Clinical Trials and Mesothelioma

A clinical trial is a process that all potential treatment options and medications go through before they are deemed safe or effective for the general population. Many patients with aggressive or treatment-resistant diseases look to clinical trials as a last hope for a cure. Many drugs and therapies that become the standard of care for a particular illness go through an extensive period of testing with clinical trials.

Stages of a Clinical Trial

There are three stages of clinical trials. Phase I trials enroll a limited number of people. They normally center around the correct dosage and relative safety of a particular drug. Phase II trials enroll more people and are used to determine if the new drug actually works against a particular illness. Phase III trials are the final phase before a drug is approved for treating a disease. During Phase III, the new drug is compared against the existing treatment. The goal during Phase III is to prove the new drug is a more effective treatment.

How to Find Out About Clinical Trials

There are a variety of resources on the Internet that list ongoing clinical trials formesothelioma, which include the qualifications for each. Those interested in participating in a clinical trial should consult their doctor. Doctors have access to all upcoming and current clinical trials, and can also help determine if a patient qualifies for a particular trial.

Patients may also want to contact the large regional cancer centers in their area, which will have access to information on clinical trials being coordinated from their hospitals.

Asbestos.com provides a comprehensive packet that includes up-to-date information with the latest developments in clinical trials. Understanding the latest progress in the world of medicine is often of interest to patients and their families, especially those who may wish to explore the option of participating in a clinical trial. To receive your complimentary packet overnight, please use this request form.

Qualifications for a Clinical Trial

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when considering participation in a clinical trial. Clinical trials typically occur in large metropolitan hospitals. It is important to know how often participants will need to see the physicians coordinating the trials and how long each visit will take, as hotel and travel expenses can add up quickly.

Not everyone qualifies for a clinical trial - this varies depending upon the participant and the trail at hand. Some clinical trials require that a patient have undergone an unsuccessful traditional treatment, while other clinical trials want patients who have not undergone any treatment for their disease.

A final factor when considering a clinical trial is the loss of control over medical treatment. In some clinical trials, referred to as randomized studies, patients receive the traditional treatment while others receive the experimental treatment. The patient does not choose which treatment they receive, nor do they likely know what treatment is being administered. There is no guarantee that a participant will receive the experimental treatment.

Despite apparent risks, the benefits of clinical trials are numerous. Without clinical trials it would be nearly impossible to judge the effectiveness of new drugs. The health care that participants receive during a clinical trial is fantastic. Careful records must be kept and extensive testing must be done to gauge the effectiveness and safety of a new therapy.

Clinical trials for mesothelioma are a vital part of the search for a cure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer with an extremely low survival rate. The patients currently involved in mesothelioma clinical trials will hopefully pave the way for a more effective treatment. Consulting with a physician about various available clinical trials should be considered at the initial diagnosis.

What to Expect at a Pre-Clinical Trial Screening

It is important to realize that not everyone who applies will be accepted into a clinical trial. The purpose of the clinical trial is to determine if a particular drug or treatment protocol is effective against a particular disease. In order to gain as much information as possible from a clinical trial, the trial coordinator will try to control the group of patients as much as possible. Some trials want patients who have not begun any treatment for their disease, others want patients who have a disease that is not responding to a current treatment.

A patient's general health will also be a consideration. While no one will argue that a patient with mesothelioma could be considered healthy, pre-screening coordinators will typically want to avoid patients with other pre-existing medical conditions as well as those taking medications for other illnesses. This is to give an accurate assessment as to the effectiveness of the treatment being tested. The more health conditions and medications that are introduced, the more likely the results of the trial will be skewed.

Sources:

1. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home

Other Treatments - Photodynamic, Gene, & Immunotherapy

Traditional cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy may be more widely used to treat mesothelioma, but alternative therapies and treatments are on the rise.

To date, few cases of mesothelioma have been cured, and it is this fact that motivates the trend toward unconventional forms of therapy. It is the hope of countless mesothelioma patients and medical professionals across the globe that other therapies will one day afford a cure for this rapacious disease.

Alternative therapies such as gene therapy, immunotherapy, and photodynamic therapy are showing promising results and may one day be considered conventional forms of mesothelioma treatment.

Gene therapy

Gene therapy aims to correct the issues caused by a defective gene by using special techniques to replace the defective copy of a gene with a copy that functions properly.

The process is performed by genetically altering a virus to carry a normal copy of the gene. The patient is 'infected' with the virus, which enters target cells and causes them to produce normal proteins. Concerning mesothelioma treatment, this therapy uses genetic material to target cancer cells to make them susceptible to chemotherapy drugs.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is another form of alternative therapy that involves the use and manipulation of an individual's immune system to assist in the fighting of disease. When applied to mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, immunotherapy fools the immune system into registering cancer cells as foreign. This directs the immune system to destroy cancer cells, while leaving normal and healthy cells undisturbed.

Active immunotherapy treatments generally encourage the immune system to fight disease. Vaccines are considered an active type of immunotherapy. Conversely, passive immunotherapy treatments use components that are created outside the body. Non-specific immunotherapy treatments are different from active and passive in that they do not involve the use of cancer cells from the patient.

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy works off the principle that normal cells and cancer cells react differently to photosensitizing drugs. This form of therapy utilizes light energy to obliterate cancer cells with the aim of leaving healthy cells mostly unaffected.

This process works by administering drugs called photosensitizers. These drugs cause cells to become sensitive to light. Upon receiving medication, treated cells are exposed to light of a particular wavelength. This causes the treated cells to produce a specific form of oxygen that is toxic to the cell, which results in the death of nearby cancer cells.

Sources:

1. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf
2. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/photodynamic

Mesothelioma Radiation

In addition to chemotherapy and surgery, radiation therapy is one of the three most commonly used treatments for mesothelioma.

Radiation therapy makes use of a type of radiation called "ionizing radiation," which is used to kill existing cancer cells and control the growth of new cancer cells. Depending on the nature of the patient's condition and their type of asbestos cancer, radiation therapy may be used as a stand-alone treatment or may be used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy.

In addition, radiation may be used either as a curative treatment or as a palliative treatment. In the latter case, the purpose of radiation therapy is not to cure the patient, but simply to provide relief from pain and other symptoms of the cancer. This is often the case for mesotheliomapatients that are prescribed radiation therapy.

There are three main types of radiation therapy: external beam radiotherapy, unsealed source radiation therapy, and brachytherapy. In most cases, only external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy are used to treat mesothelioma. The type of radiation treatment a patient receives depends on several factors, including the type of mesothelioma, the stage of the disease, and whether other treatment options are also viable.

External Beam Radiotherapy

External beam radiotherapy is the most common type of radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. During this procedure, the patient sits or lies down to expose the area that requires treatment, and an external source of radiation is directed at the treatment area.

Over the course of a series of treatments, mesothelioma tumors are bombarded with radiation to kill cancer cells and limit the growth and spread of these cells. However, in most cases involving mesothelioma, radiation therapy is not able to completely eradicate all tumor cells. As such, this type of therapy is usually given to provide the patient with some relief from pain and other symptoms associated with mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath and coughing.

Due to the nature of the treatment, it is common for healthy tissue near the treatment area to be affected by radiation. This damage causes side effects such as skin irritation, pain near the treatment site, digestive problems, and difficulty swallowing.

External beam radiotherapy is rarely effective as a stand-alone treatment for mesothelioma and is most often used in conjunction with chemotherapy or surgery.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy, also known as sealed source radiation therapy, is a procedure that involves the implantation of tiny radioactive rods in or near tumors of mesothelioma and other types of cancer such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancer. This treatment method allows the delivery of a highly-concentrated and closely targeted dose of radiation to mesothelioma tumors that might be resistant to other types of radiation therapy.

This type of radiation therapy is beneficial because it causes little damage to healthy cells surrounding the affected area and is less invasive than traditional radiation.

Patients with mesothelioma may receive either temporary or permanent brachytherapy treatment. For temporary treatment, radioactive seeds are placed within tumors for a short time and are then removed. In the case of permanent treatment, the seeds are not removed, but are simply left within tumors and eventually cease the emission of radiation.

Unsealed Source Radiation Therapy

Treatment with unsealed source radiation involves the administration of soluble forms of radioactive substances. This type of treatment is administered either orally or via injection, but is only used to treat very specific types of cancer. For example, patients with thyroid cancer are often treated with a solution of radioactive iodine.

One major disadvantage of unsealed source radiation therapy is that people who receive this treatment are considered to be radioactive for the duration of the treatment and for several weeks after - this means they can actually pose a health risk to other people. Note that this is not a treatment that is used for patients with mesothelioma.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
3. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
4. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf
5. http://www.americanbrachytherapy.org/aboutBrachytherapy/BrachyFAQFinal2.pdf

Mesothelioma & Surgery

Surgical procedures involved in the treatment and diagnosis of mesothelioma are divided into three main categories:

• Diagnostic surgery is used to confirm whether or not cancer is present and where it is located. This is typically non-invasive.
• Curative surgery is carried out with the intention of removing as much cancer as possible with hopes of curing the patient. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy is often administered following curative surgery.
• Palliative surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue and is used to provide symptomatic relief, but does not offer a cure.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a diagnostic surgical procedure in which suspected cancer cells are removed and tested to determine whether they are cancerous. There are three types ofbiopsy procedures: core biopsy, excisional biopsy, and needle aspiration biopsy. Core biopsy is generally not used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Excisional biopsy involves an operation to determine how far the mesothelioma cancerhas spread. Rather than only remove a portion of the suspected cancerous tissue, this biopsy typically removes as much tissue as possible to prevent the spread of asbestos cancer.

Needle aspiration biopsy uses a very long needle to remove a small sample of cells from the area where cancer is suspected. The cells are then tested for the presence of mesothelioma.

If a biopsy reveals that mesothelioma is present in the body, many patients have a lot of questions about the next steps to take after diagnosis. Our complimentary packet includes all the information on our Web site as well as additional information about surgery and treatment options. Patients and loved ones may receive this packet overnight by using this form.

Thoracentesis

Thoracentesis is used to diagnose patients who have suspected pleural mesothelioma, and may also be used as a palliative surgical treatment for pleural mesothelioma patients who are suffering from the effects of a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

During a thoracentesis, a very long, hollow needle is inserted into the pleural spaces of the lungs and fluid is removed through the needle. This process is performed under a local anesthetic. If the procedure is used for diagnostic purposes, the doctor may order chest x-rays before the operation to determine the best location from which to extract samples. After the process, the fluid is sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing.

Pleurodesis

Pleurodesis is a palliative surgical treatment option for those coping with pleural mesothelioma. This procedure is performed in order to prevent a side effect of pleural mesothelioma, called pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid in the lungs, which can cause considerable pain and breathing difficulties.

During a pleurodesis, the pleural spaces are first drained of fluid and then treated with a talc-like chemical that causes inflammation. This causes the pleural spaces to "close up," thus preventing further fluid buildup.

Paracentesis

Paracentesis involves the removal of fluid that has built up in the abdominal cavity of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. This fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity can cause considerable pain and discomfort due to the pressure the fluid places on internal organs. During a paracentesis procedure, the fluid is removed through a long, hollow needle that is inserted into the abdomen.

Note that Paracentesis is a type of palliative surgery; it provides relief from some of the symptoms of mesothelioma, but it cannot provide a cure.

Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy is a generic term that refers to lung surgery that may be performed on patients with pleural mesothelioma. There are three main types of thoracotomy procedures: wedge resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.

In cases where only small, localized tumors are present, a wedge resection may be performed to remove the tumor, while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible intact. In a lobectomy, one or more of the five lobes of the lungs are removed. The third option is a pneumonectomy, in which an entire lung is removed.

Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a procedure that may be used as a diagnostic measure for patients suspected of having pleural mesothelioma or another lung disease. During this procedure an incision is made in the chest, and a long, thin tube is inserted into the pleural spaces of the lungs, enabling a doctor or surgeon to examine the pleura. Samples of suspected mesothelioma cancer cells are then removed to be tested for cancerous characteristics.

Sources:

1. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
2. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf
3. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003416.htm
4. http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/biopsy.htm
5. http://www.webmd.com/brain/paracentesis-17042
6. http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/pleuraleffusion/treatment.shtml
7. http://www.impmeso.org/pleurodesis/c28_p24/Mesothelioma_Treatments/Traditional_Treatments/ Mesothelioma_Surgery/Pleural_Mesothelioma/Pleurodesis.html
8. http://cancer.about.com/od/lungcancersurgery/p/pneumonectomy.htm
9. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/23692.html
10. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003420.htm

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Generally, chemotherapy drugs work by targeting specific processes in cells that are undergoing rapid division and growth, preventing cell division, resulting in the death of the cancerous cells. Unfortunately, these drugs are not highly specific, and in addition to killing cancerous cells, chemotherapeutic drugs also kill healthy cells, such as those involved in hair growth.

In terms of mesothelioma treatment, several options for chemotherapy are available. Most chemotherapy drugs have specific side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, and increased vulnerability to infection. Any symptoms experienced while undergoing treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs should be reported to the doctor.

Many mesothelioma patients will consider chemotherapy as a treatment option. Understanding the various chemotherapy options and available treatments often helps patients and their loved ones make the best decision for their personal situation. We offer a comprehensive packet detailing treatment and chemotherapy options and information about the side effects of the treatment, providing patients and family members with the most current information available. Click here to receive this packet overnight.

Evaluating Chemotherapy Options

Deciding which chemotherapy option is the best treatment for specific mesotheliomacases depends on a number of factors, including the type of mesothelioma, the stageof the disease, and other treatment being administered. Factors such as overall physical health and age are also taken into consideration when detailing a chemotherapy treatment plan.

Currently more than 100 chemotherapy drugs are on the market but only a handful are deemed appropriate for fighting mesothelioma. In most cases, doctors treating mesothelioma patients recommend combination therapy - the tandem use of two different chemotherapy drugs. These combinations have been proven to be the most successful in the fight against mesothelioma. .

All treatment options will be thoroughly discussed with the patient's cancer doctorbefore a decision is made. Patients should provide a full disclosure of their medical history, including details of any prescriptions and over-the-counter medications being taken to ensure treatment is administered with the most appropriate chemotherapeutic agent.

Currently, the most common chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include Alimta(the only FDA-approved drug specifically designed for the treatment of mesothelioma),Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Onconase, Gemcitabine, and Navelbine. The medications are usually administered conventionally (by IV or pill form), or may be used in a newer treatment method called heated chemotherapy.

Can Chemotherapy Cure Mesothelioma?

Currently, there is no proven cure for mesothelioma. However, chemotherapy can help control symptoms and shrink tumors and is largely used as a palliative measure to help improve the patient's quality of life. The development of combination treatments has proved successful in achieving longer survival rates and researchers continue to look for new ways to fight this aggressive disease.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may find solace in reading “Lean on Me – Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes,” a touching story by Lorraine Kember who recounts her husband’s journey with mesothelioma in this emotional and informative book. For your complimentary copy, please use this form or visit the “Support Book” link to the right for more information.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
3. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
4. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Chemotherapy_29.asp?sitearea=
5. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

What You Need to Know about a Mesothelioma Law Suit, Mesothelioma Law and a Mesothelioma Law Firm

There is some important information you should be aware of if you are considering pursuing a Mesothelioma Law Suit. Prior to pursuing a Mesothelioma Law Suit you should seek advice from a reputable Mesothelioma Law Firm and gain an understanding of Mesothelioma Law.

A Mesothelioma Law suit can be costly, but it can also provide you with adequate compensation that will help cover your legal, medical and ongoing expenses, related to your Mesothelioma Cancer.

Previously, there have been cases in which the Mesothelioma Cancer sufferers have received thousands of dollars in compensation for their diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, due to exposure to an Asbestos related substance.

Currently, Mesothelioma Law is favorable towards Mesothelioma Cancer sufferers, who have been exposed to an Asbestos related substance through their work environment and companies are required to compensate their present, or previous employees for non-disclosure of the risks involved with handling an Asbestos related substance.

Mesothelioma Law works on the premise that this exposure to an asbestos related substance without prior knowledge has lead to the injury, or sometimes death of the Mesothelioma sufferer.

In almost all cases, whether indicated as injury, or death, the sufferer of Mesothelioma Cancer has had their life span considerable shortened, due to this exposure to an asbestos related substance.

Due to the legal processes of conducting a Mesothelioma Law suit, anyone who has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer and suspect, or know, that they were exposed to an asbestos related substance in the past, during their working life, should seek legal advice immediately.

Beginning your Mesothelioma Law suit early will ensure that you acquire adequate compensation in time to help with your medical expenses and ongoing support and treatment.

In order to begin a Mesothelioma Law suit you will need to find an experienced Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, that can usually be found at a reputable Mesothelioma Law Firm.

It is important that you disclose all information surrounding your Mesothelioma Cancer, including your diagnosis and prognosis, to your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, as this will help them to form a solid Mesothelioma Law suit for your case.

You should also try to provide your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer with details pertaining to the period in which your exposure occurred, who you where working for at the time and any details regarding whether you had prior knowledge of your exposure.

All information surrounding your Mesothelioma Cancer is important and will ensure that your Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer, will be successful in your Mesothelioma Law suit. So, if you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, seek appropriate legal advice. 

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Exposure to asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that involves the mesothelium, or cells that line an organ, abdominal organs, usually the lungs, and heart. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, where the malignant tumors form on the pleura, the sac that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma affect the peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining) and the pericardium (which is lining around the heart).

Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos mesothelioma is a fibrous mineral known to be carcinogenic. People who are exposed to asbestos fibers for just a short period of time (few weeks) or even to a small amount may be at risk. In particular, people working with asbestos and their family members or those who live with them develop mesothelioma. There is a long latency period between initial exposure to asbestos and the development of malignant tumors. On average, 35-40 years elapse before the onset of disease.

The early symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble pneumonia, including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, chest and abdominal pain. Often, there is fluid buildup between the pleura and chest cavity (called pleural effusions), which leads to dyspnea (shortness of breath) and sometimes pain. Some people may not have any symptoms.

Treatment for mesothelioma cancer can be surgery to remove the tumors, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the three. Depending on the person’s health, time of diagnosis, and other factors, the survival rate is about four to 12 months from the onset of symptoms. However, occasionally people may live longer.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich Proposes Asbestos Reduction Bill

A proposal introduced by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) and four other congressmen has paved the way for the World Bank to finalize a new policy that will significantly decrease the use of asbestos in new construction projects for developing countries.

Representatives hope this effort will increase awareness of the health risks associated with occupational asbestos exposure. The policy will not only install new regulations on asbestos use, but will provide an overview of eco-friendly alternatives available in the market, a list of procedures to minimize the risks of workers, and the safe removal and disposal of asbestos from all work sites.

Initially proposed in 2006, Congressman Kucinich’s efforts were stonewalled by the previous presidential administration. In March, Kucinich sent a formal letter to World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, questioning the delay in action.

“Asbestos is a highly toxic material that has no place in construction projects here or anywhere else, especially when viable alternatives are available. This guidance will reduce exposure and permanent lung damage to citizens and workers around the world,” stated Kucinich.

The asbestos scandal has a long history of corporations and governments doing little to prevent innocent workers and civilians from exposure. Thousands of American workers were exposed to asbestos during the twentieth century, with no indication as to the risks they were facing. Recent studies estimate that approximately 3,000 different types of commercial products still include asbestos.

Claiming more people than any other work-related disease, mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer which develops through exposure to asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers which may cause cells to undergo changes that may result in cancer. With limited treatment and a short survival window, mesothelioma diagnosis usually results in an average survival rate of less than one year.

Congressman Kucinich has a history of battling corporations involved in the asbestos scandal. It was he who stepped up to negligent corporations who regularly bury evidence to protect themselves from lawsuits brought by those who passed away from occupational asbestos exposure. The efforts of Congressman Kucinich and the Asbestos Reduction Bill will hopefully create a more transparent and open discussion in regards to asbestos legislation.

“Global asbestos use is on the rise at the very time it should be eliminated. This report is a necessary first step toward reversing that trend,” added Kucinich

Mesothelioma Treatment for Libby Residents Remains Funded by W.R. Grace

W.R. Grace & Company has recently announced their renewal of a $250,000 donation to the St. John’s Lutheran Hospital in Libby, Montana. Grace, who operated an asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mine in the area, is contributing the donation for the tenth consecutive year.

St. John’s is a charitable medical facility that provides healthcare to all the residents of South Lincoln County. Over the past 10 years, the donations have accumulated to more than $2 million and have been used to establish a clinic for those affected by asbestos-related diseases.

One such illness is malignant mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. This particular cancer usually affects the lining of the lungs, but it can also occur in the lining of the heart and abdomen.

In addition to establishing a clinic, the donations have been used to train medical staff, purchase equipment and treat those with medical conditions. New devices for a state-of-the-art laboratory have been purchased as well.

St. John’s CEO Bill Patten recently said, “As the sole hospital in the area, we have had to continually increase our services to meet the needs of the community. We are thankful to Grace for its financial support over the past 10 years.”

Grace also funds another medical program for current and former residents of Libby suffering from asbestos-related conditions. Grace has contributed more than $17 million to the Libby Medical Program, which has over 1,000 patients enrolled.

According to the Libby Medical Program’s Web site, “Libby Medical Program became effective on April 3, 2000 and was created to provide former employees of the Grace Libby Mine and Mill, their dependents and others who live (or lived) in the Libby area, who suffer from asbestos-related conditions and illnesses, with medical care coverage for medical treatment necessary to treat those conditions and illnesses.”

In a recent trial, a jury acquitted Grace and three of its former executives of knowingly exposing mine workers and Libby residents to asbestos. With annual sales of more than $3 billion, Grace employs about 6,200 workers and operates in more than 40 different countries.

Senator Tester Proposes Asbestos Cleanup Plan for Libby

Senator Jon Tester has suggested a new plan that will help clean up the town of Libby, Montana and promote better health care for victims of asbestos exposure.

The town of Libby is the site where W.R. Grace & Company operated a toxic vermiculite mine that was contaminated with asbestos. Outside of the mine, asbestos contaminated nearly every part of the town, including fields, roads and even playgrounds. Asbestos also reached the yards of people’s homes as W.R. Grace would often provide asbestos-contaminated soil for those that wanted to use it in their gardens.

During a recent hearing, Tester asked Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administer Lisa Jackson to join the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and work to eliminate asbestos contamination throughout the community. Tester told Jackson the joint effort would be “a giant step forward in meeting some of the challenges that occur in Libby.”

Since the official closing of the mine in 1990, more than 200 Libby residents have passed away from asbestos-related diseases such as malignant mesothelioma and nearly 2,000 have become sick. The entire community is now a Superfund site.

After hearing Tester’s new plan, Senator Dianne Feinstein offered to help, saying, “Why don’t we work together on some report language for the bill, which essentially would mandate the EPA to really do what Senator Tester has just suggested: take a new look at it, and give us some findings.”

Tester’s statement also stressed to Jackson that “The situation in Libby is serious enough that it demands your personal attention. And immediate attention.”

Earlier this year, Jackson agreed to visit Libby at the request of Montana Senator Max Baucus, who has been an advocate for asbestos victims in Libby for quite some time.

According to Baucus, “The folks of Libby mean a lot to me. I’ve been there more than 20 times since 1999 and what’s happened there is wrong. Cleaning up Libby, getting folks the health care they deserve and helping the town rebuild its economy and its future is of utmost importance. And you can bet Jon and I will keep EPA’s feet to the fire to make sure that happens.”

Mesothelioma Treatments

There are several types of treatment available for patients with mesothelioma, some recommended more frequently than others. The most commonly used treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In addition, some experimental treatments are becoming more widely used, or are showing some encouraging results in clinical trials. These treatments include photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, among others.

Most of these treatments are not used in isolation. In many cases, treatment may consist of a combination of therapies. For example, surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible may be followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy to remove residual cancer cells. This is one of the most common treatment options for mesothelioma among those who are candidates for surgery.

A number of alternative therapies can also be combined with traditional treatment options. Many patients choose to add alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, or TENS therapy to their conventional treatment approach in an effort to enhance or compliment the treatment process. A variety of alternative therapies, including aromatherapy, meditation, or yoga, are often added to a treatment regimen to provide pain relief and foster relaxation.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is likely you’re interested in the various treatment options available. Working with your doctor to create the best treatment plan is an important step. Knowing what the treatment plan will do to help treat the cancer often helps patients and their families understand the process and feel more comfortable. We offer a complimentary informative packet that includes all the information on our Web site and additional information about available treatment options that you may take with you continually educate yourself and those around you about mesothelioma. Click here to receive your packet overnight.

Mesothelioma Cure

Mesothelioma is regarded as a highly aggressive cancer, as this disease is exceptionally resistant to current treatment methods. Though a number of treatments are available to mesothelioma patients, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, these options are known to only offer palliative relief - not a cure.

5-Year Survival Rates for Mesothelioma.

A number of scientific studies and clinical trials have worked tirelessly to find a cure for mesothelioma to no avail. Those versed in the politics of cancer research posit that since mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, little financial funding has been allotted to support the search for a cure. Hence, the hope for a mesothelioma cure is undeniably reliant upon increased funding to support research efforts.

Thankfully, the general public is becoming increasingly aware of mesothelioma. As more people and specific interest groups recognize the critical need to support research for a mesothelioma cure, funding will undoubtedly increase and this cancer may start to receive financial support that contends with the nation's most recognized forms of cancer. Once adequate funding for research becomes available, the hope for a cure will become a more tangible reality to mesothelioma sufferers across the globe.

Surgery

Surgical treatments for mesothelioma include three main types - diagnostic surgery, curative surgery, and palliative surgery. Some types of surgery fall into more than one category.

Surgery can only be performed during mesothelioma stages I and II.

For example, thoracentesis may be used as a diagnostic procedure, and as a palliative treatment to provide symptomatic relief. Only curative surgery can potentially remove all cancer from a patient with mesothelioma.

However, for curative surgery to be effective, it is particularly important that mesothelioma be diagnosed as early as possible. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is not usually diagnosed until it reaches Stage III or IV, when surgery is not an option.

Chemotherapy

Most forms of chemotherapy involve the intravenous administration of drugs such as Alimta and Cisplatin. Chemotherapeutic drugs are targeted to kill cells that are rapidly dividing by interfering with processes that occur during cell division.

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment option but comes with unpleasant side effects.

However, while cancer cells themselves divide rapidly, so do some types of healthy cells, causing some of the unpleasant side effects that are often associated with this form of treatment. Though older chemotherapy medications seemed to do little to fight mesothelioma, newer chemotherapy drugs are showing much promise.

A relatively new form of chemotherapy called heated chemotherapy is an option for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

This treatment is carried out following surgery, and involves the perfusion of heated chemotherapeutic medications into the peritoneum.

Radiation

Radiation therapy, or "ionizing radiation", is used to kill cancer cells and to limit the spread of cancer. For patients with mesothelioma, radiation therapy is most often used in conjunction with surgery.

Radiation is often used in conjunction with surgery.

However, in some cases radiation may be used as a stand-alone treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with mesothelioma. In either case, it is rare for radiation therapy to provide more than short-term symptomatic relief.

Mesothelioma patients may receive one of two types of radiation therapies, depending on whether or not they are suitable candidates for either procedure.

External beam radiation therapy is the traditional type of radiation therapy, where tumors are bombarded with beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. Brachytherapy is a newer type of radiation treatment. It involves tiny radioactive rods which are implanted within a tumor to provide a strong, concentrated dose of radiation to tumors while doing very little damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a highly specialized and specific form of treatment that is most often used to treat skin cancers, some types of lung cancer, and pleural mesothelioma.

Photodynamic therapy uses light energy to kill cancer cells.

However, this treatment is usually unsuitable for patients with metastasized cancer; it is most effective in patients who have localized disease.

This type of therapy involves the use of light energy to kill cancer cells. In photodynamic therapy treatment, the patient is given an intravenous solution of a medication that makes cancer cells highly sensitive to a particular kind of light.

One to three days after this treatment, the patient is exposed to the light, and cancer cells that have absorbed the medication are killed.

Gene therapy involves using genetic material to specifically target cancer cells and make them more vulnerable to chemotherapy treatment.

"Suicide Gene Therapy" is the most popular form of gene thearpy being used.
The main type of gene therapy being developed for use in mesothelioma patients is called "suicide gene therapy," because it forces cancer cells to produce substances that cause their death.

When undergoing this type of gene therapy, the patient is treated with a non-infectious virus that has been altered with genetic material that makes them produce a particular protein.

Following this procedure, the patient is then treated with a chemotherapeutic medication that is specially formulated to be toxic only to cancer cells. This type of therapy has produced some promising results for mesothelioma patients, but it is still only available through clinical trials.

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment in which the patient's own immune system is 'tricked' into killing cancer cells. A healthy, normally-functioning immune system does not kill cancer cells, because even though these are diseased cells, the immune system is unable to recognize them as being harmful.

There are two main types of immunotherapy: active and passive. In active immunotherapy, mesothelioma cancer cells are removed from a patient and then treated in a laboratory to turn them into a vaccine. Following this laboratory treatment, the patient is injected with the vaccine and if the treatment is successful, the patient's immune system recognizes the vaccine as a harmful substance, thus recognizing the cancer as being harmful as well.

Passive immunotherapy is somewhat different in that it does not attempt to activate the patient's immune system. Instead, it uses substances such as cytokines (molecules that direct and regulate the immune system) and other agents to help boost the patient's immune response to their cancer.

The resources at Asbestos.com are here to serve and benefit those affected by asbestos exposure. One of the site's main goals is to provide help and assistance to those coping with asbestos-related disease, and this includes informative materials that can be mailed directly to you.

To learn even more about the range of treatment options available to mesothelioma patients, please fill out the form on the right to receive a comprehensive information packet. You can also call 800-615-2270 with any questions or concerns - our well-informed staff is ready and eager to offer assistance on a wide range of relating issues

Additional Resources

We provide extensive resources to educate and benefit those affected by asbestos exposure. One of our main goals is to provide help and assistance to those coping with asbestos-related disease, and we offer a complimentary comprehensive packet that can be mailed directly to you overnight. The packet allows you to take our Web site and additional educational information with you to share with your family wherever you go.

To learn more about the range of treatment options available to mesothelioma patients, please fill out this form to receive your packet. Our Patient and Family Advocates are also happy to answer any questions or address concerns you may have over the phone. To speak with an educated representative, please call 800-615-2270.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
3. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
4. http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf
5. http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetherapy.shtml
6. http://marf.org/Documents/SymSlides/Steven%20Albelda,%20MD%20WM.pdf
7. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/photodynamic
8. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/gemcitabine.html
9. http://www.drugs.com/mtm/navelbine.html

Mesothelioma Support

No one should have to battle mesothelioma on their own. Anyone who has been diagnosed with this disease benefits from a large support network made up of family, friends, doctors, nurses, and others who truly care about the patient.

Dealing with Symptoms and Side Effects

The first hurdle a mesothelioma victim often encounters is difficulty in dealing with symptoms of the disease. These symptoms, which can be very debilitating, compromise quality of life and can make it difficult to carry on with normal activities. Similarly, dealing with the side effects of treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can be life-changing. Though the treatments are certainly designed to help the patient battle the disease, they can weaken the body and the spirit.

Pain management can be difficult for mesothelioma sufferers as well, but keeping pain under control is essential to maintaining quality of life. Doctors and other healthcare providers will offer suggestions such as medications and other therapies that will lessen pain.

Friends and family can also assist in helping the patient deal with the affects of symptoms and cancer treatments by offering assistance with tasks, chores, and other responsibilities the victim can no longer handle. This is often the best way to help.

New Feelings

The newly diagnosed mesothelioma patient will also have numerous personal issues to handle. No doubt, feelings after diagnosis will be confusing, such as anger, guilt, and denial, and the patient will need to make decisions about continuing work, about how and when to tell family and friends about the disease, and about after-life issues including wills and DNRs. These practical issues and relationship issues can often be the hardest to deal with, and healthcare providers, psychologists, psychiatrists, clergy, and other counselors are on hand to help. Asking for support is expected and is not a sign of weakness.

The disease, its pain and symptoms, treatments, and difficult personal issues all result in one particular feeling - stress. Even if the patient was relaxed and easy-going in the past, stress will likely be a new part of his or her life after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Dealing with stress is essential and everyone does this differently. Common ways to conquer stress are with alternative therapies such as meditation or massage and sometimes by the use of prescription anti-anxiety medications. What works best will largely depend on the patient, but many options are available.

Help for the Caregiver

For the caregiver of a mesothelioma patient, life will change drastically. This person will not only work tirelessly to physically tend to the mesothelioma sufferer, but will also be involved in numerous decisions about this person and their disease. And when the caregiver is no longer able to function in that role, he or she will need to make choices as to hospice care and other alternatives. It's a stressful role, but assistance is available from the patient's healthcare team as well as through counselors and support groups made up of persons playing a similar role in life.

Ask for Help

Whether you're the mesothelioma patient or the caregiver, you can find support in many different places. Take a few moments to browse through the support section to locate answers to your concerns. Remember, no one has to face mesothelioma alone.

Sources:

1. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/end-of-life-care
2. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/MBC_2x_OtherEffects.asp
3. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3x_Anxiety_and_Fear.asp?sitearea=MBC
4. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MBC/content/MBC_2_3X_Depression.asp?sitearea=MBC

Mesothelioma Incidence and Trends in Australia

Australia has one of the highest incidences of mesothelioma in the world, largely due to its extensive use and mining of asbestos, including one of the most toxic forms - crocidolite. Since about 1980, the government of Australia has been keeping track of mesothelioma cases and also mandates that any cancer diagnosis be reported to the proper tracking authorities, namely the National Cancer Statistics Clearinghouse, which is maintained by the Institute of Health and Welfare.

In May 2008, the Australian Safety and Compensation Council released a report that focuses on the incidence of mesothelioma from 1980 until 2004, the last year for which complete and accurate statistics are currently available. Aside from providing general numbers as to the incidence of mesothelioma in Australia, the report also breaks down the information for each state and territory and provides projections for the future.

Overall Totals

The aforementioned report notes that 596 new cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed in Australia in 2004. In 1982, only 156 cases were reported. In a little more than two decades, the number of cases increased by about 400 percent. The only year with more cases reported was 2003, when doctors diagnosed 640 new cases of the disease.

Men accounted for 80 to 90 percent of all new cases of the disease throughout the years since registries have been in place. In 2004, the age group with the most new cases of mesothelioma reported was men age 75-79. The highest rates among females occurred in that same age group.

Furthermore, the incidence of new cases of mesothelioma per 100,000 members of the population has also increased throughout a 25-year time period, from 1.2 cases in 1982 to 2.9 cases in 2004. In 2004, the age-specific incidence rate of new cases for males peaked in the 85+ year age group at 47.7 cases per 100,000, the report notes.

Deaths from mesothelioma were reported at 416 in 1997 and 522 in 2005. Men account for about 90 percent of these deaths and the rates continue to rise.

Incidence by State/Territory

Many of Australia's states publish state-specific reports on mesothelioma and other cancers. The number of new cases of mesothelioma reported each year was by far the highest in the state of New South Wales (NSW). This makes sense as NSW is the most populated area of the country and includes the capital city of Sydney. Behind NSW as far as number of cases is concerned is Victoria, followed closely by Queensland and Western Australia.

Technically, however, Western Australian has the highest rate per capita of mesothelioma though not the highest reported number of cases. That's because Western Australia is the home of the town of Wittenoom, a small enclave where dangerous crocidolite asbestos was mined since the 1930s. Situated in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, 20,000 people once lived and worked in Wittenoom, surrounded by blue asbestos dust. More than 1,000 have died, and today the town has been literally wiped off the map by the government. About eight residents remain, living in squalor with no government services provided to them. Those remaining maintain that they are not in danger.

Future of Mesothelioma in Australia

Government experts believe that because mesothelioma has such a long latency period - often 20 to 50 years, incidence of the disease in Australia will not peak until after 2010, perhaps as late as 2017. In total, about 18,000 cases are expected by the year 2020, according to a University of Sydney study.

Mesothelioma Staging Systems

For many decades, doctors have been addressing the seriousness of particular cancers in terms of stages. Throughout the years, various staging systems have been developed to assist cancer doctors in determining diagnosis and the best form of treatment for the individual patient.

There are three popular staging systems used to examine the extent of pleural mesothelioma. Since other forms of mesothelioma are even less common than the occurrence of pleural mesothelioma, there currently are no formal staging systems for other forms of this aggressive cancer (although they can be applied if desired). Each of the three different staging systems measure various factors of malignant mesothelioma, including the extent of the tumor (primary mass), the metastasis (spreading), and the involvement of the lymph nodes.

The knowledge of what particular stage a patient is in after they are diagnosed with mesothelioma greatly affects what treatment options are recommended by doctors. We offer a personalized comprehensive packet that details the various stages of mesothelioma and available treatment options and we can cater this information to meet a patient’s specific situation.

Butchart System

The Butchart System is the oldest staging system for malignant mesothelioma and is the one most commonly used by doctors and specialists to diagnose and treat malignant mesothelioma. The Butchart System is based on the tumor size (mass) and divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:

* Stage 1 - Malignant mesothelioma has affected the right or left side of the chest cavity (pleural lining) and may be seen in the diaphragm.
* Stage 2 - Malignant mesothelioma has been found in the pleura on both sides of the body and may have also moved into the heart, stomach, or esophagus on both sides. Lymph nodes may be affected.
* Stage 3 - Malignant mesothelioma has reached the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Lymph nodes past the chest may be affected.
* Stage 4 - Malignant mesothelioma has reached other organs and has entered the blood stream.

TNM System

The TNM System is a more modern staging system for malignant mesothelioma. The TNM System is based on the extent of the tumor, metastasis, and lymph node involvement. Again, the TNM System divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:

* Stage 1 - Malignant mesothelioma is present in the left or right chest cavity (pleura) and may have metastasized to the lung, the sac around the heart (pericardium) or the diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes at stage 1 are not involved.
* Stage 2 - Malignant mesothelioma has reached from one side of the chest cavity to a lymph node near the lung area on the same side as the cancer. The cancer has metastasized to the diaphragm, pericardium (sac around the heart), or the lung on the same side as the primary tumor.
* Stage 3 - Malignant mesothelioma has penetrated the chest lining, heart, esophagus, muscle, ribs and vital organs within the chest cavity on the same side as the cancer. Lymph nodes may or may not be involved during this stage.
* Stage 4 - Malignant mesothelioma has metastasized to the pleural area and the lymph nodes on the opposite side of where the cancerous tumor is located. It may also have reached the chest cavities or lungs on both sides, or may have spread to the abdomen.

Brigham System

The Brigham System is the most modern of the three malignant mesothelioma staging systems. The Brigham System looks at different variables such as the involvement of the lymph nodes and the surgical ability to remove a malignant mesothelioma tumor (respectability). For this reason, it is not used very often to stage mesothelioma, as the cancer is rarely operable. The Brigham System divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:

* Stage 1 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is still resectable (able to be removed surgically) and the lymph nodes are not affected.
* Stage 2 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is still resectable, but the lymph nodes are now affected.
* Stage 3 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is not resectable and the malignant mesothelioma has penetrated the heart, chest wall, abdominal cavity or diaphragm. Lymph nodes may or may not be affected.
* Stage 4 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is not resectable and has completely metastasized (spread throughout the body).

Process of Staging Malignant Mesothelioma

When mesothelioma is diagnosed by a physician or specialist, they must determine the extent of the cancer and how far it has spread. Most often, they will use imaging procedures to see inside the chest or abdomen to help determine the staging of the malignant mesothelioma. The imaging options physicians may use include:

* Chest x-ray
* CT scan of the chest and/or abdomen
* MRI scan of the chest and/or abdomen
* PET scan of the chest and/or abdomen

Once the doctor is able to determine the stage of the mesothelioma, they will be able to formulate a plan for treatment and provide a prognosis.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that affects the thin tissue layer surrounding the body's internal organs, called the mesothelium. The cancer is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
How Many and What Type of Malignant Mesothelioma Deaths Occurred in 1999.

Medical professionals divide malignant mesothelioma into various types depending on which area of the mesothelium is affected:

* Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, affecting the lining of the lungs, called the pleura.
* Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of the cancer and develops in the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum.
* Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium.
* Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of the cancer and develops in the membranous lining surrounding the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms

Patients with malignant mesothelioma generally do not display any symptoms until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos occurs. This is due to the long latency period (the amount of time it takes for a patient to demonstrate symptoms after initial exposure to a disease-causing agent) associated with mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma are very general and often resemble less serious conditions, which can make diagnosis difficult.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma a patient has, but the most common symptoms expressed by pleural mesothelioma patients include shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may display symptoms such as abdominal swelling, changes in bowel movement and development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma may experience heart palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing and fever or night sweats. Testicular mesothelioma patients may notice testicular lumps.

Asbestos.com offers a complimentary informational packet personalized to a patient’s specific mesothelioma diagnosis. With information about the cancer, treatment options and top doctors, many patients and their loved ones find the packet to be a valuable resource.

Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment

Regardless of the type of malignant mesothelioma a patient has, treatment options are available for all mesothelioma patients, though a patient’s response to different treatments will vary. The stage , or level of maturity of the cancer, as well as the patient’s general health are greatly considered when a doctor creates a treatment plan.

Common curative treatments, or treatments designed to remove cancer cells and cure the disease, for mesothelioma patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments aim to kill cancerous cells and stop rapid cell division and growth. Though harmful cells are targeted, the treatments can also affect healthy cells. Patients may experience side effects such as nausea throughout treatment.

Palliative treatments, designed to increase a patient’s comfort and ease pain, may also be recommended. Patients may also wish to explore experimental treatments offered in the studies testing up-and-coming drugs or procedures called clinical trials.

Causes of Malignant Mesothelioma

The only proven cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure . Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become lodged in the organs of the body. Overtime the fibers cause scarring and inflammation, which can eventually lead to the development of mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers cause cellular damage; resulting in the rapid division of cancers cells. The rapidly producing cells cause the affected membrane to thicken, resulting in fluid buildup in the spaces between the membrane layers. As the cells continue to divide and grow, tumors form. Unfortunately it typically takes between 20 and 50 years for a patient to demonstrate symptoms of mesothelioma, which frequently allows the cancer to progress to mature stages, making treatment more difficult.

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

In biological terms, malignant mesothelioma is divided into four types: epithelial, sarcomatoid, biphasic and desmoplastic (a variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma). These classifications pertain to the shape and structure of the cancer cells.

Between 50 to 70 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases are epithelial, approximately 20 to 35 percent are biphasic, and7 to 20 percent are sarcomatoid . Epithelial cells are marked by their well-defined and uniform shape and can closely resemble cells of another form of cancer known as adenocarcinoma. Sarcomatoid cells display an elongated spindle shape, which tend to be irregular rather than uniform in shape, and the cells often overlap one another. Cells of the biphasic variety contain both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells, which form in groups of like cells rather than displaying a uniform mixture.

Diagnosing what type of malignant mesothelioma a patient has can be challenging. One contributing factor is that it can be difficult to differentiate mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma, a cancer originating in glandular tissue, on small tissue specimens.

Asbestos.com provides a list of treatment options catered to your specific diagnosis. For an informational packet with a detailed list of these options and additional literature about mesothelioma, please fill out this form or call 800-615-2270.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Webster, P. White Dust Black Death. Trafford: Canada. 2005.
3. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
4. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
5. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779
6. http://www.cancer.org
7. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma

Mesothelioma Types

Mesothelioma is caused by long-term, repeated exposure to asbestos fibers. The disease is generally found in four different forms: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. In each case, the cancer develops in mesothelial cells, which form the membranous linings that surround and protect organs. The different names for each type of mesothelioma refer to the point of origin of the cancer.

Mesothelial membranes are made up of two different layers, called the parietal and visceral layers. Parietal layers are outer layers, and these typically cover large areas such as the chest cavity (in the case of pleural and pericardial membranes) and the abdominal cavity (as in the case of peritoneal membranes). Visceral layers are those that cover organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma develops in these membranes when asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between mesothelial cells.

Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive type of asbestos cancer, and is highly resistant to treatment, resulting in very high mortality rates and poor prognosis for people diagnosed with the disease. In general, pleural mesothelioma responds more positively to treatment, particularly if the disease is diagnosed early. However, all forms of mesothelioma are difficult to diagnose, and unfortunately, it is common for the disease to be diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.

The type of mesothelioma a patient is diagnosed with will invariably determine the treatment plan suggested by their doctor. A myriad of treatment options are available for patients diagnosed with all types of mesothelioma and a comprehensive packet detailing the options will be provided overnight to those interested who fill out this form.