A New York jury has awarded $25 million in compensatory damages to a 66-year-old woman who blames their talc-based baby powder product for her malignant mesothelioma. Donna Olson and her husband Robert filed their lawsuit in 2017, indicating that she had used both Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and their scented Shower to Shower product
One of the most common treatment protocols used to ease symptoms for patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma is a procedure known as talc pleurodesis. The treatment addresses the discomfort and breathing difficulties caused by pleural effusions, a build-up of fluid around the lungs. This buildup causes tremendous pressure and makes it nearly impossible for patients
In the quest to find a cure for malignant mesothelioma, one of the biggest obstacles that researchers encounter is the lack of patient sample information available to those outside of major cities and cancer research centers. One potential solution lies in the efforts of Nikhil Wagle, a medical oncologist out of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and
Malignant mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer, and testicular mesothelioma is rarer still. Like other forms of mesothelioma, it is caused by exposure to asbestos. Though a company accused of responsibility for a former oil refinery worker’s testicular cancer attempted to contest this known fact, a California jury rejected their argument and
One of the top goals of mesothelioma researchers is to find a way to diagnose malignant mesothelioma earlier. The rare and fatal form of cancer typically does not get diagnosed until it is in its latest stages, and that makes effective treatment virtually impossible. While scientists have spent countless hours trying to devise more accurate
Between malignant pleural mesothelioma and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma — the two most frequently-made mesothelioma diagnoses — peritoneal mesothelioma occurs far less frequently. Among the roughly 3,500 patients diagnosed with the deadly form of asbestos-related cancer in the United States each year, only about 700 have the tumors appear in their abdominal lining: almost all others
Interferon Alfa-2b clinical trials are recruiting mesothelioma patients to test this new gene therapy. Researchers insert manipulated genetic material into the cancer cells to convert them into cancer-killing cells. Similar gene therapy has been used in other types of cancer patients, and now those with pleural mesothelioma may be able to benefit from it. What
Ricardo Rimondi is one among many mesothelioma victims who are seeking compensation from Johnson & Johnson: he holds the company responsible because he believes they knew their popular baby powder was contaminated with asbestos and did nothing about it. This week a New Jersey jury listened to testimony from his family, speaking of the challenges
Immunotoxin clinical trials are testing a type of immunotherapy in mesothelioma patients. It uses immune-modulating drugs to selectively target and kill cancer cells. The trials with mesothelioma patients show promise and may include combinations with other treatments. What Is an Immunotoxin? Immunotoxins are targeted compounds that use designed molecules to attach to cancer cells. As
Thoracic surgeons are on the front lines of the battle against malignant pleural mesothelioma. These physicians not only work to help specific patients, but also report back to their colleagues about their findings in a constant effort to advance their understanding of the disease. They share what works and what doesn’t so that every mesothelioma