Mesothelioma Cancer Resources Blog

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is working hard at achieving their vision of being the “premier cancer center in the world” through their initiatives in the research and treatment of mesothelioma. The cancer center has over 30 specialists on staff that supports their multi-disciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma patients. Their ongoing research …

Eli Lilly and Co. announced this month that their drug Alimta has extended the life of lung cancer patients by about three months. The clinical trial findings were compared with patients who received the best treatment currently available and a placebo. The study was reported in The Lancet, a British medical journal. Alimta is approved …

University of Minnesota researchers are satisfied with the number of Iron Range workers and family members participating in their study. Researchers are trying to determine why 58 Iron Range mine workers died from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no known asbestos in the taconite mine. The University sent …

When diagnosed with mesothelioma, many patients are told by their doctors to get their affairs in order, say goodbye to their family members and friends, and prepare for their end-of-life. Unfortunately, with the grim prognosis of mesothelioma cancer – the average survival time is less than a year – doctors and patients believe this is …

Many doctors recognize that the comfort patients gain from having a clergy member present can improve the patients’ mood and outlook on their illness. Dr. David Sugarbaker, renowned thoracic surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, found that patients who have regular pastoral access recover more quickly from surgery. As a result, Dr. Sugarbaker hired a …

Once again the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) is proclaiming September 26th as Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The goal of the day is to: “bring attention to this underfunded, asbestos-related cancer through a national campaign.” The event was first offered in 2005 with only a few radio stations and cities participating. This year, almost twenty cities …

Senator Edward Kennedy was a leading political advocate for cancer research. Among other accolades he received during his distinguished career Kennedy was recognized by the American Cancer Society in 2008 with their Medal of Honor, bestowed upon Americans who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against cancer. Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer in …

Researchers are seeking 40 patients that have confirmed malignant mesothelioma, who are not candidates for surgery or radiation, to test the drug gefitinib. Gefitinib inhibits cellular growth in cancerous cells by targeting the proteins. The trade name for gefitinib is Iressa. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. The fibers …

Six oncologists from across the country have joined together to form a band with a mission to “enhance knowledge about gynecologic cancers and bring hope through rhythm for women undergoing treatment.” Their first CD eponymously titled, “N.E.D. No Evidence of Disease,” was released yesterday with all proceeds going to benefit research into gynecological cancers. The …

Mark Twain popularized the saying about the three kinds of lies: lies, damn lies and statistics. The statistics frequently cited to criticize progress in the war on cancer mask the significant progress that has been made on that front, Wall Street Journal columnist Carl Bialik notes in a recent article. Overall mortality rates — showing …