According to the May 6th Journal of the National Cancer institute, a 4-gene expression ratio test accurately predicts survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The study performed by researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital, involved 120 patients undergoing surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Multiple samples were gathered either during surgery or through pleural biopsy. Researchers evaluated the test on multiple tumor samples from each patient and used two different gene samples and two different biopsy techniques.
The results were adjusted for other clinical factors and coupled with other mesothelioma prognosis information and patients were categorized into two groups. Patients assigned by the test to the good outcome group had significantly better median overall survival, 31.9 months, compared to the poor outcome group, 6.9 months.
It is hoped that this test will help doctors better determine a prognosis for patients. Patients who have a shorter life-expectancy can be counseled away from surgeries that would not benefit them or their families and allow them time seek hospice or other supportive care. For patients with a higher expectancy, doctors could help them to arrange for more long term treatments and surgeries.
Additional information about mesothelioma research and ongoing studies may be found at Mesothelioma Help.net.
Showing posts with label Mesothelioma Disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mesothelioma Disease. Show all posts
Gene Test Predicts Mesothelioma Survival
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Labels:
Asbestos,
Mesothelioma Disease,
Mesothelioma News,
Patients,
Treatment
Bishop Loses Battle with Mesothelioma
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Labels:
Asbestos,
Mesothelioma Disease,
Mesothelioma News
The Bishop of Peterborough, Rt Revd Ian Cundy, died on May 7th, 2009 after a two-year battle with mesothelioma.
Bishop Cundy, 64, had recently announced his plans to take an early retirement in July after his chemotherapy treatments had failed to stop the spread of the cancer. No cure for mesothelioma currently exists, but it has been proven that some multimodal treatments that combine traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery along with chemotherapy or radiation, can help to reduce the cancer and slow the spread.
Bishop Cundy was well loved and received in the UK, having been appointed in 1996. He is survived by his wife Jo, three children, and a grandson.
Bishop Frank White will assume the duties of diocesan bishop until a new appointment is made. According to Bishop White,"Bishop Ian was greatly loved in the diocese and around the country for his gentle manner, his warm acceptance of people from all walks of life and all denominations of and traditions within the Christian Church, and for his wise and perceptive counsel."
Once again it has been desmonstrated that mesothelioma affects men, women, and children of every walk of life and that the dangers of asbestos exposure apply not only to the blue collar working man as once believed.
Please visit Mesothelioma Help.net for more information on mesothelioma and new treatment options that are becoming available to combat this deadly disease.
Bishop Cundy, 64, had recently announced his plans to take an early retirement in July after his chemotherapy treatments had failed to stop the spread of the cancer. No cure for mesothelioma currently exists, but it has been proven that some multimodal treatments that combine traditional cancer treatments, such as surgery along with chemotherapy or radiation, can help to reduce the cancer and slow the spread.
Bishop Cundy was well loved and received in the UK, having been appointed in 1996. He is survived by his wife Jo, three children, and a grandson.
Bishop Frank White will assume the duties of diocesan bishop until a new appointment is made. According to Bishop White,"Bishop Ian was greatly loved in the diocese and around the country for his gentle manner, his warm acceptance of people from all walks of life and all denominations of and traditions within the Christian Church, and for his wise and perceptive counsel."
Once again it has been desmonstrated that mesothelioma affects men, women, and children of every walk of life and that the dangers of asbestos exposure apply not only to the blue collar working man as once believed.
Please visit Mesothelioma Help.net for more information on mesothelioma and new treatment options that are becoming available to combat this deadly disease.
Swine Flu and Mesothelioma Patients
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Labels:
Mesothelioma Disease,
Mesothelioma News,
Patients
With all the buzz in the media about the recent Swine Flu (H1N1) pandemic, it's easy to think that the disease is right around every corner.
While that may not be the case, it is still very important for mesothelioma patients to take precautions and to monitor their health closely. Radiation and chemotherapy that many cancer patients receive can weaken the immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases such as the H1N1 virus.
If you are a mesothelioma patient, like all other cancer patients, one thing that you've learned is survival. You have most likely been told by doctors that the number one step to fighting a disease is prevention and with the H1N1 virus, the rules are no different. While you're undergoing treatments, make sure to avoid large crowds of people and attempt to stay away from anyone with a fever or other flu symptoms. Remember that good hygiene is very important. Washing your hands before eating or touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can help to prevent the spread of the disease. If you have to come in contact with someone who has symptoms, make sure that they take precations such as a respirator or facemask.
For caregivers, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or if you believe you have come in contact with the H1N1 virus, it is best to avoid contact with your patient. If possible, find another trusted caregiver or friend to help you with your role of care. If it is absolutely necessary for you to come in contact with your patient, make sure to use a respirator, not a cheap face mask, as they do not provide the same amount of protection. Also, make sure your hands are sanitized and that you limit the amount of close contact to the minimum amount of time needed to perform your duties.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you believe that you have been exposed or are showing any of flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor.
While that may not be the case, it is still very important for mesothelioma patients to take precautions and to monitor their health closely. Radiation and chemotherapy that many cancer patients receive can weaken the immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases such as the H1N1 virus.
If you are a mesothelioma patient, like all other cancer patients, one thing that you've learned is survival. You have most likely been told by doctors that the number one step to fighting a disease is prevention and with the H1N1 virus, the rules are no different. While you're undergoing treatments, make sure to avoid large crowds of people and attempt to stay away from anyone with a fever or other flu symptoms. Remember that good hygiene is very important. Washing your hands before eating or touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can help to prevent the spread of the disease. If you have to come in contact with someone who has symptoms, make sure that they take precations such as a respirator or facemask.
For caregivers, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or if you believe you have come in contact with the H1N1 virus, it is best to avoid contact with your patient. If possible, find another trusted caregiver or friend to help you with your role of care. If it is absolutely necessary for you to come in contact with your patient, make sure to use a respirator, not a cheap face mask, as they do not provide the same amount of protection. Also, make sure your hands are sanitized and that you limit the amount of close contact to the minimum amount of time needed to perform your duties.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you believe that you have been exposed or are showing any of flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor.
New Mesothelioma Treatment Shows Promise
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Labels:
Asbestos,
Mesothelioma Disease,
Mesothelioma News,
Patients,
Treatment
NeoPlas Innovation, a clinical cancer treatment and research firm located in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced that a combination of the cholesterol medicine lovastatin and a low-dose of interferon has shown favorable results in fighting mesothelioma.
The patient was a woman who was exposed to asbestos in childhood. When she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it had already filled most of the chest space where her right lung had been. According to NeoPlast, two months after starting treatments, a CT scan showed that the cancer had stabilized and the largest of the tumors had regressed significantly in size.
It's still too early to draw full conclusions on the treatment because the testing is still in the early phases with only one patient so far.
NeoPlas is still accepting patients for the combination treatment.
For more breaking news on mesothelioma treatment, general information, and forum discussions, please visit Mesotheliomahelp.net.
The patient was a woman who was exposed to asbestos in childhood. When she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it had already filled most of the chest space where her right lung had been. According to NeoPlast, two months after starting treatments, a CT scan showed that the cancer had stabilized and the largest of the tumors had regressed significantly in size.
It's still too early to draw full conclusions on the treatment because the testing is still in the early phases with only one patient so far.
NeoPlas is still accepting patients for the combination treatment.
For more breaking news on mesothelioma treatment, general information, and forum discussions, please visit Mesotheliomahelp.net.
sbestos Linked to Larynx and Ovarian Cancers
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Labels:
Asbestos,
Mesothelioma Disease,
Mesothelioma News,
Research
Exposure to asbestos -- long associated with cancers of the lungs -- has been shown to cause some cancers of the ovary and the larynx as well, Cancer Research UK reports.
An international team of World Health Organization scientists writing in the journal Lancet Oncology said that people who have been exposed to asbestos are 1.4 times more likely to develop cancer of the larynx than those who had never been exposed.
Dr. Alison Ross, Cancer Research UK's senior science information officer said, "We already know asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma and this adds two more cancer types to the list."
An international team of World Health Organization scientists writing in the journal Lancet Oncology said that people who have been exposed to asbestos are 1.4 times more likely to develop cancer of the larynx than those who had never been exposed.
Dr. Alison Ross, Cancer Research UK's senior science information officer said, "We already know asbestos can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma and this adds two more cancer types to the list."
International Symposium on Mesothelioma Draws Near
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Labels:
Mesothelioma Disease,
Mesothelioma News,
Patients,
Treatment
The annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is now less than a month away. An annual symposium organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a charitable organization, will bring together international experts in asbestos-related cancers. patients and caregivers June 25-27 in Washington, D.C. to discuss the latest advances in mesothelioma research.
For more information on reserving your spot for one of the largest events concerning mesothelioma, its treatment, and the people involved, please visit the MARF website for
more information.
For more information on reserving your spot for one of the largest events concerning mesothelioma, its treatment, and the people involved, please visit the MARF website for
more information.
What is Mesothelioma Disease and its diagnosis
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Labels:
Mesothelioma Disease
Mesothelioma Disease
Mesothelioma disease is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It's a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year; hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live.
The diseased defined Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and also produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma disease can be defined as the cancer of the mesothelial cells which become abnormal and start dividing without any order. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium. The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. Majority of the mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.
In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma disease can again be divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.
The cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called the peritoneal mesothelioma and that affecting the “sac like” space around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at times also affects the covering layer of the testicles. However, the last two types of cases are quite rare. The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there are symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in chest/abdomen or swelling in the abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Diagnosis
After the initial X-rays and scans, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called thoracoscope and the test is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor may go for peritoneoscopy with the help of a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is cut out and placed under microscope for examination. After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma disease it is also essential to ascertain its stages i.e. whether it is in localized stage or in advanced stage.Depending on the stage of the cancer, its location and the health, age and medical history of the patient, 3 types of treatments are mated out to malignant Mesothelioma patients – surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (application of high energy rays) and chemotherapy (usage of combination of drugs). This apart, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain it out and the process is regarded as thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively. So be aware of the disease, such that you can prevent it at the very onset.
Mesothelioma disease is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It's a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year; hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live.
The diseased defined Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and also produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma disease can be defined as the cancer of the mesothelial cells which become abnormal and start dividing without any order. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium. The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. Majority of the mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.
In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma disease can again be divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.
The cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called the peritoneal mesothelioma and that affecting the “sac like” space around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at times also affects the covering layer of the testicles. However, the last two types of cases are quite rare. The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there are symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in chest/abdomen or swelling in the abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Diagnosis
After the initial X-rays and scans, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called thoracoscope and the test is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor may go for peritoneoscopy with the help of a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is cut out and placed under microscope for examination. After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma disease it is also essential to ascertain its stages i.e. whether it is in localized stage or in advanced stage.Depending on the stage of the cancer, its location and the health, age and medical history of the patient, 3 types of treatments are mated out to malignant Mesothelioma patients – surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (application of high energy rays) and chemotherapy (usage of combination of drugs). This apart, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain it out and the process is regarded as thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively. So be aware of the disease, such that you can prevent it at the very onset.
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