AboutMesothelioma.Net

Researchers Confirm Chromosome Deletion Among Mesothelioma Patients

Thursday, April 30, 2009

One of the primary reasons for the greater effectiveness of contemporary cancer treatments has come from a better understanding of the biological foundations of the tumorgeneic process itself. This research has allowed scientists to develop models that better describe the growth patterns of cancer cells, which has also allowed them to develop therapies that target specific aspects of this process. However, not all forms of cancer have yet benefitted from this type of research. In the case of malignant mesothelioma, for example, much more research is still needed to better understand its developmental biology. Physicians and researchers remain hopeful that more research will lead to more effective therapies, so investigations into its biology are being conducted in labs throughout the world.

One of the active areas of this research involves the analysis of the specific chromosomal structures within mesothelioma cells. Researchers have turned their attention to the unique patterns of translocation and deletion found in these cell types so as to learn more about the genetic changes that lead to their growth. An article on this topic, co-authored by one of the true luminaries in the treatment of mesothelioma— David Sugarbaker of Brigham & Woman’s Hospital in Boston— recently appeared in the journal Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

In the article “Chromosomal Deletion in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma,” Dr. Sugarbaker and Dr. Siyamek-Miandoab of the New York Medical College describe a study they conducted which looked at the chromosome structures of 40 patients with pleural mesothelioma. Of these patients, 22 demonstrated some evidence of deleted chromosomes, with the most common deletions listed as: 1p, 3p, 6q, 9p and 22q. Prior research has not only identified these areas as the most common among mesothelioma patients, but it has also identified 6q as the location of three separate tumor suppressor genes whose loss has been implicated in mesothelioma genesis. In this study, the authors report that deletions in 6q were the most common (15 of the 22 patients: 68%).

The authors state that greater genomic analysis of mesothelioma cells could identify new avenues of treatment for this tragic disease and they conclude their article with a call for more funding and research on this important topic.

Labels: mesothelioma, pleuralmesothelioma, treatments

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 10:15 AM
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CDC Reports That Deaths From Mesothelioma Are Still Increasing

Monday, April 27, 2009

An article in the CDC’s most recent weekly bulletin notes that deaths related to mesothelioma still seem to be on the rise in the United States. The CDC report aggregated data between 1999 and 2005 and determined that mesothelioma deaths increased every year (save one) during that time period. The CDC said it still expects deaths to level off by 2010 and then begin a slow decline after that, but the still increasing number of deaths from mesothelioma are a clear indication that the tragic history of asbestos use is still at work today.

CDC Chart: Number of Malignant Mesothelioma Deaths Among Persons Aged >25 Years (United States, 1999–2005)

1999: 2,482

2000: 2,530

2001: 2,505

2002: 2,570

2003: 2,621

2004: 2,656

2005: 2,704

Total: 18,068

Labels: mesothelioma

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 4:11 PM
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MesotheliomaHelp.net Announces Expanded Information on Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Specialists

Friday, April 24, 2009

MesotheliomaHelp.net has expanded its information section on mesothelioma and lung cancer specialists into one of the most comprehensive treatment resources available for patients with asbestos-related diseases. Our searchable, easy-to-use database contains doctor profiles and hospitals records from every state in America, making it easy for residents of California or New York, for example, to find information on the mesothelioma specialists in their area. The doctor profiles feature overviews of each physician’s practice, as well as contact information and links to the doctor’s official biography. The hospital search provides a listing of cancer centers in every state, and notes which of these centers have treatment sections on mesothelioma and lung cancer. As these diseases are best treated by specialists, we hope our doctor database will make it easier for residents of every state to find the doctors who practice close to them.

Labels: mesothelioma, treatments

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 3:02 PM
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United Nations Assures Staff That Renovations Are Safe

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The United Nations has recently assured staff members that its $2 billion dollar renovation is being conducted in a safe manner. Part of the renovation includes the removal of asbestos-laden ceiling tiles from one of its buildings and concerns had been raised by workers that the removal process was not taking all of the precautions that were necessary to protect them. A spokesperson assured everyone that not only was the company handling the abatement taking the necessary precautions, but that the UN had a hired an independent company to monitor air quality for any signs of asbestos-contaminated air.

Labels: asbestos

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 4:08 PM
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House Renovators and Home Repairmen at High Risk for Mesothelioma

Friday, April 17, 2009

Even though asbestos use is highly regulated or banned in most developed nations, it still poses serious risks to large numbers of citizens. Home renovators and repairmen are especially at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, because of the thousands of homes where asbestos was used as a filler or fire-retardant. Asbestos poses a very low risk to people when it remains in an undisturbed state, but the risks increase when the mineral is disturbed during any kind of repair or renovation. The problem is especially acute when non-professionals engage in the repairs because they do not take the necessary precautions when attempting this kind of work. Asbestos is carcinogenic at very low levels and no safe level has been documented, so stringent safety methods are required whenever one is potentially working with it.

Labels: asbestos, mesothelioma

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 10:21 AM
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Advance in Cancer Diagnosis

Monday, April 13, 2009

Researchers at Stanford University are developing a set of tests for diagnosing cancer that could lead to less invasive diagnostic methods, as well as more accurate results. Cancer is traditionally diagnosed with a tissue biopsy, where a doctor removes a selection of tissue and searches through the sample for evidence of cancerous cells. Biopsies are effective, but they are also invasive, potentially painful procedures and the results take time to process. The researchers at Stanford have developed a new test that can analyze a small drop of blood for the presence of specific proteins associated with cancer. The test is so accurate, that the research indicates it could also be used for much more effective tracking of patient progress and response to treatment.

The researchers were studying lymphomas, which are cancers of the lymph nodes, but they expect further research to show the same test would be effective for solid tumors, such as head-and-neck cancers. Much more research needs to be accomplished before this technology can be deployed on a regular basis, but it’s an excellent example of how our greater knowledge of cancer biology is leading to more effective diagnosis and treatments.

Labels: cancer, diagnosis

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 2:23 PM
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Secretary Tells Panel Museums Are Safe

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Source: Washington Post

The Secretary of the Smithsonian, G. Wayne Clough, recently assured Congress that the existence of asbestos in various Smithsonian buildings was not a safety hazard for workers or museum visitors. The Secretary’s testimony was in response to allegations that the institution failed to provide adequate warnings about the asbestos after it was a discovered that a long-time employee was diagnosed with asbestosis, a non-malignant lung disease that is caused by asbestos exposure. Secretary Clough stated that no indication of risk was observed for museum visitors. He also stated that he’s also ordered free medical screenings for any employees and volunteers of the museum who want them.

Labels: asbestos

posted by Joseph DiCastro at 10:47 AM
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