A new study of mesothelioma patient outcomes is raising important questions about recommended treatment protocols for patients with all types of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study, a collaborative effort between the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, was the largest of its kind: it compared survival times
“Plague” is the word that Montana Standard writer David McCumber uses to describe the mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that have stricken the town of Libby. The writer recently published a remarkable elegy to the town of Libby, which has struggled with the aftermath of asbestos contamination for over 60 years, and where long-time residents
Mesothelioma research tends to focus in on the hard science of the disease: biomarkers, cells, the impact of specific medications or doses of radiation. By contrast, far fewer studies are done on the real-life impact that the disease has on the lives of its victims – how facing a rare and fatal form of cancer
Matthew Steliga, M.D. is a thoracic surgeon specializing in thoracic oncology and minimally invasive treatments. He currently works with patients at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Previously, Dr. Steliga worked at the MD Anderson Cancer Institute in Houston. Early Education and Career Dr. Steliga earned his
Mesothelioma researchers have long hoped to find a conclusive way of identifying whether a patient’s cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos, and now a group of Italian scientists say that they have accomplished that goal. Researchers from the Marche Polytechnic University in Ancona, Italy recently identified a microRNA “signature” that is consistently found in
In the aftermath of one of the deadliest fires in United Kingdom history, that country’s coroner is urging that both residents and first responders who were exposed to the conflagration need to be screened for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses as a result of asbestos exposure from the structure. Dr. Fiona Wilcox voiced her concerns
Dave Foster has been working with mesothelioma patients and their families for over a decade.
After hearing four weeks worth of evidence in a California woman’s lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, a jury will be deciding whether asbestos in the company’s baby powder product caused her malignant mesothelioma. During closing arguments on Thursday, Carolyn Weirick’s attorney argued that the company owed her $29 million in compensation plus additional
As the Environmental Protection Agency seems to be opening the door to introducing asbestos use back into the United States, mesothelioma patients and advocates are struggling to find a way to fight back. They might take a lesson from recent victories achieved by our neighbors to the north, in Canada. A study conducted by the
A recent decision by the Appellate Court of Illinois represents a potential landmark for those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases. The case was brought by a husband and wife, John and Deborah Jones, who brought a claim against Pneumo Abex, Owens-Illinois and others, accusing Abex of being part of