The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially approved the use of Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus Pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy as the frontline treatment for patients diagnosed with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma. The decision was based on data from a study that showed the combination provided significant improvement in overall survival versus chemotherapy
Talc pleurodesis is a medical procedure that is used to prevent the build-up of fluid or air in the pleural lining. It provides relief to patients suffering from several lung conditions, including malignant pleural mesothelioma, but in the case of Salt Lake City, Utah resident Bryce Zundel, the talc used in the procedures he underwent
Barretts Minerals mined and processed talc to sell to distributors and product manufacturers. Talc is frequently contaminated with asbestos, the mineral known to cause malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Barretts Minerals talc has been cited in numerous personal injury lawsuits, and this resulted in the company filing for bankruptcy in 2023. Barretts Minerals History
A mesothelioma study presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Annual Meeting suggests that treatment with neoadjuvant nivolumab, pemetrexed, and platinum may allow more patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma to choose lung-sparing surgery as an option.
Thoracic surgical oncologists play a central role in the diagnosis, staging, and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. They are integral parts of the multidisciplinary care team.
A medical dosimetrist is an important member of a radiation oncology team. They work closely with the radiation oncologist to design a treatment plan that provides the most effective radiation dose distribution in the safest possible way. For mesothelioma patients, the work that the dosimetrist does is critical to achieving the best outcome with the
The mesothelium is a little-known but important structure found in various areas of the body. Made of two layers, mesothelial tissue covers and protects almost every internal organ, including the heart, lungs, and stomach. When mesothelial cells are exposed to the carcinogenic mineral asbestos, the resulting damage can lead to malignant mesothelioma. What Is The
Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company RS Oncology used the opportunity of the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting to announce positive data from a Phase 1 clinical trial of RSO-021, its first-in-class therapeutic for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
On March 18th, 2024, advocates for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases praised the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement of a final rule banning the use and import of chrysotile asbestos. But even in the face of that victory, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and others noted that there was still much work to
Dr. Amanda Calvin is a pulmonologist on staff at Health Partners Park Nicollet in Bloomington, Minnesota. She works with other specialists as part of a multidisciplinary team, treating patients diagnosed with pleural diseases including pleural mesothelioma, a condition in which she has a special interest. Dr. Calvin enjoys all aspects of pulmonary medicine and offers