Though individuals with a known history of exposure to asbestos are at high risk for malignant mesothelioma, symptoms do not necessarily mean that they have the rare form of cancer. Accurate diagnosis is essential to getting the right treatment but can be time consuming and invasive. A new study conducted by researchers in the United
Back when COVID-19 first made itself known in the United States, experts in mesothelioma and other cancers worried that the pandemic would have long-term impacts on diagnosis, treatment and research. Eighteen months later the virus is still with us, but so are vaccines and boosters. In a recent interview, Ned Sharpless, director of the National
A year after the introduction of vaccinations against COVID-19, patients with cancers like malignant mesothelioma are being warned of the dangers of breakthrough infections. A report published in the Annals of Oncology confirms that these medically fragile patients are extremely susceptible to severe outcomes. Researchers Cite Vulnerabilities of Those with Mesothelioma Since the beginning of the global pandemic,
Malignant mesothelioma is among the most challenging cancers to treat. The rare form of cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos, has proven resistant to chemotherapy, and as each new therapeutic has been introduced its tumors have revealed a new defense. In response to the use of checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T protocols, mesothelioma cells secrete transforming
People diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma have limited options for treatment. When deciding whether to pursue surgery they need as much information as possible about their own condition and how far the cancerous cells have spread within their bodies. A recent study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed that one of the
One of the most important things that happen after a patient is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma — or any form of cancer — is a process known as staging. Doctors need to know how far the cancer has spread in order to determine the best treatment protocol, and do so through diagnostic testing. In most
Days before the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, an Australian research team reported a significant increase in leukemia diagnoses, as well as an increase in asbestos-related lung conditions like malignant mesothelioma, in general responders and firefighters enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program. The study confirmed fears about asbestos contamination at the site and
A malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is generally accompanied by a prediction of just 18 months to two years to live, but there are occasional reports of patients who survive for longer periods. A recent case study published by physicians from the Aix-Marseille University in Marseille, France details the 14-year survival of a man with epithelioid
Researchers and physicians are joined in the quest to slow or stop the aggressive growth of mesothelioma tumors. While physicians apply methodologies that have been tried and tested, researchers continue to look for other approaches, constantly viewing the puzzle of the disease from different perspectives in the hopes that one will hold the key. One
One of the most devastating aspects of malignant pleural mesothelioma is the speed with which the disease overtakes its victims. Scientists searching for a way to slow the process and extend survival have been optimistic about a treatment known as SMART, or surgery for malignant mesothelioma after radiotherapy. A report just published in the journal Lancet