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Cancer Pill Delivers Promising Results in Mesothelioma Patients
Medical oncologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York have just completed a phase 2 clinical trial that has delivered promising results for many patients with malignant mesothelioma. Researchers at the esteemed medical facility found that a drug called tazemetostat delivers significant disease control for the more than 50% of pleural mesothelioma patients
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Mistakes in Identifying Mesothelioma Subtype Can Have Critical Impact
When it comes to treating malignant mesothelioma, it is important that patients receive the best care possible. Seeking medical treatment from physicians who are experienced in treating the rare and aggressive form of cancer makes an enormous difference, both in terms of availability of state-of-the-art treatment and in ensuring that testing is done with meticulous
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CDC Reports Increasing Mesothelioma Deaths Among Women
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and dangerous form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Because of its direct link to the toxic material, which has long been used in construction, insulation, and high-heat settings, it is generally considered an occupational disease and has traditionally been most prevalent in men. But a recent report published
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Humor Can Trigger Both Grief and Relief for Families of Mesothelioma Victims
Despite the best efforts of researchers and physicians, malignant mesothelioma remains an aggressive and relentless form of cancer, often moving so quickly that it claims the lives of patients within months of diagnosis. The loved ones left behind experience emotions ranging from sadness and loss to intense anger at the asbestos companies that could have
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Mesothelioma Advocates Praise Latest EPA Asbestos Proposal
Exposure to asbestos claims almost 40,000 American lives every year from diseases including malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis. After years of legal challenges, the last few weeks has seen a flurry of activity coming out of the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the deadly mineral, and the most recent is being applauded by a leading awareness and
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Federal Court Reverses Decision in Mesothelioma Widow’s Wrongful Death Claim
Surviving families of mesothelioma victims won a significant victory in federal court this week. In reversing a lower court decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit confirmed and clarified that wrongful death claims do not begin to accrue until the time of the victim’s death.
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Israeli Mesothelioma Drug Study Yields Substantial Survival Benefit
A presentation delivered to the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy’s annual meeting is being greeted with enthusiasm by mesothelioma physicians and researchers. An Israeli immunotherapy company revealed that their clinical-stage macrophage reprogramming drug Allocetra delivered up to 100% survival in laboratory animals.
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Mesothelioma Patients Treated with New Protocol Enjoy Longer Survival
Malignant mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive disease, and physicians and researchers have struggled to find effective treatments. Once diagnosed, patients rarely live longer than a year-and-a-half. But patients enrolled in a clinical trial in the United Kingdom are experiencing significant benefits, with some living more than five years.
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Immunotherapy Study Yields Results That May Prove Vital for Mesothelioma Patients
A recently published study of cancer drug toxicity may prove beneficial to patients being treated for malignant mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with the rare asbestos-related disease have responded well to a variety of immunotherapy treatments, but serious adverse effects have forced many patients to discontinue treatment. UK researchers have discovered what causes these effects and have
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Insurance Company Fails to Quash Mesothelioma Victim’s Claim
Callen Cortez blames his malignant mesothelioma diagnosis on multiple sources of exposure to asbestos. In addition to his own workplace, he also claims to have suffered take-home exposure from his brothers’ employment, and from his father’s as well. When he sought compensation for his injuries, the insurer for his father’s employer filed a motion for
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ICI Use Provides Mesothelioma Patients with Lower Risk of Neurologic Adverse Effects
A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is a shock, and the more that you learn about the illness, the more frightening it becomes. Patients and their loved ones have many concerns, including side effects from the treatments used to prolong their lives. Now researchers have found that the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly lowers the
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UK Study Examines Mesothelioma Nurses’ Role in Palliative Care
The United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of malignant mesothelioma in the world. Treating these patients is a top priority for the nation’s health care professionals, and specially trained mesothelioma clinical nurse specialists (MCNSs) play a crucial role. A recent study examined these practitioners’ perspectives on providing palliative care for patients diagnosed with
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Chemical Companies Fight for Asbestos Use, Despite Mesothelioma Concerns
While asbestos awareness advocates and those touched by mesothelioma were cheered by news of a proposed asbestos ban, the chemical industry continues to fight the move. Instead of working to retrofit their factories in ways that would prevent future asbestos-related disease, industry groups are stoking fears of job losses and unclean water.
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Appeals Court Orders Insurance Company to Pay Mesothelioma Claim
For decades, manufacturers have been aware that asbestos is carcinogenic and causes diseases like malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis, yet they continued exposing people to the dangerous material. Compensating victims for these illnesses has cost both the companies and their insurers billions of dollars. Though insurance company Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty tried to evade responsibility for
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Extended Mesothelioma Survival May Depend on Initial Approach
Extending survival and improving patient quality of life is what mesothelioma experts strive for, but researchers are still learning the nuances of how different approaches impact that goal. A recent study conducted by Japanese oncologists has revealed that patients have better results from second-line chemotherapy when their first-line therapy includes a greater number of dosing
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Preventive Testing for Smokers May Lead to Earlier Mesothelioma Diagnoses
Though a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is always considered terminal, patients whose disease is identified and treated early tend to live longer and enjoy better quality of life. A new recommendation for earlier screening in smokers is geared towards early diagnosis of lung cancer, but may end up benefitting those smokers who are also at
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Study Reveals Need for Continued Vigilance Towards Mesothelioma
Though much is known about malignant mesothelioma, the rarity of the disease and the similarity of its presentation to other, more common illnesses, means that its diagnosis is often delayed. These delays diminish the effectiveness of treatment. A recent case study published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science makes clear that clinicians must be familiar with
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Study Confirms HITHOC’s Effectiveness in Treating Pleural Mesothelioma
A new study has confirmed that Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy represents a promising option for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The protocol had previously proven effective in treating other malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer, but its use in treating the asbestos-related cancer had not been assessed. The research confirms that it provides significant improvement in
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When Mesothelioma Surgeries Don’t Go According to Plan
There are few options available to those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Though patients eligible for surgery may choose a less aggressive approach that promises shorter recovery time, surgeons often find mid-procedure that a more invasive procedure is required. A recent study revealed how patients fare when their surgery shifts mid-stream.
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Does Financial Hardship Play a Role in Mesothelioma Survival?
Being diagnosed with any type of cancer is devastating, but a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis is catastrophic. The rare asbestos-related disease is always considered terminal, and the only way to extend survival is through treatment options that are extremely expensive. Though cost should be the last consideration when it comes to health, a recent analysis of
