Archive for the ‘Mesothelioma Treatment’ Category

Edward C. Taylor, who invented one of the world’s most effective anti-cancer drugs, has recently contributed $1 Million to the chemistry department at Hamilton College. He and his wife Virginia decided to establish The Edward and Virginia Taylor Fund for Student/Faculty Research in Chemistry in order to inspire students interested in chemical research.

The fund will offer students the chance to explore research in organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and other divisions pertaining to chemical research.

Taylor stated, “I wanted my gift to go to chemistry for whatever purpose seemed appropriate. Research is the ideal way to become fascinated with chemistry, and summer programs are especially great for stimulating a student’s interest. I owe my lifelong fascination with chemistry to Hamilton which is why I gave my gift to the chemistry department.”

In the developmental stages of Alimta, Taylor’s Princeton lab did not have the facilities to turn the compound he synthesized into an effective medication, which is why the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Company was brought in for assistance.

The company examined the compound through several different tests and determined it was 95 to 100 percent effective on every tumor on which it was tested.

After 12 years of the combined effort between Princeton and Eli Lilly, the compound finally became the cancer medication Alimta.

According to Taylor, “The compound that became Alimta would still be in a bottle on my shelf in Princeton if it hadn’t been for all the work Lilly put into developing it through some 12 years of testing. The amount of effort, time and money required to carry a compound through the myriad of tests required makes a story in itself.”

The medication Alimta has since been on the market for four and a half years and is already the most successful new cancer drug in relation to sales. Alimta is being used in 92 countries and is the only medication approved for the treatment of mesothelioma.

In recent years, Alimta has increased the mesothelioma life expectancy for many patients around the world. It is currently in several clinical trials for breast, head, neck and thyroid cancer.

For additional information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Israeli-based MicroRNA company, Rosetta Genomics, has made a giant leap in cancer diagnosis by announcing the commercial availability of its third diagnostic test, miRview (TM) meso.

This breakthrough marks the first molecularly-based test that can accurately diagnose mesothelioma from other types of cancers found in the lung.

MicroRNAs are recently-discovered RNAs that consist of a chain of nucleotide units, each made of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar and a phosphate. Although similar to DNA, RNA is single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded. MicroRNAs provide the ability to treat and diagnose a variety of human illnesses and conditions.

One of the most devastating types of asbestos-related disease is known as malignant mesothelioma, a fatal lung ailment that is directly linked to asbestos exposure. One of the most difficult tasks for physicians that treat mesothelioma is diagnosing the illness, making the test especially important to treating the disease at an early stage of development. 

Diagnosis of the disease does not typically occur until the later stages of development have been reached, equating to a poor patient prognosis. Symptoms and warning signs of mesothelioma typically include shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss, resembling symptoms felt by other less serious conditions. Most individuals who develop mesothelioma contract the disease through occupational exposure where they inhaled airborne asbestos fibers were exposed to asbestos dust through other means while on the job.

Rosetta Genomics is one of the world’s leading developers of microRNA-based diagnostic tools that offer patients and physicians an objective method of identifying many types of cancer. The company believes that using microRNAs as biomarkers in the development of diagnostic tools will enable several advantages over other methods.

“Ruling out mesothelioma from lung cancer for individuals that were exposed to asbestos can be difficult and challenging,” noted Harvey Pass, MD, Division Chief for Thoracic Surgery and Oncology at the New York University Langone Medical Center.

The hope of early cancer detection for asbestos victims is to increase survival rates and address significant needs in the medical field for the next century. Rosetta Genomics’ efforts in leading the development of microRNA-based diagnostic tools will hopefully continue to advance future patient care and management.

“I am sure that this test will become an important tool for both oncologists and pathologists in obtaining the right diagnosis in these patients,” Pass said.

For more information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

One of the most devastating types of asbestos-related disease is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. This disease is particularly harmful due to the extreme latency period that is associated with it.

Most cases of mesothelioma take anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop, which typically results in a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma that has already reached the advanced stages.

The most commonly used treatments for malignant mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, not all patients respond the same way to these therapies, which is why scientists from universities and pharmaceutical companies are routinely conducting research on asbestos with the hope of improving treatment options for asbestos-related disease.

One such company is Alfacell, who is currently testing a product called Oncanase that works in a similar fashion to RNA interference (RNAi).

Oncanase offers a therapeutic medication based on Alfacell’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. Interesting enough, it is a natural protein taken from the leopard frog. Several studies have shown it can be used to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells throughout the body.

Researchers from the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital have also made an astounding discovery concerning a cure for mesothelioma cancer. The positive results became official when a commercial skin cancer cream was able to cure mice with advanced mesothelioma tumors.

The test requires doctors to inject the skin cancer cream Aldara into the mesothelioma tumors of patients. Aldara is a product typically applied to skin to treat basal cell carcinomas. In addition to the skin cancer cream, a stimulant drug known as anti-CD40 is injected into the tumors as well.

Experimental treatments and clinical trials are also being carried out around the world in an attempt to find a solidified cure for mesothelioma. Today, progress with mesothelioma treatment is being made at a record pace thanks to the increased amount of funds and awareness towards the disease.

Continued research on asbestos and related cancers will hopefully provide new insights on curable treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

For more information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Scientists from Ohio State University are currently analyzing how asbestos fibers form cancer in human cells. The researchers are hoping their work will contribute to new drug developments, treatments, and increase the amount of mesothelioma survivors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively cause by asbestos exposure.

To conduct the study, researchers are using atomic force microscopy to observe how a single asbestos fiber binds with a receptor protein on a cell’s surface.

According to Eric Taylor, a doctoral candidate in earth sciences at Ohio State, “We’re looking at what molecules are involved in a chain of events when the fiber touches the cell. Does the binding occur over minutes or hours and what processes are triggered?”

As of now, the study has only focused on blue asbestos (crocidolite), but the researchers hope to analyze all six forms of asbestos fiber interaction with cell surfaces. Some forms of asbestos fibers have been known to dissolve in the lungs when inhaled, while others have a history of attaching to certain cells and remaining in the body.

Steven Lower, an associate professor of earth sciences at Ohio State University, believes the research will provide data on the biological activity between asbestos fibers and cells, which should help policymakers decide what forms of asbestos are most toxic.

He says, “There seems to be something intrinsic about certain types of asbestos, blue asbestos in particular, that elicits a unique signal, and it triggers inflammation, the formation of pre-malignant cells and ultimately cancer.”

The first protein that will be studied is epidermal growth factor receptor, which exists on the surface of every human cell.

Through understanding the binding process of an asbestos fiber and an epidermal growth factor receptor, the researchers hope to figure out how they might be able to prevent and possible undo such an interaction.

The original motivation for the research was the thought of finding a way to intervene and prevent an asbestos-related disease after someone had already been exposed to asbestos. Today, clinical trials are constantly being conducted in attempt to find a cure for such diseases.

For more on asbestos and related medical information, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Debbie Brewer, who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in November 2006, will be enjoying many more holidays with her family thanks to a new treatment in Germany. At the time of her initial diagnosis, Brewer was only given a few months to survive.

Today, she’s able to spend time with her three children, Siobhan, 22, Richard, 19, and Kieran, 11. 

Brewer said, “It’s a miracle. It feels like I have been given my life back. After I was first diagnosed, the chance to see the children grow up, to see grandchildren, I thought I had lost all of it. Not even a lottery winner could feel like this. I haven’t taken it all in yet, but at the moment it is my little miracle.”

Brewer was able to afford the treatment after receiving compensation for contracting the disease. She was originally exposed to asbestos (the largest cause of mesothelioma) as a child by hugging her father after he came home from work.

Brewer first heard about the experimental treatment being carried out by Professor Thomas Vogl from her doctor, but only after she had already refused chemotherapy. She then decided to travel to The University Clinic in Frankfort, Germany and receive the treatment.

The treatment is referred to as chemoembolization and is typically used to fight liver cancer. The treatment calls for an injection directly to the tumor through a catheter.

Since starting the treatment in May, Brewer has expressed her joy because the doctors can attack the tumor without disturbing the nervous system as well.

Doctors now say her tumor has shrunk by more than half, is in remission, and will not come back at a later date. Since the arrival of good news, Brewer has started a campaign to have the treatment brought to the United Kingdom for clinical trials.

Brewer has said, “I want to give people hope. I was told for mesothelioma there is little out there, but the results in Germany are fantastic. It’s about a 60 percent success rate.”

For more information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

The Australian Government is refusing to guarantee asbestos victims compensation due to pressure from mining giant BHP Billiton. The Asbestos Victims Association is demanding full compensation for those afflicted with asbestos-related illness.

Campaigners say that companies were aware of the dangers of asbestos in 1960, but Australia’s minister has labeled 1971 as the year when companies first acknowledged the damaging components of asbestos.

Campaigner Terry Miller says the laws passed in Parliament three years ago, but the government is pushing for a later date, which leaves victims and their families with many questions.

“In May of this year he invited us to comment on a review date of 1971. We believe that it should be 1960 and we believe that would be fair. The delay just makes me angry,” Miller stated.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that has been used throughout the 20th century as a form of insulation. When its fibers become airborne, they may be inhaled and can cause lung-related illnesses, such as mesothelioma.

Mining corporate giant BHP Billiton believes it is unfair for courts to impose damage fees. In August, BHP recorded annual net profits which are considered record highs.

Although manufacturers of asbestos knew about the dreadful affects of the material, it was still used in millions of homes and buildings throughout the 20th century. Caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, the number of mesothelioma survivors is unfortunately small. Since there is no mesothelioma cure available, treatment is limited and prognosis is typically poor.

Senator Nick Xenophon is worried that the government will side with BHP. He believes the government needs to decide whether it will look out for citizens who suffer the consequence of asbestos-related disease or protect billionaire CEO’s.

Victims and families of mesothelioma are displaying great concern over these proceedings. There is a skepticism being displayed towards big government and their love for shareholders and profits.

A spokesperson for Australia’s Attorney General said any representations made, especially by BHP Billiton, will not cause constituents to change their minds. At the present time, a plan to fully compensate victims and push the date back to 1960 is still being considered by the Australian Parliament.

For information on asbestos and mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

The company Alfacell has recently announced the resignation of president, chief financial officer and corporate secretary Lawrence Kenyon. He has officially accepted another position as executive vice president of finance at Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.

However, Kenyon will continue in his position and remain on the board of directors for Alfacell until January 31, 2009.

Alfacell is the first company to take a biopharmaceutical product that works in a similar fashion to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product that is being tested is ONCANASE, which enables the development of new therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

ONCANASE offers a therapeutic medication based on Alfacell’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. Interesting enough, it is a natural protein taken from the leopard frog. Several studies have shown it can be used to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells throughout the body.

Because of their success with the medication, Alfacell has decided to proceed with a cost reduction program that is aimed to reduce all other programs and personnel costs not related to ONCANASE. This will allow them to complete and fully invest in a New Drug Application submission for ONCANASE in patients afflicted by malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly affects the lining of the lungs. However, other areas of the body that can contract the disease include the abdomen and heart. Prospective treatments for this disease are crucial for patients because there is currently no mesothelioma cure available. 

Alfacell also hopes the multiple cost reductions will position the company in a way that they will be able to continue their ONCANASE project after receiving guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since its recent success, ONCANASE has already been granted fast track status and orphan-drug designation by the U.S. FDA for mesothelioma treatment. In addition, the product has also been granted orphan-drug designation in the European Union and Australia.

For more information of mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

According to research from Milan, Italy, a study of pemetrexed plus cisplatin in patients with mesothelioma showed a significant survival benefit and higher response rate in comparison to regular cisplatin.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most commonly develops as a result of asbestos exposure. The disease is especially noted for its extreme latency period, as it can take 20 to 50 years for someone to actually experience mesothelioma symptoms.

Because of this latency period, most patients are diagnosed at a time when the disease has already reached an advanced stage of development. This is also a time when curative mesothelioma treatment options are no longer an option. In many cases, doctors can only recommend palliative treatments to help relieve the pain.

This is the reason why Santoro and his colleagues performed the study involving pleural mesothelioma patients. The study included patients receiving pemetrexed or pernetrexed in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin.

Patients with confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma, who were not amenable to curative surgery, received pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) in combination with either cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) or carboplatin AUC 5. The patients were given these doses every 21 days in addition to standard premedication.

A total of 745 patients received pemetrexed plus cisplatin and were later evaluated. Another 752 patients received pernetrexed plus carboplatin and were also evaluated. The pemetrexed plus cisplatin group revealed a positive response rate of 26.3% versus a 21.7% positive response rate for the pernetrexed plus carboplatin group. In addition, both groups shared similar 1-year survival rates (63.1% versus 64%).

The researchers concluded that the treatments of pemetrexed plus cisplatin and pernetrexed plus carboplatin have revealed successful methods to treat chemonaive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.  

The results of the study were published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology and they were reviewed at the Humanitas Clinical Institute by Santoro and his colleagues. 

For more information on mesothelioma treatment, visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is known for its durability and fire-resistant properties. The substance has been used in a wide variety of building materials, including insulation products, siding, cements, flooring, and roofing, to name a few.

When asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed, toxic asbestos fibers can be released into the air. If these microscopic fibers are inhaled or ingested, there are several different kinds of diseases that can develop. These diseases include lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, which all have a latency period ranging from 10 to 50 years.

This latency period can have a significant impact on patients diagnosed with asbestos cancer. For example, when mesothelioma symptoms and other signs of disease take several decades to appear, the disease is usually already in its latest stages of development. As a result, many patients only have the option of palliative mesothelioma treatment options rather than curative.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. The disease occurs when the fibers of asbestos become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).

In most instances, this disease takes anywhere between 20 and 50 years to develop. In addition to having difficulty with breathing and swallowing, extreme weight loss is also a side effect of malignant mesothelioma cancer.

Another form of asbestos cancer is asbestosis, which also causes intense scarring of the lungs. This disease typically develops after someone has experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos. The latency period with this disease is usually 10 to 30 years, and symptoms include breathing difficulties and a decrease in the elasticity of the lungs.

Besides mesothelioma and asbestosis, lung cancer is another disease that can develop from exposure to asbestos. However, this disease can also be enhanced by cigarette smoking and other agents. Pleural plaques are indicators or asbestos exposure as well, but these are not fatal. Instead, they are usually taken as early signs of development for other diseases.

Prognosis for these illnesses is commonly poor because patients do not have the availability of curable treatment options. For mesothelioma, the average prognosis for a patient is six months to two years. For asbestosis or lung cancer, the prognosis is usually longer, but the symptoms are much more painful. Hence the reason why more research is needed for finding a cure for these diseases.

In an effort to survive for himself, his children, and his wife, Stephen Bolon has fought mesothelioma cancer for the last two years even with all odds against him.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure most often occurs when asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed and the small, toxic fibers of asbestos break off and are inhaled or ingested.

When this happens, the fibers typically lodge themselves in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, causing pleural mesothelioma. However, other areas that are susceptible to contract the disease include the lining of the heart and abdomen.

Unfortunately with mesothelioma, the majority of patients are diagnosed when the disease has already reached an advanced stage of development. This often presents many challenges for doctors trying to treat and remove the cancer because treatment options are very limited with.

Though patients are usually relieved after receiving mesothelioma treatment, many of them are also saddened because they know the therapy they received is more palliative than it is curative. However, Bolon has good reason to be happy, as he may be the first person in Australia to be cured of malignant mesothelioma.

According to Deborah Yates, who is a respiratory physician at Sydney’s St. Vincent’s Hospital, mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, and once it’s discovered, it’s usually too late for meaningful treatment. But with the latest breakthrough in treatment, Bolon, at the age of 54, has so far defeated the cancer.

A biopsy originally reported cancer wasn’t present in his lungs at all, but a soluble mesothelin-related peptide that measured raised levels in his body told doctors otherwise.

Bolon immediately entered the hospital for surgery to remove his right lung, pleura, part of his pericardium, and part of his diaphragm. After radiotherapy and a waiting period of two years, Bolon is still healthy and cancer free.

Dr. Yates says, “We are very cautiously excited. We see so many people dying from mesothelioma and it would be wonderful if this works, it really would.”

Australia is currently at the forefront of research into mesothelioma because the country has the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the world.