Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that primarily affects those who have at some point in their lives been exposed to asbestos fibers. This form of cancer can affect the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen, which is known as the mesothelium. It is almost always highly malignant, and often leads to mortality within just a few years. Cases of this deadly disease have been steadily growing, and while asbestos is now banned in most countries, it seems that many more people will be affected by mesothelioma.
The first documented cases of mesothelioma cancer occurred in the early 1940s, but as we understand it now, the cancer takes root early and lies dormant in its hosts. It can take anywhere from 20 years to 50 years from the time of asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to actually manifest in a person. While those who experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos are more likely to get this type of cancer, even people who were only exposed for a few months are sometimes at risk.
The first hints of mesothelioma cancer, and the dangers of asbestos, came about in the very early 1900s in Great Britain. Serious lung disease started to become a major problem for people working in factories that used asbestos. It wasn’t until 1930, however, that the British government launched a study to determine the link between asbestos and lung disease. And, because of its long dormancy, the link between asbestos and mesothelioma took even longer to discover. While there was a lot of evidence pointing to the problems, the asbestos industry was very profitable, and so many companies make little to no effort to try and establish the connection.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that a South African medical researcher discovered the exact link between asbestos and mesothelioma. He studied 33 cases of severe lung diseases – and 32 of those cases had been heavily exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, even in the face of this evidence, businesses and governments were slow to move, and many companies that owned asbestos mines and factories actually tried to discredit the report or hide its findings. Thus, very few people who worked with asbestos were ever alerted to the dangers that they faced from mesothelioma and other serious illnesses.
Today, many more people are aware of the links between asbestos and the diseases it cause. Yet still, asbestos is considered a serious occupational hazard for over 1.3 million workers in America alone who work in construction and renovation. As cases of mesothelioma and other related illnesses continue to grow each year, it is clear that the problem is far from over.
There is no known cure for mesothelioma. While the cancer does sometimes respond to treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, these measures are merely palliative. Even with the best treatment, most people do not survive more than 5 years after being diagnosed with the disease. This is why programs dedicated to the awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma are extremely important to help ensure that more people aren’t exposed to this potentially deadly material.
Mesothelioma Risk Found Among Asbestos Brake and Clutch Manufacturer Workers
An article recently published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology reports on the effects of asbestos exposure among workers in Iran’s automobile brake and clutch manufacturing industry.
Although many are under the impression that asbestos has been banned in the United States, the toxic mineral has not been banned and is still used in a variety of friction and construction products. A number of automobile brakes and clutches on the U.S. market still contain asbestos and the same can be said for the brake and clutch market in Iran.
Because asbestos exposure affects humans the same regardless of political boarders, studies conducted on asbestos exposure in Iran still offer valuable insight to scientists, medical practitioners and workers at risk of asbestos exposure throughout the world. Asbestos is known to cause a variety of conditions and diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
The study reports that approximately 2,000 tons of chrysotile asbestos (the most common form of asbestos) is used annually to manufacture friction materials in Iran. Around 3,000 workers in Iran are exposed to asbestos through the processes involved in the manufacture of automobile brakes and clutches.
Researchers state, “In the current study, asbestos fiber concentrations during brake and clutch manufacture were measured. This study also evaluated the fiber size and morphology distribution according to the Asbestos International Association (AIA) for standardization analytical method for asbestos.”
To collect data the study utilized a phase contrast microscopy (PCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX). These high resolution instruments revealed sample measurements to contain approximately 50 percent chrysotile, 30 percent tremolite and 20 percent actinolite.
Based on this data, it was determined that 50 percent of airborne asbestos fibers inhaled by the workers were of the amphibole variety (tremolite and actinolite). Researchers also determined the length and diameter of the fibers were enough to be considered harmful to humans.
Based upon the data the researchers concluded, “Thus, it might be expected that the workers would suffer from the negative health effects of being exposed to the amphibole asbestos fibers. Meanwhile, banning the use of asbestos and the conventional technology as well as shifting to produce high quality non-asbestos brake lining and clutch facing are strongly recommended.”
Additional information on mesothelioma and how asbestos causes this cancer may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Cancer Takes Life of Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen
Former National Football League (NFL) player Merlin Olsen passed away on March 10, 2010 at the age of 69 after battling the rare cancer mesothelioma.
Olsen gained fame from his 15-year career with the Los Angeles Rams, 14 of which he was selected into the Pro Bowl. In addition to his career in the NFL, Olsen was a sportscaster, actor and spokesperson for FTD Florists.
Prior to his death, Olsen and his wife were in the process of suing NBC Studios, NBC Universal, 20th Century Fox Sherwin Williams, Lennox Industries and other companies for his development of malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans each year. The primary cause is asbestos exposure, which Olsen says he experienced at the early age of 10 or 11 years old while working after school performing manual labor. He also believes he was exposed to asbestos during his employment with NBC and 20th Century Fox later in life.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can take as long as 20 to 50 years to develop. In many cases, symptoms do not arise until the disease has already reached the advanced stages, leaving patients with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. After receiving a diagnosis, the average lifespan of a mesothelioma patient is four to 18 months.
Olsen opted to receive chemotherapy in order to improve his overall health, but the treatment had little effect on prolonging his life. In January, Olsen said mesothelioma “is a vicious, painful and invariably fatal malignancy” without a cure.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Researchers Find Success in Suppressing Growth of Mesothelioma Cells
Japanese mesothelioma researchers recently published a study reporting on the success of combining a PLK-1 siRNA with zoledronic acid treatment against mesothelioma cells in vitro.
A great deal of mesothelioma research takes place “in vitro” (in the glass) rather than “in vivo” (in the living). In vitro studies are preliminary studies that effectively test potential mesothelioma treatments without presenting risk to human patients coping with the cancer. These studies take place in a test tube (in the glass) amid a laboratory setting.
This in vitro study sought to test the combination of various biological agents against the growth of malignant mesothelioma cells. Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma cancer is notably resistant to current treatments and consequently much research is being conducted to find a cure.
The primary biological agents examined in this study include polo-like kinase-1 (PLK-1), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and zoledronic acid (ZOL).
PLK-1 belongs to the PLK family of kinases, which are enzymes that transfer phosphate groups to high-energy molecules. PLK-1 is involved in the regulation of cell division at several crucial points, and studies have shown that PLK-1 is overexpressed in cancerous tissue and that expression levels are tightly correlated with patient prognosis.
As such, PLK-1 is considered a pathway for effective cancer treatment and a number of studies have been conducted to better understand the biologic processes involved. Short interfering RNAs can work against PLK-1 and have been investigated in the past. Another biological agent observed in the study is zoledronic acid, which has shown to have direct anti-tumor effects against a variety of cancer cells.
The researchers found, “Our results show that these agents induce apoptosis [cell death] and inhibit the proliferation of MM cells. In addition, we found that ZOL enhances the inhibitory effects of PLK-1 siRNA.”
Additional information on mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Cancer will be Recognized During National Asbestos Awareness Week
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and other asbestos advocates throughout the United States will be celebrating National Asbestos Awareness Week during the first week of April.
Thanks in large part to Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and other cosponsors, the Senate was able to introduce the sixth annual resolution that declares the first week of April National Asbestos Awareness Week.
The ADAO, which was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004, aims to protect the rights of those affected by asbestos-related disease while raising public awareness about the hazards associated with asbestos exposure.
Malignant Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that typically develops in the lining of the lungs, will be one of the many topics discussed at ADAO’s upcoming International Asbestos Conference. The conference is scheduled to begin on April 10, 2010 in Chicago Illinois.
Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of ADAO, said, “We are grateful to the U.S. Senate to have the opportunity to help raise the level of public awareness about the prolific dangers of asbestos and further unite doctors, scientists and public health advocates during National Asbestos Awareness Week for this important effort. During the past six years, ADAO has seen the progress and indeed, this confirms what Americans deserve and want. We know asbestos prevention and education will save lives and dollars.”
People are most commonly placed at risk of asbestos exposure when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and the microscopic fibers that make up asbestos are released into the air. Once these fibers become airborne, the chances of inhaling them increase significantly as they can remain in the air for quite some time depending on conditions.
In addition to mesothelioma, inhaling asbestos fibers is also known to cause lung cancer and asbestosis. While the effects of these illnesses may take several decades to arise, prognosis is often poor because they are typically diagnosed during the latest stages of development.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Research: Veterans Receive Support with Department of Defense’s Increase in Funding
The United States Department of Defense has recently announced its intention to increase spending efforts on researching new methods for combating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
As part of the effort, several million dollars will provide funding for three mesothelioma research projects. The projects will focus on research into early detection of disease and the development of new treatments, including a clinical trial on a vaccine that may significantly improve the prognosis of patients with malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically forms in the lining of the lungs after inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. However, the effects of asbestos exposure are not immediately felt as symptoms often take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise from the time someone is initially exposed.
In addition to mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are two illnesses that are known to result from exposure to asbestos. The amount of exposure a person receives will often determine which condition develops.
Some of those most at risk of developing mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease have been veterans. In the past, especially in the shipyard industry, materials used for military purposes were often manufactured with asbestos.
Asbestos was considered an ideal material to use because of its insulating and fireproofing capabilities. The highest incidence of asbestos exposure in the military occurred between the 1940s and the 1970s, largely due to the heavy use of asbestos-containing materials for ship construction.
Areas and materials that commonly contained the hazardous mineral were boiler rooms, sleeping quarters, pipes and parts that needed to be insulated. During construction or repair, shipyard workers were routinely exposed to asbestos because there were no requirements for wearing equipment to prevent exposure.
Veterans who were exposed to asbestos between the 1940s and 1970s may just now be showing signs of an asbestos-related disease. It is important for those who may have experienced asbestos exposure to seek regular medical checkups for any development related to asbestos.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Study Concludes Positive Results for Patient Prognosis
A recently completed joint study by Rosetta Genomics Ltd. and New York University Langone Medical Center has shown promising results in prognosis for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients.
The study indicated significant potential for a single microRNA to act as an independent prognostic factor for mesothelioma progression as well as survival in patients who have undergone surgery to combat the cancer.
MicroRNAs act as master regulators of protein synthesis and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers in some cases. Rosetta Genomics and NYU Langone Medical Center tested for the presence of miR-29c in malignant mesothelioma tumors and found that varying expression levels had a direct correlation with prognosis and overall survival in patients.
The study evaluated 142 malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors for microRNA expression levels and results showed that higher levels of miR-29c dramatically improved prognosis in terms of both progression and survival.
When higher levels of miR-29c were present, the median Time to Progression (TTP) of the tumors after surgery changed from four months to 14 months during the training set. In the test set, the median TTP of tumors increased from 5.5 months to 12.8 months.
The median survival results changed from eight to 32 months for the training set and 9.1 to 21.6 months for the test set. Researchers conducting the study believe this new diagnostic capability may aid physicians in carrying out aggressive treatment options for patients with poor prognosis.
Dr. Harvey Pass, who is the lead investigator of the study, said, “This is an exciting discovery which may have significant clinical impact on the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). While MPM is an aggressive cancer, our study showed that we can use a single microRNA to identify subgroups of patients who differ significantly in their time to progression and survival. When applied to a clinical setting, these findings may enable clinicians to apply multimodality therapy to the most appropriate patients. Furthermore, I think it is remarkable that a single biomarker can provide such insights into disease prognosis.”
The conclusion of the study found that the over-expression of miR-29c in mesothelioma cells decreased proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Multimodality Treatment Improves Survival According to British Researchers
An article recently published in The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery reports on three decades worth of experience in surgical multimodality treatment of pleural mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Because of the aggressive nature of the cancer, treating it with only one mode of therapy usually returns a poor response. But when doctors combine therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, an improvement in survival is commonly observed.
The study reviews three decades worth of data on pleural mesothelioma patients treated with a multimodality approach in the United Kingdom. Over the course of the three decades, a total of 217 patients were referred for surgical opinion. The 78 patients who only had pleural biopsies were excluded. A total of 139 patients underwent surgical procedure, with 49 undergoing extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and 90 patients undergoing pleurectomy/decortication (PD). Post-operative adjuvant therapy involved chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The longest survival rates (median 26 months) were observed among patients who underwent a pleurectomy/decortication followed by both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The extrapleural pneumonectomy, whether or not combined with chemotherapy or radiation, provided no significant survival advantage when compared to the pleurectomy/decortication group. Additionally, EPP not followed with adjuvant therapy was an independent risk factor for decreased survival.
In conclusion, the researchers found that “cytoreductive surgery combined with post-operative adjuvant therapy provided a better survival despite either advanced disease or surgically less fit patients. Thus, pleurectomy/decortication may be the procedure of choice” since neither EPP or PD are curative.
Additional information on mesothelioma and treatment options may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Settlement Awards Son of former Merchant Mariner Over $9 Million
A Baltimore City Jury has recently awarded Leroy Conway, Jr. more than $9 million for being exposed to asbestos during his youth and contracting mesothelioma as a result.
Leroy Conway, Jr. was 10 years old when he was initially exposed to the toxic substance. At the time the exposure occurred, his father, Leroy Conway, was serving on the S.S. Baltimore Trader, an oil tanker that was owned and operated by ATTRANSCO, Inc.
During Leroy Conway’s three-year employment as an engineman on the ship, he often worked in areas that commonly contained asbestos materials. After coming home from work, Mr. Conway would carry asbestos dust on his clothes, which is how Leroy Conway Jr. was exposed.
Leroy Conway Jr. is now a 45-year-old husband and father of three. He was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in May 2007 and has undergone surgery to remove one of his lungs. Since receiving the diagnosis, Mr. Conway Jr. has been unable to work due to the symptoms associated with the illness. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of this fatal cancer.
During the case, former captain of the S.S. Baltimore Trader acknowledged that the presence of asbestos was known, but neither the company nor other members on board knew the dangers associated with asbestos until 1980 at the earliest.
Nonetheless, the jury found ATTRANSCO to be guilty after claiming the company acted with negligence by failing to warn workers and their families about the hazards of asbestos. ATTRANSCO was the only defendant named in the case.
The jury’s decision awarded Leroy Conway, Jr. $9.3 million for pain and suffering and an additional $636,688 for medical expenses.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Mesothelioma Researchers Study the Effect of Induction Chemotherapy on Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
Because it has yet to be largely studied, Italian researchers examined the effect of induction chemotherapy on lung function and exercise capacity in patients with pleural mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, affecting the pleural lining of the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining), pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining), and testicular mesothelioma (testicular lining).
Patients with pleural mesothelioma often experience compromised lung function and exercise capacity, but the effects of chemotherapy can also play a role in the cancer’s side effects. Since there has been little research on chemotherapeutic effects on lung function and exercise capacity in pleural mesothelioma patients, researchers out of Italy devised a study to examine the effects.
The study included 36 patients, 25 males and 11 females. Data regarding medical history, staging, histology and response to induction chemotherapy (the use of chemotherapy as the initial treatment when other treatments cannot be used) were collected for each participant. All the patients underwent pulmonary function tests (spirometry) before and after chemotherapy, which involved a platinum-based agent plus pemetrexed. A total of 23 out of the 36 participants also underwent a cardiopulmonary incremental exercise test.
Epithelial histology was recorded in 88.8 percent of the participants. Partial response to chemotherapy was seen in 44.5 percent of patients and 36.1 percent experienced grade two through three toxicity. Overall, performance status among participants following induction chemotherapy was better in 10 percent, stable in 18 percent and worse in 8 percent.
Pulmonary function testing involved a spirometry before and after induction chemotherapy. Results from the spirometry showed improvement in lung function in patients responding to chemotherapy. Data from the cardiopulmonary exercise testing suggested that induction chemotherapy does not compromise cardiopulmonary performance.
The overall results of the study showed that induction chemotherapy improves lung volumes, oxygen uptake and gas exchanges. A significant increase in lung volumes was observed primarily in patients that responded to induction chemotherapy. Researchers suggest this response could be attributed to a cytoreductive effect on pleural mass and thickening.
Researchers concluded from this study that induction chemotherapy has the potential to improve lung function and does not compromise cardiopulmonary performance. This data suggests that induction chemotherapy does not increase the risk of cardiopulmonary complications for surgery, but researchers note that the limited number of participants in this study requires further research to validate the findings.
Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.
Shipyards, Asbestos Exposure and the Connection to Mesothelioma Cancer
From the World War II era to the early 1980s, shipyards were a place where exposure to asbestos was prevalent. Whether ships were being constructed, repaired or overhauled, such work would routinely cause asbestos fibers to become airborne where they could be inhaled.
Many materials used on ships contained asbestos because of its ability to withstand high temperatures and fire. In addition to this, asbestos helped prevent corrosion, which made it an ideal material for ship construction.
However, any disturbance to asbestos-containing materials increased the risk for those nearby of inhaling asbestos fibers. The inhalation of asbestos is the primary cause of malignant mesothelioma, a cancer that often carries a very poor prognosis.
Once the fibers are inhaled, they typically become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs. Overtime, usually anywhere between 20 and 50 years, enough irritation occurs and mesothelioma tumors develop.
Areas aboard ships that commonly included asbestos-containing materials were boiler rooms, sleeping quarters and areas that required insulation such as piping and walls.
Occupations within the shipyard industry that carried a higher risk of asbestos exposure included welders, painters, machinists and others who made repairs on board. Navy veterans who were crew members on these ships were also at risk of being exposed to asbestos.
Those who feel they may have experienced asbestos exposure within the shipyard industry should seek regular medical checkups for signs of asbestos exposure. Receiving an early diagnosis for an asbestos-related disease not only opens the door to more treatment options, but gives a patient a better chance of combating the illness.
Additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.