of origin to the other side of the body, or to an adjacent tissue such as the pericardium.

TNM System

TNM stands for Tumor, Lymph Nodes, and Metastasis. This is a fairly new rubric that is also used in staging malignant mesothelioma. This system describes not only the size of the tumor, but also the extent of metastasis and whether or not the lymph nodes are involved.

In TNM Stage II, the cancer may have spread to adjacent tissues such as the diaphragm and/or the pericardial lining; however, the main criterion is that it has by this point affected the lymph nodes.

Brigham System

The Brigham System is the most recently developed rubric for use with mesothelioma. Under Stage II of this particular system, the tumor is still operable ("resectable"), but has spread to the lymph nodes.

Prognosis

In most cases, mesothelioma is not detected until it has reached Stage III or IV - by which time the disease itself is untreatable and all that can be done is attempt to make the patient more comfortable..

The new MESOMARK™ diagnostic test may enable pathologists to detect the disease at earlier stages, however. Recently approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA, this test was developed by a Japanese biotech firm and is reportedly able to detect the early biological markers of mesothelioma. At Stage I, the tumor can usually be removed surgically; radiation and chemotherapy treatments are used to follow up in order to get rid of any traces of malignancy.

Sources

Cancer Guide. "Understanding Cancer Types and Staging." Cancerguide.org, March 2009, http://cancerguide.org/basic.html

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton:Taylor & Francis, 2006.)

Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. (London: Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2006.)

Stage I Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T06:39:00.000-10:00

Staging assists the oncologist in determining how far the cancer has advanced and how treatable the patient's malignancy really is.

Although there are three distinct staging systems currently in use, all three are based on four primary stages:

The tumor is confined to one organ or region and is relatively small.
The tumor has grown in size, and has spread to one other tissue.
The tumor has spread to adjacent areas.
The tumor has spread to distant areas of the body, or "metastasized."

In Stage I, mesothelioma is localized and confined to one area of the body.

Butchart System

This is the oldest system used by oncologists, and is used only for patients diagnosed with the pleural variety of mesothelioma. In Stage I under the Butchart System, the tumor is relatively small and confined to one side of the lung cavity; it may also be present on the diaphragm on the same side.

TNM System

Under this system, the cancer is located on one side or the other, and may also be present on the diaphragm as well as the pericardium (lining of the heart). It is however not present in the lymph nodes.

Brigham System

This is the newest staging system, which was developed especially for use in cases of mesothelioma. Under Stage I of the Brigham system, the cancer is operable and lymph nodes remain unaffected.

Prognosis

The main problem for mesothelioma patients is that historically, their condition is not detected until it has reached Stage III or IV - by which time it is too late to offer anything other than palliative treatments.

One ray of hope lies in the new MESOMARK™ diagnostic test recently approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA. This test was developed by a Japanese biotech firm and is reportedly able to detect the early biological markers of mesothelioma when it is most treatable. When the disease is caught at Stage I, the cancerous tissue can usually be removed surgically; radiation and chemotherapy treatments are used to follow up in order to get rid of any traces of malignancy.

Sources

Cancer Guide. "Understanding Cancer Types and Staging." Cancerguide.org, March 2009, http://cancerguide.org/basic.html

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton:Taylor & Francis, 2006.)

Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. (London: Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2006.)

How do medical professionals diagnose mesothelioma?

2010-01-21T06:38:00.001-10:00

If you believe that you may have mesothelioma, a qualified medical professional will use a variety of diagnostic tests and methods to confirm the presence of the disease.

Medical history review and exam

The first step that your health professional will take in evaluating you for an asbestos related disease is to obtain a full medical history to determine the level and severity of risk factors and presenting symptoms. This interview will look consider among other things, where you were exposed to asbestos, the length of exposure and the amount of asbestos that you were exposed to.

In addition, he/she will perform a medical exam to look for signs and symptoms of various forms of mesothelioma. For example, if pleural mesothelioma is suspected the doctor will look for fluid in the chest, peritoneal mesothelioma often shows fluid in the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma presents with fluid in the area of the heart.

Diagnostic imaging tests

Chest x-rays are used to identify abnormalities in the lungs including unusual thickening, mineral deposits and fluid in the chest area. If these conditions are present then it may be evidence that mesothelioma has developed.

Diagnostic image tests like x-rays, CT scans and MRI's are useful in determining more information about the cancer including how far it is progressed. Each method provides another piece of information to your doctor to assist in making an accurate diagnosis. CT scans are capable of providing images of the same location from many different angles. MRI technology uses magnetic fields rather than x-ray to provide additional views.

Testing fluid and tissue samples

If fluid build-up in the chest, abdomen or heart area is present, your doctor may want to obtain a sample. To accomplish this he/she will use a long needle to obtain fluid from the target area. The fluid will then be sent to the lab for analysis.

A bronchoscopy procedure may be recommended for patients who are suspected of having pleural mesothelioma. For this medical test, a soft tube illuminates the trachea and bronchi to determine if any masses are present in the airways. If deemed necessary, the technician my take sample of tissue that appears to be abnormal for further testing.

If lymph node involvement is suspected which is common with lung cancer, patients may also undergo a mediastinoscopy. This procedure is similar to a bronchoscopy in that a soft tube enters the body under the chest bone and illuminates the chest area. In this way, the surgeon can examine lymph nodes for abnormalities, check to see how far disease may have progressed and when necessary help diagnose lung cancer vs. mesothelioma.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is never easy. Fluid build up alone in the chest, belly or heart regions is not enough to confirm a diagnosis. Tissue samples obtained from biopsy procedures are also difficult to discern because mesothelioma cancer cells often resemble other types of cancer. For this reason, specialized laboratory procedures are often employed to identify certain chemicals that are known to exist with mesothelioma and high powered laboratory equipment is used to examine the smallest details of cancer cells to confirm that mesothelioma is present.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma

What are the warning signs of mesothelioma?

2010-01-21T06:38:00.000-10:00

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the early signs and symptoms of the disease can be subtle at best. Symptoms are all too frequently ignored or dismissed by people who are inclined to attribute them to common every day ailments. Sometimes patients live with symptoms for up to 6 months before being diagnosed but usually the symptoms are present for two to three months prior to diagnosis.

About 60% of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma experience lower back pain or side chest pain and there are frequent reports of shortness of breath. Lower numbers of people may experience difficulty swallowing, or have a persistent cough, fever, weight loss or fatigue. Symptoms to also consider are muscle weakness, loss of sensory capability, coughing up blood, facial and arm swelling and hoarseness.

Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and as a result, symptoms often include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. In the event that there is a hernia present, fluid build up may occur in the abdomen as well.

Anyone previously exposed to asbestos displaying any of these symptoms should seek medical attention right away.

Source

Medicine.Net - Mesothelioma
http://www.medicinenet.com/mesothelioma/article.htm

What are the main causes of mesothelioma?

2010-01-21T06:37:00.000-10:00

Mesothelioma is most predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing damage and resulting in lung cancer or asbestosis (scar tissue formation in the lungs). It has also been found that swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma generally results from occupational exposure but there are instances of environmental exposure to asbestos that can cause the disease. Oftentimes second hand exposure of a family member to an asbestos workers dirty work clothes can result in that family member developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos insulation workers appear to have the highest death rate. One study reports that almost six percent of asbestos workers fall victim to mesothelioma and asbestos insulation workers are over 300 times more likely to die from mesothelioma than the general public.

Find out more about Nanotechnology.

Sources

Cancerbackup - Causes of mesothelioma
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/.../Causes

What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

2010-01-21T06:36:00.000-10:00

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos exposure doesn’t stop there, however. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers. The occupations most widely affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers - especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers receive second hand exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos. Serpentine fibers are dangerous as well, however, and have also been linked to mesothelioma.

Some research points to the fact that inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. As fibers are inhaled through the mouth and nose they are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways and then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. The Amphibole fibers (long and thin) do not clear as easily and it is therefore thought that they can embed into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

Asbestosis (scar tissue in the lungs) or lung cancer can also be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. In fact, people exposed to asbestos are seven times more likely to develop lung cancer over the general public. Workers who sustain high levels of asbestos exposure are more likely to die from asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma than any other disease. It is also believed that the action of coughing up and swallowing asbestos could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been found to exist in other organs of the body as well such as the larynx, pancreas and colon, but those instances are extremely limited compared to lung cancer incidents.

The chance of developing mesothelioma is in direct proportion to the duration and amount of asbestos exposure that an individual sustains. Those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos at a young age, for long periods of time have a greater risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma than those who have short, low level exposure. Another important consideration is that Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest. Often, twenty to forty years can elapse from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Genetic factors can also play a role which explains why not everyone exposed to asbestos develops and asbestos related disease.

Radiation

Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.

Zeolite

Some mesothelioma cases in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.

Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.

Tobacco

Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher). Research indicates that lung cancer is the leading cause of death among asbestos workers.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Fact Sheets: Risk Factors and Possible Causes
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk

Biphasic Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:08:00.000-10:00

Biphasic mesothelioma is the second most common cellular form of this disease, accounting for 20 to 40 percent of all known cases. As the name implies, biphasic mesothelioma is a mixture of two types of cancer cells.

Characteristics

Unlike the more common epithelioid type, biphasic mesothelioma cells lack a specific structure. This type of mesothelioma is a mix of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Whereas the former has a clearly visible nucleus and is found in uniform, organized arrangements and tend to be of a single shape, sarcomatoid cells are more oval or oblong shaped and have no easily identifiable nucleus. Although both types are present in a biphasic tumor, they have a tendency to form in differentiated groups; they are not usually found in the same area of the tumor.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Mesothelioma is exceptionally difficult to diagnose, which is why it is usually not discovered until it has reached an advanced stage. It is important to confirm a history of asbestos exposure, as mesothelioma symptoms are similar to a wide range of respiratory illnesses.

The primary physician usually takes an x-ray; if there is cause for concern, the patient is referred to a radiology lab, where more advanced images are taken. If abnormal areas are discovered, a tissue sample, or biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis.

A recent test developed by a Japanese biotech company, called MESOMARK™, may help pathologists in diagnosing mesothelioma at an earlier stage, when it is most treatable.

Treatment in most cases is limited to palliative ones, since the disease is usually diagnosed too late for surgery. Mesothelioma is usually treated with some combination of radiation and chemotherapy; surgical techniques may be used to relieve the symptoms, but in the later stages are usually not effective in treating the disease.

Sources

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis, 2006).

Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. (New York: Springer, 2005.)

Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. (London: Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2006).

Bruce, W., Robinson, A., & Philippe Chahinian. "Mesothelioma". Informa Health Care, 2002. (ISBN 9058231801)

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:07:00.001-10:00

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the lubricative layer lining the inside of the chest and abdomen and the internal organs. Pathologists categorize cases according to levels of criteria, which are as follows:

Location:

Lungs (pleural)
Abdomen (peritoneal)
Heart (pericardial)

Stage:

Stage I - Cancer cells have started to form
Stage II - Cancer has spread locally
Stage III - Cancer has spread to adjoining areas
Stage IV - Cancer has begun to metastasize

Cellular Structure:

Epithelial (organized and structured)
Sarcomatoid (random and irregular)
Biphasic (a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid)
Desoplastic (a variation of the sarcomatoid variety)

Cellular structure is determined by an actual visual examination of the cells under a microscope.

About Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all diagnoses. The cancer cells in this case are elongated and spindle-shaped, and are arranged in a rather haphazard way. Sarcomatoid cells also lack a nucleus, unlike epithelioid cells, which have clearly visible nuclei.

The desoplastic variety of sarcomatoid mesothelioma is difficult to distinguish from healthy tissue in many cases, making an accurate diagnosis challenging.

Diagnosis

Once symptoms have been cataloged and a history of asbestos exposure determined, the next step is to look inside the body - initially with x-rays, followed up by more sophisticated imaging such as CT scans or MRIs. If these images reveal serious abnormalities, a biopsy (tissue samples) will be ordered. These are examined and analyzed at a lab, which usually confirms or contradicts the diagnosis.

When it comes to the sarcomatoid mesothelioma, traditional methods of biopsy pose additional challenges; the normal "needle core" method often results in false information, as sarcomatoid cells are often similar in appearance to benign fibrous tissue. Additionally, histological methods of diagnosis often make it difficult to distinguish between sarcomatoid mesothelioma and other types of unrelated sarcomatoid cancers.

A precise and accurate diagnosis is vital, because a misdiagnosis can lead to an inappropriate course of treatment being prescribed; it is a good idea to get a second and even a third opinion if mesothelioma is suspected.

Treatment Options

Although the details will differ depending on the individual case, all forms of cancer are treated through some combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. How these are administered depends on the location and stage of the cancer.

Unfortunately, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is notoriously resistant to treatment, and prognosis is not good. Average survival rates between diagnosis and death is seven months.

Source

Hammer, Samuel P. "Macroscopic, Histologic, Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Features of Mesothelioma." Society of Ultrastructural Pathology Companion Meeting, 27 February 2005, http://sup.ultrakohl.com/Uscap/uscap05/meso1.pdf

Epithelial Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:07:00.000-10:00

Epithelial mesothelioma cells have a definite structure with visible nuclei. This is the most common variant of this type of cancer, accounting for about 60 percent of all cases. This type of mesothelioma develops when malignant cells develop on any of the mesothelial linings. When examined under a microscope, these cells are of a uniform size and shape, and resemble normal, healthy epithelial cells.

Epithelial mesothelioma cells also bear a strong resemblance to adenocarcinoma cells, which are also associated with lung tissue. Patients who have been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma should also be examined for mesothelioma as well.

Variants

Papillary mesothelioma is an example of epithelial mesothelioma; other variants include any of the following:

Signet Ring
Single File
Adenoid Cystic
Glandular
Tubulopapillary
Histiocytoid
Microcystic
Macrocystic
Glomeruloid
Diffuse - NOS
Small Cell
Deciduoid
Pleomorphic
In Situ
Mucin Positive
Well-Differentiated Papillary
Gaucher Cell-Like

What differentiates these various types are the shape, size and formation of the cells. This can determine what course of treatment is appropriate for the patient's situations.

Epithelial Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become lodged in the lung tissue, where they remain indefinitely. Mesothelioma is associated with hard, crystalline amphibole asbestos, which consists of hard, needle-like fibers that literally bore through lung tissue over time, causing chronic inflammation that ultimately results in malignancy. The disease has a very long latency period, which can be anywhere from five to seventy-five years. The symptoms of the disease are also similar to other respiratory illnesses, which is why mesothelioma has historically been so difficult to diagnose.

Sources

Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. (Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis, 2006).

Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. (New York: Springer, 2005)

Mesothelioma Cell Types

2010-01-21T02:06:00.000-10:00

Malignant mesothelioma can also be classified by different cancer cell types, each of which tends to behave differently. There are three classifications assigned to mesothelioma cell types.

Epithelial Mesothelioma is the most common cell type and accounts for approximately 50-75% percent of all diagnosed cases each year. These cells are uniform in shape, with an elongated pattern that makes them easily distinguishable when viewed under high magnification. These cancers are adenocarcinomas, malignancies which are more commonly associated with pure lung cancers as opposed to cancers of the mesothelium.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is a less common cell type, accounting for between 7 and 20% of diagnosed cases each year. These cells grow forth out of supportive structures, such as muscles and bones.

Biphasic mesotheliomas are those with a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid cell types. Treatment options do not vary greatly between cell types, but often sarcomatoid mesotheliomas are more difficult to treat as a result of the surrounding affected tissues from which they spread.

Thoracoscopy and the use of special stains can be helpful in identifying cellular classifications, though obtaining adequate tissue samples often require more invasive surgeries.

Learn more about:

Reference

National Cancer Institute. Mesothelioma Treatment-Health Professional Information. Cellular Classification http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/nci/ncicdr0000062895.htm

Malignant Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:05:00.000-10:00

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.

What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognoses are poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.

What options of patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

If you have any questions regarding your treatment options or your legal rights, please contact us.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Malignant Mesothelioma
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:04:00.001-10:00

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Other types of mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the hearth. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.

What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to initial prognoses.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a pleural effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.

What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they exposed to asbestos. Industrial exposures were common and those exposed have collected compensation to finance high treatment costs. For additional information on your legal rights of mesothelioma please fill out the brief contact form on this page.

Source

PubMed Central
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1994863

Pericardial Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:04:00.000-10:00

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of cells that surround the body's organs and internal body structures. Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of these malignancies and accounts for only an estimated 10 percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.

What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring but toxic mineral that was used in industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known, physicians surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes through the heart. Mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.

How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognoses are poor in cases of pericardial mesothelioma, just as nearly all mesothelioma cases are. However, several treatment options exist to help patients manage the disease and maintain comfort. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most likely treatment options for patients of this disease. Surgery is typically not an option because of the local of the disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area.

How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians will often suspect pericardial mesothelioma if the patient has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A comprehensive diagnostic and biopsy process will be undergone through use of multiple body imaging scans.

What a Patient's Options?

Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked with asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should fill out the brief form on this page to receive additional treatment and legal information.

Source

PubMed Central
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=325154

Pleural Mesothelioma

2010-01-21T02:02:00.000-10:00

Pleural disease is often seen in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos on the job. It sometimes takes 10 years or more for changes to appear that are indicative of pleural disease which affects the thin membrane layer in the chest. These differences can include a thickening or calcification of the pleural lining and is usually diagnosed as pleural plaques, pleural thickening and pleural calcification.

In most instances, pleural disease is not considered fatal but it does have the ability to impair lung function and it does confirm that a person has sustained significant asbestos exposure and could be at a higher risk for developing more severe asbestos cancer. If you have been diagnosed with pleural disease it is important to preserve your legal rights.

However, pleural plaques can lay the groundwork for mesothelioma, which is an extremely aggressive cancer known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma originates in the pleura but quickly spreads to the outer chest wall, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma is typically fatal within 1 year of diagnosis. However, early recognition of risk factors, like asbestos exposure will typically lead to early detection of the cancer. Those whose disease is discovered early enough will likely be much more eligible life-sustaining and bettering treatments. Mesothelioma patients who receive an early diagnosis may be eligible for surgical resection of the cancer, which can extend life years beyond that of typical mesothelioma patients.

Other treatments are available for mesothelioma, including traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic methods which can ease symptoms of the disease and make the cancer much more manageable.

Don't Let Time Get in the Way!

Don't let time prevent you from taking legal action. Every state establishes set timeframes for filing lawsuits for an asbestos related injury. These timeframes are also known as the state statutes of limitation. The deadlines established in the statutes are fixed so it is important to consult with a legal professional soon after the onset of an asbestos related illness to determine what, if any action may be appropriate.

Source

American Cancer Society - Detailed Guide: Malignant Mesothelioma - What Is Malignant Mesothelioma?
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp

What are the different types of mesothelioma?

2010-01-20T23:24:00.000-10:00

Pleural Mesothelioma – affects the chest and lungs

Malignant pleural mesothelioma often originates within the chest cavity and can, at times, involve the lung. This particular form of mesothelioma can metastasize to numerous organs in the body – even the brain - and tends to do so more frequently than not.

Pleural mesothelioma is not always easily detectable. Frequently, in the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be mild. Patients usually report pain in one area of the chest that never seems to go away, weight loss and fever. Occasionally, other symptoms are more severe and include problems with breathing due to fluid build up in the chest. A CT Scan of the chest area has proven to be the best test for identifying how far along the disease has progressed.

Frequently serum markers are used to diagnose of various forms of cancer. Mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed using this method as no serum markers currently exist. If high levels of hyaluronic acid are present it may be possible to distinguish mesothelioma from other types of cancer or to determine the effectiveness of a treatment protocol.

The survival rate for patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma typically is not high. Patients typically do not live beyond seventeen months from the onset of symptoms. Only 8% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma will live three to five years from the onset of symptoms.

Pericardial Mesothelioma – affects the heart

Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common form of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, as the name suggests, involves the heart. This rare type of mesothelioma invades the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. As the cancer progresses, the heart is not able to deliver oxygen as efficiently to the body causing further decline in health at an increasingly rapid rate. The symptoms most commonly associated with pericardial mesothelioma mimic those of a heart attack: nausea, pain in the chest and shortness of breath.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma – affects the abdomen

Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and will frequently spread to other organs in area including the liver, spleen or bowel. Severe abdominal pain is the most common complaint that patients present to their doctor. There may also be a discomfort level with fluid build up in the abdomen as well. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include difficult bowel movements, nausea and vomiting, fever and swollen feet.

The survival rate is even worse for those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma will patients typically surviving only ten months from time that they first started experiencing the symptoms noted above.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer and of all asbestos related diseases, the most serious. The symptoms associated with the disease make it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Often, by the time that a proper diagnosis is made, the disease has progressed to a point where patients do not respond well to treatment therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by the inhalation of airborne asbestos particles. Another unique factor associated with the disease is that there can be a long latency period between the time an individual is exposed to asbestos and the actual manifestation of the disease in the form of malignant mesothelioma.

Benign Mesothelioma – affects the peritoneum

Cystic mesothelioma primarily affects women of younger age and affects the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is not frequently diagnosed and is also not a malignant form of the disease. It is, however, extremely difficult to identify and requires specialized microscopes and immunologic techniques to aid in diagnosis.

Mesothelioma in Uncommon Sites

A form of cardiac cancer that is rarely seen involves the pericardium. Tumors associated with this type of mesothelioma are not easily detectable and patients presented with this diagnosis tend to have a very low survival rate. There have also been reports of mesothelioma involving ovaries in women and the scrotum in men. Treatment for all of these rare forms of mesothelioma will vary depending on what stage a patient has progressed to but in most all cases the projected outcome is not favorable.

Sources

Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America - Types of Mesothelioma
http://www.mesorfa.org/about-meso/types.php

Cancer Research UK - Types of Mesothelioma
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4398