mesothelioma clinic

Epithelial mesothelioma the others side of mesothelioma ?

2010-04-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma cancer : The increased incidence rate of mesothelioma is causing concern for physicians and health care workers, as the disease is expected to peak within the next two decades. Epithelial mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer, making up about 60% of all cases. Epithelial mesothelioma is a particular risk for those who were exposed to asbestos fibers in the workplace.

What is Epithelial Tissue? : Epithelial tissue is a group of cells that covers both external and internal organs. Skin cells are the most basic example of epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue also covers and protects various organs, such as the lungs, heart and intestines. Some groups of epithelial tissue have names specific to the organs they protect. The tissue that surrounds the lungs is known as the “pleural mesothelium”.

What is Epithelial Mesothelioma? : “Malignant pleural mesothelioma” is the clinical name for the cancer that strikes the pleural mesothelium. Since the pleural mesothelium is made up of epithelial cells, the disease is also considered a form of epithelial mesothelioma. The disease targets the cells surrounding the lungs and can spread quickly through the blood and lymph systems. As the diseased cells reach other organs, those mutated cells can attack those organs and spread the cancer.

How does a patient contract Epithelial Mesothelioma? : As with some cancers, epithelial mesothelioma can occur as the result of a genetic defect. However, the incidence rate of the disease from a spontaneous genetic anomaly is nearly a million to one. The most common cause for contracting the disease is exposure to asbestos, either in the workplace or through contact with contaminated material. Patients inhale microscopic asbestos fibers, which work their way through the lungs and attack the pleural mesothelium.
What are the symptoms of Epithelial Mesothelioma? : Symptoms of epithelial mesothelioma often resemble those of other lung disorders: shortness of breath, diminished lung capacity and chest pain. The resemblance of the disease’s symptoms to those of other, more benign disorders often makes an accurate diagnosis difficult. If the patient has had a history of working around asbestos, the doctor may order additional tests, including a CT scan or a biopsy, to determine if the patient has contracted epithelial mesothelioma.

When do the symptoms of Epithelial Mesothelioma first appear? : The disease can lay dormant for several years, even decades, after a patient’s first exposure to asbestos. Since many buildings and ships constructed from the 1930s to the 1980s used asbestos, workers in those trades are reporting higher rates of mesothelioma due to their time working with asbestos-laced materials.

What are the treatments for Epithelial Mesothelioma? : Treatment regimens for epithelial mesothelioma can include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to kill the cancerous cells, chemotherapy to poison the tumors, or a combination of all three. Patients may also receive other medications to lessen the side effects that come with the treatment routines.

What is the outlook for patients with Epithelial Mesothelioma? : Epithelial mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The average survival time after receiving a diagnosis is twelve months, although effective treatment can prolong that estimate by weeks or months.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer

2010-04-30T03:57:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma cancer : A study recently published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery evaluated the survival benefit associated with surgical intervention in malignant mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that exhibits a long latency period of 20 to 50 years before symptoms arise. Presently there is no proven cure for the cancer but a small number of mesothelioma patients have experienced extended or complete remission of the cancer. Worldwide research is being conducted to improve mesothelioma life expectancy and the search for a cure is ongoing.

This study included four groups of mesothelioma patients identified by ascending level of therapeutic intervention: (A) no surgery; (B) thoracotomy but no resection; (C) resection but no adjuvant treatment; and (D) resection as part of multimodality treatment. Researchers sought to identify mean survival times for each level of treatment.

Data revealed that mean survival was 16.8, 17.8 and 17 months for those having no surgery, thoracotomy alone and resection with no adjuvant treatment, respectively (groups A, B and C), and mean survival for those undergoing multimodality treatment (group D) was 32.9 months. Additionally, mean survival rate was 25.6 months in patients who had resection and 17.1 months in patients who did not.

Furthermore, researchers noted, “The survival advantage of any management that included surgical resection was estimated as being no more than 9 months. This is the most optimistic estimate and requires all observed differences in survival to be attributed to the effect of treatment and none to selection for treatment. Furthermore, within this upper estimate is included any benefit from other components of multimodality treatment.”

In conclusion, the researchers reported that “Given the burden of morbidity of resection in the management of pleural mesothelioma, this most optimistic estimate of the magnitude of any survival benefit should be taken into account in any policy decision, in clinical trial proposals and in strategies adopted by clinical teams.”

mesothelioma clinic : mesothelioma cancer cells give protien to your heart..!

2009-07-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic : Researchers have discovered that cancer mesothelioma cells certain proteins in response to the heat, which help them survive if they are compatible with heat-based chemotherapy. Suppress the release of these protective proteins could improve the efficiency of the heat-based applications, according to a recent study in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology.

Hyper Thermal chemotherapy (with heated chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells) in mesothelioma patients, but with little success. In part, the lack of effectiveness is due to the late stage at which mesothelioma is usually diagnosed. It also has to do with the protection mechanisms in cancer cells. If mesothelioma cells under stress of heat, they produce heat shock proteins. These proteins protect cancer cells from heat, and activate the mechanism that pumps chemotherapy drugs from these cells so that they are very resistant to the effects of heat treatment, according to study lead author Michael Chiarello-Roth, PhD, Professor of Lung Cell Biology at University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland. But these heat-shock proteins, if secret, also help the body recognize cancer cells as foreign and stimulate the immune system to launch an attack against them.

The researchers wanted to determine whether the activation of heat shock proteins ultimately hurts or helps cancer cells, and if suppression of the release of these proteins could be the cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of heat. To this end, the researchers exposed both mesothelioma and non-cancer cells from the lining of the lungs to rising temperatures (98.6 - 107.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Although the heat is slowing the spread of the mesothelioma cells, but also reduced normal cell growth. And the heat triggered release of heat-shock proteins in cancer cells.

Signaling proteins (especially so-called P38 MAP-kinase) to promote the release of heat shock proteins in mesothelioma cells. When the researchers treated mesothelioma cells with chemicals that inhibit these signaling factors, the cancer cells much more sensitive to the effects of heat. Mesothelioma cell growth significantly reduced, while healthy cells were not affected. "If it is possible to suppress the expression of heat shock proteins, which mesothelioma cells remain sensitive to heat-induced cell death and possibly to chemotherapy (we have not tested the latter)," Dr. Roth says Chiarello.

Inhibition of heat shock proteins, or the cell that trigger signaling proteins their release during periods of heat stress could be a new option for treatment of mesothelioma. Recently, several pharmaceutical companies developing drugs for some inhibitor of cancer cell signaling proteins, and a few of these therapies are also in clinical studies. However, Dr. Roth says Chiarello, mesothelioma has not been included in these studies.

One of the challenges for research into mesothelioma is that it is relatively rare, as the search for drug therapies to be less profitable pharmaceutical companies. For this reason, mesothelioma is not so much as the other new research, more often of cancer. "Unfortunately, mesothelioma is not well funded, and it is difficult to obtain sufficient financial support for such investigations," said Dr. Roth says Chiarello.

Another challenge is in finding mesothelioma tissue on which to test new therapies. Animal tissues (eg from a rat) is not exactly replicate mesothelioma signal in human tissues, and thus not a very good research models.

For now, the inhibition of the release of heat shock proteins during heat-based chemotherapy remains a promising but still largely untested therapy mesothelioma.

Source: Roth M, Zhong J, Tamm M, Szilard J. mesothelioma cells escape Hsp40/Hsp70 heat stress by upregulating expression via mitogen-activated protein kinases. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2009, doi: 10.1155/2009/451084. : mesothelioma clinic

mesothelioma clinic - GM asbestos victims lose!

2009-07-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic - Report Legal News-New York mesothelioma cancer lawyers. New York judge in Federal District Court rules against GM and the owners of asbestos injury claims. New York, NY -U.S. Federal Bankruptcy Judge in New York, Robert Gerber, ruled against the appeal by the products and toxic tort lawyers, on behalf of mesothelioma asbestos claimants and victims of car accidents that have been litigating against the sale of most of General Motors (GM) assets. The plaintiffs and their lawyers have been civilians attempting to escape their appeals Federal District Court, as reported by the New York Times.

Lawyers who represent injured mesothelioma consumers allegedly said U.S. Treasury was using a GM bankruptcy action to buy assets of the most desirable. Top of the plaintiff lawyers responsible for protecting consumer rights in federal court to affirm the sale and the bankruptcy of the American car manufacturer to leave behind liabilities such as personal injury claims filed against the MM Claimants also allege reorganized the new GM should remain responsible for the claims by the victims before the injury to the automaker restructuring. Treasury Department of the leaders of the General Motors and the unsecured creditors committee objected to the alleged request of the injured parties.

At March 31, 2009, the estimated cost of future liability claims against transgenic products is suspected to reach about $ 934 million, with the mesothelioma asbestos-related claims reaching $ 627 million. Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials are known human carcinogens. Primary and secondary exposure to asbestos fibers can cause incurable diseases and respiratory diseases including mesothelioma lung cancer. General Motors, based in Detroit, Michigan, said the sale to the U.S. Department of the Treasury of the company is the only option. GM filed for bankruptcy protection on June 1, 2009, and plans to close the sale quickly after any stay of the approval of Federal Judge orders expire. - mesothelioma clinic

mesothelioma - three companies get its fines for asbestos risk..!!!

2009-06-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma - Three Baton Rouge, Louisiana, companies face fines of $ 112,000 proposed by federal regulators after the security is not to protect workers from possible exposure to asbestos during renovations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to collect money from the Louisiana Health Care Consultants, LLC, Building Dean and Bob Dean Enterprises Holdings, Inc. after the 13 companies that allegedly violated the rules of safety and health in renovations in the State National Life Building.

Asbestos regulations in place to protect workers and the public of hazards associated with exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are toxic if inhaled or ingested into the body and lodge in the bodies, the particles can cause inflammation and infection. Overtime, an asbestos-related disease such as malignant mesothelioma can develop. mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs.

"These companies do not follow OSHA standards for projects related to asbestos in the construction industry," said Dean McDaniel, OSHA's regional administrator, based in Dallas, Texas. "Employers must commit to keeping the workplace safe and healthy to prevent injuries, illnesses and deaths."

The allegations against the three companies said they would not warn the employees of the removal of a ceiling containing asbestos workers and does not warrant the use of protective equipment. Companies also do not use engineering controls to minimize exposure to asbestos.

According to McDaniel, the three companies have 15 days to respond to the proposed OSHA.

Persons exposed to asbestos may not show symptoms of an asbestos related disease until decades after initial exposure occurred. In the case of mesothelioma, this can allow the cancer to progress to later stages of development when treatment can be difficult. Although a cure for mesothelioma did not exist, many patients choose to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery to fight cancer.

Additional information about the dangers of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma can be found through the Center for mesothelioma .

Mesothelioma - Asbestos not banned in the U.S. ?

2009-06-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma clinic - Surprisingly, asbestos has not been banned in the U.S., even though the mineral's dangers have been known for decades and lawsuits against employers continue to yield million-dollar verdicts. Legal claims for injuries from asbestos involve more plaintiffs, more defendants and higher costs than any other type of personal injury litigation in U.S. history, according to the study “Asbestos and the Future of Mass Torts,” by Michelle J. White, an economics professor at UC San Diego.

A new asbestos suit blaming 33 defendant companies, filed in late May by several relatives on behalf of a deceased man in Jefferson County District Court in Southeast Texas, alleges that Lawrence Baggett, during the course of his work as a laborer and operator, developed an asbestos-related disease caused by company negligence.

In asbestos lawsuits, plaintiffs may sue multiple defendants, including all producers of products that the plaintiff may have been exposed to. It can take 20-40 years after initial exposure for a person to develop asbestos-related cancer such as mesothelioma, which attacks the membranes of the abdomen and internal organs, and lung cancer. Another asbestos-related disease is asbestosis, which affects breathing, causing the heart to suffer a lack of oxygen.

The jury awards in these cases can run into the millions because asbestos-related diseases can be directly linked to the exposure. Take for instance, the case of a 73-year old man whose mesothelioma diagnosis was connected to asbestos exposure while working at a South Baltimore shipyard in the 1950s. In February 2008, a Baltimore jury awarded him $15.3 million and took just half an hour to return the verdict -- $335,000 in medical expenses and $15 million in pain and suffering damages.

Still, there has been no broad ban on asbestos (although certain uses have been banned) and a legislative effort, The Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2007, was never signed into law. The latest try is the Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008.

The EPA attempted a ban on asbestos use in 1989, but the asbestos industry challenged it and the ban was overturned by a federal circuit court of appeals in 1991.

USD 1.2 Million Awarded to Family of Navy Shipyard Worker Who Died Couse of Mesothelioma

2009-06-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma clinic -Relatives of a Virginia man who died of mesothelioma after working for two decades in a U.S. Navy shipyard have been awarded $1.2 million by a jury. Gerald Gray of Suffolk County, Va. died in April 2009 at age 75 after developing the aggressive form of lung cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, the toxic material that was widely used in insulation and countless other products. Gray’s family filed a lawsuit against five companies that manufactured or supplied products containing asbestos which caused his cancer.

In the suit, Gray’s family claimed the companies knew about problems with asbestos before the workers were exposed, but took no action to protect them.

On Monday, a jury in Newport News, Va. ordered one of the manufacturers, Illinois-based John Crane Inc., to pay $1.2 million in damages to Gray’s wife, daughter, and two sons. Four other defendants named in the suit previously settled out of court. Jurors found that Crane was 30 percent responsible for Gray’s death.
Distinguished Navy Career

Gray was once the second-highest-ranking enlisted man in the Navy and battled mesothelioma for 16 months before his death. A native of Texas, Gray enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and became the command master chief for the Atlantic fleet, officials said.

He worked on many ship-repair projects over 20 years, including an overhaul of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the 1960s. During the course of his work, Gray was exposed to asbestos in the insulation of the ship’s engine room and other areas of the vessel.

After his retirement from the Navy, Gray became a school teacher in Chesapeake. He was diagnosed in February 2008, nearly 37 years after he left the Navy. It is not unusual for mesothelioma symptoms to remain undetected for many years, even decades, after the patient is first exposed to asbestos. John Crane Inc. reportedly is considering an appeal of the jury award.

First Mesothelioma Success treatment

2009-05-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

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According to Nashville-based Neoplas Innovation, the first mesothelioma patient to be treated with its new treatment protocol has responded favorably. The mesothelioma treatment protocol, which has been tested on a number of other aggressive cancers, involves a combination of low-dose interferon and lovastatin.

This initial test patient was not been helped by standard mesothelioma treatments. And although her response to the new treatment has been favorable, the response of a single patient is not enough information to draw any conclusions about the treatment’s clinical effectiveness.

The two drugs that are being used in the mesothelioma treatment protocol are existing drugs being used in a new, “off-label” way. Lovastatin is generally used to lower cholesterol. More than ten years ago, lovastatin was shown to attack mesothelioma cells in lab cultures.

NeoPlas Innovation’s Press Release.- All Press Releases for May 14, 2009

After standard treatments failed to stop or slow the progression of her cancer, the first mesothelioma patient treated with a new protocol has shown a highly favorable response. These early results are similar to the investigative protocol's success against several other very aggressive cancers.

These are early results from one patient, so no conclusions can be drawn yet. Mesothelioma is so relentless and uniformly fatal, though, that being able to stop its growth and spread is very exciting. Most importantly, it's a major victory for this patient. It mirrors the success we're seeing for the great majority of our patients with other cancers, as well.

The key to moving from the lab to success in humans has been taking a fresh look and finding the right medicines to combine. When we have administered a precisely timed regimen of low-dose interferon with lovastatin, the results have been surprising.

Nashville, Tenn. (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 14, 2009 -- After standard treatments failed to stop or slow the progression of her cancer, the first mesothelioma patient treated with a new protocol has shown a highly favorable response. These early results are similar to the investigative protocol's success against several other very aggressive cancers.

The first mesothelioma patient is a woman in her late forties who was exposed to asbestos in childhood. When her cancer was diagnosed in 2008, it already had filled most of the chest space where her right lung had been. She received the approved treatments for the cancer. As is typical for mesothelioma, however, it continued to grow steadily. Realizing that the usual chemotherapy regimen is never able to stop this cancer, she visited NeoPlas Innovation's Nashville clinic and began the new outpatient treatment.

Two months later, CT scans showed that the cancer had stabilized, and the largest of the tumors actually had regressed significantly in size. Improvement in her clinical condition correlated with the findings. NeoPlas Innovation Director of Research Dr. Stephen B. Cantrell commented, "These are early results from one patient, so no conclusions can be drawn yet. Mesothelioma is so relentless and uniformly fatal, though, that being able to stop its growth and spread is very exciting. Most importantly, it's a major victory for this patient. It mirrors the success we're seeing for the great majority of our patients with other cancers, as well." The protocol is offered for qualifying patients with colon cancer, renal (kidney) cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma and certain sarcomas. It can be considered for other patients on a case-by-case basis.

The new treatment is simply an "off-label" combination of two existing medicines: lovastatin, typically used as a cholesterol lowering agent, and interferon. In 1998 Dr. Jeffrey Rubins and colleagues in Minneapolis demonstrated that lovastatin had a significant effect against mesothelioma cells in laboratory cultures. According to Dr. Cantrell, "The key to moving from the lab to success in humans has been taking a fresh look and finding the right medicines to combine. When we have administered a precisely timed regimen of low-dose interferon with lovastatin, the results have been surprising." NeoPlas Innovation patients often have seen the arrest of their cancers' growth and spread in as few as eight weeks of treatment. In many cases, patients have experienced active regression of tumors.

Fatigue is the most notable side effect of NeoPlas Innovation's cancer treatment. Most patients never experience effects commonly affiliated with chemotherapy or radiation (nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bone marrow suppression or immune system suppression). An experienced physician prescribes and monitors the outpatient treatment.

NeoPlas Innovation's web site, www.neoplas.org, provides complete information and an interactive screening tool for patients who are considering this treatment. The clinic can be reached at (615) 371-8100.

For an interview with Dr. Cantrell, call 615-371-8100.

Mesothelioma Needs More Fundraisers

2009-05-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma clinic - Several friends have been gathering on Sunday evening to prepare delicious meals of the "Cook for the Cure, a nonprofit group organized to raise money for mesothelioma patients Shanna Kurtz. Although the members of Cook for the Cure has been sitting for only a month, the group has more than 1100 $. The money collected will be donated to cope with mounting medical costs Kurtz.

With the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma was 10 years ago at the age of 20, Kurtz was told by their doctors, that 80 percent of mesothelioma patients die soon after diagnosis. Kurtz preferred to rely on this information in a positive light and focused on the part of the 20 percent who survived longer.

Core members of Cook for the Cure include gay Wickham, Cheri Travis and Kelly Young, Texas, three women who come together to foods such as chicken tetrazzini, tortilla soup, Thai curry and shrimp gazpacho. In return for a casserole or entrée, the group asked for a donation to help with medical bills Kurtz.

The women have also with others in Kurtz, the home town of Cuero, Texas. The women helped sponsor a 33-mile bike ride and barbecue on 16 May 2009. A $ 30 registration fee for cyclists has been collected to help Kurtz mesothelioma treatments.

Kurtz is a decorator and is actively involved in community charity organizations. They recently managed Cinderella Project, a PROM rather for disadvantaged children. The event, the participants with a PROM dress or tuxedo, which is for girls and dinner for two people.

"Her enthusiasm for life is contagious," said Wickham of Kurtz. The organization intends to help make the burden of mounting medical costs for longer hospital stays due to Kurtz's mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people with the disease diagnosed annually in the United States.

For more information on mesothelioma can guide you through the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

Mesothelioma cancer deaths leading..!!

2009-04-30T22:52:00.000-07:00

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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says Maine is cancer leader. Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyers Alert - Portland, ME(MesotheliomaCancerNews.com)–The federal government announced the state of Maine leads the country in the number of deaths from mesothelioma cancer. The study done by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) www.cdc.gov/NIOSH a federal agency under the direction of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) www.cdc.gov, covered mortality rates from 1999 to 2005. Maine had 173 reported deaths from mesothelioma, a fatal cancer caused by direct and secondary exposure to asbestos fibers and asbestos containing materials.

According to senior epidemiologist, Dr. Ki Moon Bang, 173 Maine residents died from mesothelioma cancers. These figures only cover reported causes of death to state and federal agencies. When humans are exposed to asbestos through direct or secondary contact they are at high risk for developing illnesses like asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. Doctors specializing in mesothelioma cancer treatment and asbestos related illnesses state there is no cure for these diseases and illnesses.

Residents of Maine may have fallen ill from asbestos exposure by living and working in buildings from dated construction materials where asbestos abatement had not been done. Leading asbestos injury specialists claim most people who die from asbestos exposure are workers and laborers who were employed in paper mills, chemical plants, shipbuilders, pipe fitters, miners, and construction workers. Asbestos materials used in pipe insulation, fire proofing, flooring, wall board, roofing, and other consumer products were banned by the federal government in the late 1989.

American businesses started to phase out the production and use of asbestos containing materials sometime in the 1970’s or 1980’s, data covering asbestos materials production is conflicting and a heated legal debate in U.S. court rooms. Officials with the NIOSH predict asbestos related fatality rates will increase and top around 2010, this is also a matter lawyers, who defend the rights of injured workers and consumers from asbestos exposure, continue to debate today. MesotheliomaCancerNews.com news for Maine mesothelioma cases. MesotheliomaCancer News for Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyers

Mesothelioma Wrongful Death, awarded nearly $1 million

2009-04-30T22:46:00.000-07:00

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A Florida jury awarded nearly $1 million to the widow of a power plant worker who died as a result of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. However, the majority of blame for the worker’s mesothelioma death was attributed to Gulf Power, who was not a party to the wrongful death lawsuit.Woodrow McBride and his wife, Betty, filed a mesothelioma lawsuit on August 10, 2006, one month before Woodrow died at the age of 67 on September 20, 2006.

Defendants named in the case included several companies associated with work he did at power plants in Southport and Pensacola, Florida between 1968 and 1996. During that time, he was exposed to asbestos in the insulation of boilers he worked on.

Woodrow McBride was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2005, which is a form of cancer found in the lining of the chest and lung. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and it is often not diagnosed until 20 to 40 years later. As a result of the long latency period, the cancer is very advanced when it is diagnosed and life expectancy with the disease is limited.

According to the Panama City News Herald, the jury awarded Betty McBride $995,600 following a one week state court trial in Bay County, Florida. The verdict included $245,000 for past medical expenses, $225,000 for past pain and suffering and $525,000 for future pain and suffering caused by his mesothelioma death.

The jury attributed 60% of the fault for McBride’s asbestos exposure to Gulf Power. However, the regional utility company was not a party to the lawsuit and the $597,360 portion of the judgment that is attributed to their negligence will not be collectable against Gulf Power.

The negligence of Foster Wheeler, an engineering, construction and project management contractor and power equipment supplier based in New Jersey, was deemed 25% liable for McBride’s wrongful death and they were a named defendant in the lawsuit.

Fifteen other companies were each found to be 1% liable, including: Allis-Chalmers, Babcock and Wilcox Corp., Combustion Engineering, Eagle Picher Industries, Fibrebrand Corp., Garlock Gasket Co., General Electric, Ingersoll Rand, Johns Manville, Owens-Corning Corp., Pacific Pump Corp., Riley Stoker, Shook and Fletcher, Westinghouse and Yarway Valve.

Asbestos litigation is the longest running mass tort in U.S. history, with the first asbestos exposure lawsuit filed in 1929. Over 600,000 people have filed lawsuits against 6,000 defendants after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or other asbestos-related diseases.

According to a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on April 24, 2009, the number of malignant mesothelioma deaths that occur each year is continuing to increase, even though most uses of asbestos were banned in the 1982. Given the long latency period, the federal health agency expects the number of annual asbestos deaths to peak by 2010 and to decrease to background levels by 2055.

Mesothelioma - Japan cancer researcher

2009-02-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

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Okio Hino, a professor and cancer researcher of Juntendo University's School of Medicine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, provides counseling services to cancer patients.Hino obtained a medical license, but decided to become a pathologist because he thought dealing with patients would be difficult.

He has concentrated on studying cancer for 30 years. Although he had considered it a laborious task to communicate with patients, recently Hino often has talked with cancer patients and their families from his research laboratory.

The change came about 3-1/2years ago, when he headed an outpatient clinic for patients of asbestos-caused mesothelioma for three months after developing a technique to diagnose the disease.

It was virtually the first time that Hino had a face-to-face communicative relationship with patients. Many were terminally ill.

"The experience revived the motivation I had when I began pursuing a career in medicine--can't I do something for patients?" he said.

Encouraged by the director of one of the Juntendo University hospitals, Hino held a three-month special outpatient clinic to deal with the psychological issues of cancer patients beginning in January last year. Combining his cancer expertise and love of philosophy, Hino named it the "Cancer Philosophy Clinic."

After its launch, many patients rushed to the clinic to consult with him.

During consultations, he talked with cancer patients about their problems, at home and work.

On one occasion, Hino told a terminally ill patient that the cancer victim still had an important job in preparing to die.

In response to patient requests, he has organized free counseling services in Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture.

Hino has applied for his group to obtain government authorized nonprofit organization status.

He said, "I want to train people who can handle what is left out in [conventional] cancer treatment."

Research on new viral therapies for mesothelioma

2009-01-11T00:46:00.000-08:00

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Researchers say the investment in the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics is paying off. After three years of significant funding, 46 research projects have either been completed, approved or are ongoing. And from that, applications for six patents have been filed ideas that could attract industry attention if it sees them as having commercial potential.

The partnership gets $8 million in annual funding from the Minnesota Legislature, but now the state faces a $4.8 billion deficit and is looking at cuts everywhere. Some ideas are already in the commercial pipeline, said Eric Wieben, director of the Mayo Clinic Genomics Research Center. Antibodies to help treat multiple sclerosis have been created in partnership facilities and "has made it to the commercial level," he said. Private industry is also supporting and pursuing "on a small scale" research begun by the partnership. Wieben declined to be more specific due to the confidential nature of the collaboration.

Research on new viral therapies for mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, is also being explored that could help to cure that devastating disease, Wieben said.

The partnership has held talks, some of which have gone beyond the exploratory, with representatives and delegations from India and South Korea to Sweden and the Czech Republic.

"We're attracting attention from the world that we didn't have in 2003. Now we have serious things from people who are willing to spend some of their dollars on how we can work together to do big things," Wieben said.

Wieben says the partnership is at a critical phase, comparing it to a toddler who has learned to walk but still needs to be fed if it is to continue to grow. He says it is also important to remember that even though the partnership received its first $2 million in funding in 2003, it didn't start receiving the lion's share of its $60 million until 2005. And it wasn't until February 2006 that those dollars were awarded for research projects.

"We have done good things with the dollars the Legislature has given us, and we've turned their investment into more dollars that are supporting more activities and more jobs. And if that gets yanked away, the partnership winds up hurting," he said.

The partnership has not been free from growing pangs. The U created consternation among some area legislators when earlier this year it decided to trim $3 million from the $25 million in one-time money for the partnership to deal with budget cuts enacted by the Legislature.

Legislators say the U was able to make the decision unilaterally, because the funding came through higher education committees. Rep. Kim Norton, a Rochester Democrat, said she is considering a bill that would prevent such diversions in the future unless jointly agreed to by the U and Mayo Clinic.

"I was quite distressed, as I'm sure were other area legislators, to learn that that money had been touched, particularly in light of President (Robert) Bruininks' focus on making the university one of the top three research institutions in the country. I hear him say that repeatedly," Norton said.

Mary Koppel, assistant vice president for public affairs in the Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota, said those cuts were made in consultation with legislative leaders. But the outcome could have been worse. At one point, legislators were investigating raiding as much as $10 million to $20 million from the partnership when they discovered that $40 million of that money hadn't been spent yet. That didn't happen and the money has since been encumbered or spent.

Koppel said the U is enthusiastically committed to the partnership.

"It is a real bright spot for the state of Minnesota, because the potential coming out of this and the discoveries coming out of this stand to make (Minnesota) great in the next century," she said.

New Mesothelioma Diagnostic Test

2009-01-11T00:43:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Rosetta Genomics announced earlier this week the availability of its third MicroRNA-based diagnostic test called miRview(TM) meso. The test is the first that can diagnose mesothelioma from other types of cancers found in the lung. Harvey Pass, MD, Division Chief for Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at the New York University Langone Medical Center said, “Ruling out Mesothelioma from lung cancer for individuals that were exposed to asbestos can be difficult and challenging. I am sure that this test will become an important tool for both oncologists and pathologists in obtaining the right diagnosis in these patients.”

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer usually associated with frequent exposure to asbestos. This disease takes about 20 to 60 years for a person to notice they even have it. There are around 14 in a million people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma a year. The most common association is with occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos.

Rosetta Genomics is offering the miRview(TM) meso in its clinical lab in Philadelphia, PA. The company has about 16 million dollars in cash and expects to perform about 2,000 tests this new year at the Philadelphia clinic.

Mesothelioma is a deadly disease. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.

mesothelioma - Ken had the right to die the way he wanted

2008-11-13T01:09:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Ken first started to complain of tiredness and back pain in November 2005. His doctor diagnosed fluid on the lung and sent him for the first of a seemingly endless round of tests to establish its cause. We had to cancel our flight to Thailand, where we had planned to go for a three-month break. Since taking early retirement from his job as a pharmacist, Ken had started spending the winter months in warmer countries, anywhere he could indulge his passion for golf. I had recently retired from my job as a social worker and planned to do voluntary work, teaching English at a school. My hope was that Ken would be given the all-clear and we would still be able to go, a bit later than we had wanted.

It never happened. Five months later Ken was diagnosed with a cancer called mesothelioma. We were told it was terminal and that he had just 18 months to two years to live. For Ken, the news was confirmation of what he had long suspected. As a medical professional, he had known what his symptoms were pointing to. His first thought was to look after me and our three grown-up children, Luke, 35, Jake, 30, and Anna, 26.

I was the one who was shocked and tearful. We were approaching our 40th wedding anniversary and had been looking forward to entering a new phase in our lives. Now there was nothing we could do but make the most of the time we had left together. But that didn't stop us questioning why this had happened. Mesothelioma usually affects people who have worked with asbestos. This didn't apply in Ken's case; he was only 65, he played golf and tennis regularly and went to the gym. He didn't smoke or drink to excess. He could have gone on living an active life for years.

Breaking the news to our children was the hardest part. Anna was in Australia travelling with a friend and Jake was working in South Africa, but they both made plans to return home. Meanwhile Luke, who works in IT, arranged to spend one day at home with us each week, helping me research mesothelioma. The nature of my hope had changed, but it was still there. I knew Ken wasn't going to get better, but I wanted him to enjoy a good quality of life for as long as possible.

His specialist had mentioned that he could have chemotherapy to reduce the tumour on his lung, but I realised I was going to have to battle with the NHS to get it. The terminal nature of his illness meant that he wasn't first in line for treatment. I went to see my MP and fired off letters to specialists. After some months, Ken was finally given the go-ahead to have chemotherapy. Sadly though, the first two treatments did little to improve his symptoms and his oncologist agreed that it wasn't worth him having a third dose. A few weeks later, his condition worsening by the day, Ken turned to me and said, "I don't want to go on like this. I want to go to Switzerland."

I knew that Ken was referring to Dignitas, the Swiss group that helps terminally ill people end their lives. I remembered watching a news report about a GP who had gone there with her children and my heart had gone out to her, but I hated the thought of Ken going to a strange country to die. I told him I didn't want to think about it, most of all that I didn't want him to be thinking of it. But his mind was made up. "I don't want to have to wait to die," he said.

It felt like a total turnaround for me. I had been fighting for Ken to get chemotherapy; I had been actively involved in a campaign that gave us hope. This was the antithesis of hope. Ken said he had considered taking his own life but didn't want to risk the attempt failing. I didn't try to talk him out of his decision. Ken had a right to die the way he wanted.

We decided not to tell the kids until Ken had been given the go-ahead by the clinic, but it was hard because we had always shared everything. Christmas came and we all put on a brave face. Luke, Jake and Anna might not have known what their dad was planning, but they must have realised that this was the last Christmas they would share with him.

In January 2007, three months after Ken's decision, he received an email with a date for him to go in March. Naturally, the children were shocked and upset that this was how their dad wanted to die. Luke found it easiest to accept as he had spent so much time researching mesothelioma, and grasped how much pain he was in. But whatever they felt personally, none of them questioned whether or not they should join us. We had always been united as a family and this would be no different.

I helped Ken arrange our flights to Switzerland and spoke to Dignitas.I was told that I would be seen by a doctor, coroner and police officer after Ken had died. This filled me with apprehension. We told a handful of friends and family members what we were going to do and although they were shocked at first, they quickly gave us their support. Ken wrote letters for me to send to other friends when I got back to the UK.

The journey to the airport was surreal. To a casual observer we must have looked like a normal family going on a nice trip together. We were all painfully aware that this wasn't the case. At one point we narrowly avoided a collision with another car. "We'll all die together," Anna quipped and I found myself laughing, grateful of something to lift the mood.

We were met at the airport in Zurich and driven to our hotel. Then Ken saw a doctor who approved the prescription of drugs for him to take the next day. They were the drugs that would end his life. We all tried not to think about it as we had our last evening meal together at a restaurant. This was not a time for meaningful exchanges. Ken was finding it hard to sit up so Luke took him to sit in a comfier chair while the rest of us finished our pasta.

We all felt drained by the journey and the effort it took not to break down. We knew that if one of us started, it would set the others off.

At breakfast the next morning, Ken was the epitome of calm.

"Don't be sad for me today," he told us. "I'm not sad."

After breakfast we were taken to an apartment block in the city's outskirts. Two Dignitas volunteers took us to an impersonal looking room where Ken had a final interview. He was discreetly filmed as he confirmed that he was acting of his own free will.

The volunteers were incredibly kind and respectful. They told Ken that he had a beautiful daughter. "I have a beautiful family," he replied. The drug he was given to take his life came in liquid form. Before he drank it he gave us each a hug and little private message. We held his hand as he swallowed. Moments later he fell asleep.

It was a pain-free, peaceful death, just the way he wanted it. There were no doctors in white coats, no injections. It was as far from a medical procedure as you can get.

Afterwards, I went with the children and met with the doctor, a coroner and a police woman, all of whom treated us with the utmost respect. Not once did we consider the possible legal implication of what we had just done. We had simply wanted to be with Ken as he carried out his wish.

Two days later, I travelled back to Lancaster without my husband of 40 years. I organised a ceremony to celebrate Ken's life, reminding myself of his wish for me not to be sad.

More than a year since his death I have no regrets about what we did, and I'm fortunate to have supportive friends and family who have helped me cope with my grief. I followed Debbie Purdy's battle with the high court with interest and my hope now is that the law will one day change so that people with terminal illnesses can chose when and how to die. Ideally, Ken would have liked to have been at home when he died, not in some anonymous room in an unfamiliar country. But he made the best of a dreadful situation and I'm immensely proud of him for that.

Mesothelioma And Marathon Runner

2008-11-13T00:52:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Tom Kaisersatt has been running marathons for 20 years. He is 68 years old, and he’s not letting mesothelioma stop him from participating in the upcoming Silicon Valley Marathon that is being held on October 26. In recent years, running has become a favorite method of fund-raising for many organizations. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure organization runs an average of two marches for breast cancer every single week, and there are walks for Alzheimer’s as well.

Having picked up the sport later in life than most people, Kaisersatt has run more than 150 marathons and has participated in the Silicon Valley Marathon every year since its inception in 1997. For the first time in 20 years, however, he’ll be walking the marathon instead of running. Tom was recently diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, but incredibly, he’s not letting the diagnosis prevent him from participating.

He has strategically scheduled his mesothelioma treatment sessions to make sure he can train for the marathon and reach peak physical fitness on the day of the race. Tom is running the race with a different mentality, however, saying, “I knew after I had my chemo that I wouldn’t be able to do the full distance in one day. So I thought, ‘I’m going to do it, I’ll just do it in pieces.”

During the last five weeks, Tom has walked around 21 miles of the marathon route. He plans on walking the last five miles on the day of the race with his friends and supporters. “I’m excited about being out there with my friends. I’ll be going slow enough that I’ll be able to cheer them on. And I’m sure they’ll cheer me on.” Up to 30 runners have dedicated the race to Kaisersatt, and many of them will be wearing bright yellow “Team Tom” shirts to show their support.

Mesothelioma : Alfacell Announces

2008-07-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) today announced that it has entered into a distribution agreement with Megapharm Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical company in Israel, for the commercialization of ONCONASE(R) (ranpirnase) in Israel. ONCONASE, the company's lead drug candidate, recently completed an international confirmatory Phase IIIb clinical trial for unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM).

Under the agreement, Alfacell has granted Megapharm exclusive rights in the defined territory for the marketing, sales and distribution of ONCONASE. Alfacell will receive 50% of all sales in the territory. In addition, Alfacell will manufacture and supply the product to Megapharm, while Megapharm will be responsible for all activities and costs related to regulatory filings and commercial activities in the territory.

Miron Drucker, CEO and founder of Megapharm, said, "Having been interested observers in the development of ONCONASE, a first-in-class anti-cancer agent, we are proud to include this unique product in our oncology portfolio. We believe that ONCONASE will prove to be a promising new treatment option for patients suffering from mesothelioma."

"We are very pleased to add Megapharm to our growing list of important regional partners for ONCONASE," said Kuslima Shogen, chief executive officer of Alfacell. "Megapharm's role as a leader in biotechnology marketing in Israel provides Alfacell with an ideal partner to maximize the potential of ONCONASE in this region. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Megapharm."

About Alfacell Corporation

Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Alfacell has completed Phase III clinical trials of ONCONASE in unresectable malignant mesothelioma and, in addition to ongoing efforts to complete the related rolling New Drug Application, Alfacell is currently planning for Phase II clinical trials in other oncology indications. For more information, visit www.alfacell.com.

About ONCONASE(R)

ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic product candidate based on Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action.

Alfacell has licensed the U.S. commercial rights for ONCONASE to Strativa Pharmaceuticals, a division of Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. Strategic marketing and distribution agreements for ONCONASE have been secured with BL&H Co. Ltd. for Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, USP Pharma Spolka Z.O.O., an affiliate of US Pharmacia, for Eastern Europe, and GENESIS Pharma, S.A. for Southeastern Europe.

ONCONASE has been granted fast track status and orphan-drug designation for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma by the FDA. Additionally, ONCONASE has been granted orphan-drug designation in the European Union and Australia.

Safe Harbor

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainty whether the clinical trial results will allow the company to complete submission of a New Drug Application and if a New Drug Application submission is completed, uncertainty whether FDA will file or approve such application, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials or differences of opinion in interpreting the results of clinical trials, the company's ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, the company's ability to timely regain its compliance with NASDAQ continued listing standards and maintain such compliance, and other risks discussed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

About Megapharm

Megapharm Ltd. is one of the leading private biotech, pharmaceutical and medical nutrition marketing companies in Israel with a strong biotech orientation, exclusively representing a number of major American and European pharmaceutical companies. Megapharm has demonstrated dynamic sales growth by developing a strong company presence and expertise in select therapeutic areas, and diversified segments of the healthcare business. The company also has a recognized and proven track record for obtaining reimbursement and inclusion of its products in all the health funds in Israel. For more information, visit www.megapharm.co.il.

Mesothelioma - voices from Kristi A

2008-06-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

I received comment from Kristi A. Lake for this posting: Man suffering from lung disease crusades against asbestos

I am Kristi A. Lake. Yes Phils' ex-wife. Dustin, my son, and I are also at risk. Just by shaking-out Phil's clothing from work, put us at risk also. We were married ten years. He worked for the company that he spoke of, for our entire relationship. As of yet, no problems have been found in either of us. THANK GOD!

I remember when Phillip was told about the asbestos mesothelioma. He came home and told me " If I ever get this stuff, you're going to be one rich lady." Wrong lady! I do pray that our daughter Sarah and my son Dustin stay as healthy as can be.

I am very proud that Phillip is doing all He can. Not only to fight this disease, but to educate others. God Bless you Phil. You are forever in my prayers.

Alfacell- clinical trial for ONCONASE,mesothelioma

2008-06-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

The company recorded a net loss of approximately $5.0 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted common share, for the third fiscal quarter ended April 30, compared to a net loss of approximately $2.0 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted common share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2007. Research and development expenses increased by approximately $1.4 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 as compared to the same quarter a year ago primarily due to expenses incurred related to the company's preparations for the completion of its ONCONASE(R) rolling New Drug Application ("NDA") submission. Increased general and administrative expenses of approximately $1.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 were primarily the result of the accrual of compensation expense related to entering a retirement agreement with the company's CEO in April 2008.

Net loss for the nine-month period ended April 30, 2008 of approximately $9.4 million, or $0.20 per basic and diluted common share, represents an increase of approximately $3.1 million, compared to the $6.3 million net loss, or $0.14 per basic and diluted common share, for the same period in fiscal 2007.

Cash and Liquidity

As of April 30, the company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $7.8 million, a decrease of approximately $2.4 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents of approximately $10.2 million on Jan. 31. The company believes that this level of liquidity is sufficient to support its activities into the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, based on current expectations for
the planned completion of the ONCONASE rolling NDA. The company will be eligible to receive a minimum milestone payment of $20 million, up to a maximum of $30 million, from its U.S. partner, Strativa Pharmaceuticals, in the event that the NDA submission results in the company receiving marketing approval for ONCONASE.

Clinical Trials Update

Alfacell has completed patient enrollment in a confirmatory Phase IIIb clinical trial for ONCONASE in patients suffering from unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM) and reached the required number of evaluable events to conduct the formal statistical analyses required to complete the final sections of the ONCONASE rolling NDA. As the company has previously reported, the results of the preliminary statistical analysis of the data did not meet
statistical significance for the primary endpoint of survival in UMM. However, a statistically significant improvement in survival was seen in the treatment of UMM patients who failed one prior chemotherapy regimen, a pre-defined primary data set for this sub-group of patients in the trial, which represents a currently unmet medical need. Based on the preliminary statistical analysis of the data, Alfacell will continue with the planned submission of the remaining components of the ONCONASE rolling NDA. The company plans to present the results of the trial at an upcoming scientific conference.

The company has completed enrollment in its Phase I clinical trials for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors and is now currently planning for the follow-on Phase II clinical trials.

"The completion of our fiscal third quarter marks the point where we have entered the most important phase for the commercialization of ONCONASE," said Lawrence A. Kenyon, Alfacell's president. "We are moving forward with the completion of our rolling NDA and appreciate the support expressed by our partners around the world for pursuing a U.S. approval for ONCONASE as a second-line treatment for malignant mesothelioma."

Conference Call & Webcast

Alfacell will host a conference call and Webcast to discuss the financial results at 11 a.m. EDT on Monday, June 9. To participate in the live conference call, U.S. residents may dial 1-877-407-9205, and international callers may dial 1-201-689-8054. A replay of the call will be available until June 16. To access the replay, U.S. residents may dial 1-877-660-6853, and international callers may dial 1-201-612-7415 and enter account number 286 and conference ID number 287301. A live Webcast and replay of the conference call will be available on Alfacell's Web site at www.alfacell.com.

About ONCONASE(R)

ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic product candidate based on Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of
action.

Alfacell has licensed the U.S. commercial rights for ONCONASE to Strativa Pharmaceuticals, a division of Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. Strategic marketing and distribution agreements for ONCONASE have been secured with BL&H Co. Ltd. for Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, USP Pharma Spolka Z.O.O., an affiliate of US Pharmacia, for Eastern Europe, and GENESIS Pharma, S.A. for Southeastern Europe.

ONCONASE has been granted fast track status and orphan-drug designation for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma by the FDA. Additionally, ONCONASE has been granted orphan-drug designation in the European Union and Australia.

About Alfacell Corporation

Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to a recently completed Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell is currently planning for Phase II clinical trials in other oncology indications. For more information, visit www.alfacell.com.

Safe Harbor

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to
differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainty whether the clinical trial results will allow the company to complete submission of a New Drug Application and if a New Drug Application submission is completed, uncertainty whether FDA will file or approve such application, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials or differences of opinion in interpreting the results of clinical trials, the company's ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to update
these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

OHCOW Receives Increase In Calls About Asbestos Health Problems

2008-05-16T03:25:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

According to an official from the Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) more calls have been coming in this year from workers in relation to asbestos related health problems than in the any of the past three years. Campaigners are urging Canada to stop mining the material, which is a known carcinogenic and can also lead to other serious health problems.

It is thought that the number of industrial deaths connected to asbestos exposure will reach a peak within the next ten years, with the number of workers dying as a result of exposure to asbestos increasing. Among the health problems that this exposure can cause are mesothelioma, a form of cancer, scarring of the lungs, and respiratory problems.

One official from the OHCOW stated: “We’re probably alone among the industrialized countries in not documenting the extent of the disease and its impact on our society. This is the leading cause of occupational disease and occupational mortality in Canada today. Completely under the public health radar in this country.”

Another official stated: “It really would be crucial if Canada, instead of pressing for its right to export more asbestos to the local chapters of the asbestos mafia in the Third World, would join the rest of the civilized countries of this world in shutting down the asbestos industry and saying enough’s enough.”

Mesothelioma by ONCONASE

2008-02-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL) announced that in vitro and in vivo data presented at the 5th Cancer Drug Research & Development conference show the genes affected and biological pathways impacted by ONCONASE stimulated intracellular events as revealed by expression profiling of human malignant mesothelioma cell lines. Data presented also show that ONCONASE conjugates effectively kill human cancer cells in cell culture and murine models of cancer.

The data demonstrated that 181 genes were consistently up- and down-regulated by ONCONASE and that the genes involved in triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death) and the intracellular MAPK signaling pathway were impacted by ONCONASE in vitro. Additionally, pre-clinical data in mice demonstrated the relative potency of chemical conjugates of ONCONASE. These findings further support the research of next generation targeted ONCONASE fusion proteins in an effort to develop compounds with improved mesothelioma tumor penetrating abilities. The research was conducted in collaboration with Alfacell at Fox Chase Cancer Center and the University of Duisburg-Essen.

The data presented further illuminates the potential for ONCONASE to simultaneously switch on and off numerous genes controlling major regulatory processes in the cell life cycle, and underscores that ONCONASE works selectively and does not appear to kill cells indiscriminately.
This work may explain the intrinsic anti-mesothelioma tumor activity seen after ONCONASE treatment through the identification of the specific genes affected and the biological pathways impacted, additionally, this data is helping us to better understand the optimal intracellular pathways for developing antibody targeted ONCONASE compounds.

This research represents an important step forward in our continuing efforts to create targeted mesothelioma ONCONASE fusion proteins and to bring them forward into the clinic.

Mesothelioma Gathering

2008-02-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Victims of asbestos-related cancer and their families will gather for a tree planting ceremony to raise awareness of the disease 'time bomb' in Plymouth. To be held in the grounds of Saltram House, Plympton, on February 27 which is national Action Mesothelioma Day (AMD), organised by Jackie Lowe ( launched the Roger Lowe Asbestos Mesothelioma Campaign in memory of her dockyard worker father. Mr Lowe died of the cancer aged 68 in December 2005.)

Why at Plymouth ?, because Plymouth has been identified as the UK's fourth largest 'hotspot' for the disease, with 320 people dying from mesothelioma caused by asbestos between 1985 and 2004. Cases are expected to peak between 2011 and 2015, as the condition takes between 30 to 40 years to emerge.

Jackie, want to raise awareness of all asbestos-related conditions. The day is also about tying in Plymouth with the rest of the country. Despite our unfortunate links with asbestos-related conditions, it has taken a long time for people to come to terms with just how many people there are in the city affected by them. It's a ticking time bomb and numbers will peak in the next ten years.

The gathering agenda is at 10.30am on February 27, families will gather near the entrance to Saltram House to plant a commemorative cedar of Lebanon and hopes to plant snowdrops at the tree's base. There will also be a free walk-in advice clinic, with specialist medical, legal and benefits advice, and film about mesothelioma in Saltram House's Fennamore Room until 2pm. White ribbons will be sold to raise funds for the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund.

The Roger Lowe campaign, supported by Roger's union Prospect and its solicitors Russell Jones and Walker, aims to provide a support network for mesothelioma sufferers and their families, raise funds and campaign for research into the disease, and raise awareness of the condition.

Treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM)

2008-01-19T02:46:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Alfacell corporation announced that it participated in an acquisition and in a supplying agreement with scientific protein laboratory LLC (SPL) for the commercial production of ONCONASE(R) (ranpirnase). ONCONASE, the drug candidate line of the company, is evaluated at present as treatment for unresectable malicious Mesothelioma (UMM) in confirming phase IIIb a clinical attempt.

"SPL was referred into production of ONCONASE of the all first rows,", said Kuslima Shogen, general manager von Alfacell. "we are with the great achievement that extremely wohlen qualified crew at the SPL for many years fallen and are convinced that the commercial production of ONCONASE in the right hands is. This agreement is another step, which is for Alfacell forward, there we plans for the commercialization of ONCONASE." "we are over the Alfacell project of very much begin," very enthusiastisch been, said David Strunce, president and general manager of SPL. "we are by the way impressed, which Alfacell successfully led its novel product by the development phases, and we are pleased to have the opportunity co-operation with the Alfacell crew into the commercial stage to continue."

Scientific protein laboratory LLC

For more rueber three decades scientific protein laboratories (SPL) a prominent global supplier the high quality-active of pharmaceutical components (APIs) of the natural sources was. The company specializes in GMP biopharmaceutical production and belongs to the largest commercial suppliers of the Heparin sodium USP, the Pankreatins USP and the Pancrelipase USP, if it serves global the pharmaceutical, veterinary surgeon and foodstuffs industries. Over supplying the high quality, SPL contract process development and GMP production services, including Heparinableitungen, makes own APIs available outside natural product extraction, fermentation and cleaning. SPL belongs to companies, to provide which have successful rail recordings in the efficient process development, in analytic examination, in quality assurance and in regulating support, which are required to a small number of, in order customers with GMP obliging/pleasing APIs at all phases of the clinical development and the straight continuous for commercial product introduction.

ONCONASE(R)

ONCONASE is a only inkategorie product candidate Alfacells of the own technology of the Ribonuclease (RNase). A natural protein, which is located by the leopard frog, ONCONASE was pointed in the laboratory and in the hospital to the goal cancer cells with the thriftiness of the normal cells. ONCONASE releases apoptosis (natural death of the cells) over repeated molecular units of the activity.

Alfacell corporation

Alfacell corporation is the first company to advance to one biopharmaceutical product candidate who works on clinical attempts in certain sense something similar for RNS disturbance (RNAi) by late stage. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is a RNase, which ueberwindt the challenges of aiming from of RNS to the therapeutic purposes when making the development of a new category arranged therapies possible for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Additionally to a continual phase IIIb study in the malicious Mesothelioma, leads Alfacell phase a I/II attempt of ONCONASE in non-small cell the cancer of the lungs (NSCLC) and in other firm tumors. To more information attendance www.alfacell.com.

Safe Habour

Of this Presse release closes the statements, the "looking" forward statements to determine can and normally contains the words ", believes," "estimation," "project," "expects you" or similar expressions.

Forwardlooking statements refer dangers and uncertainties also, which could arrange actual results to differ from the forwardlooking statements materially. Factors, which would cause, or, to such differences to contribute include you, but will not up, limited the uncertainties, those into the result of the clinical attempts for ONCONASE, the ability of the company, the necessary marketing agreement of ONCONASE from the supervisory authorities to to be fastened with included and transitioning of the concept at product, of the uncertainties, which include the ability of the company also, research and development activities to finance from the potential challenges to or from the injuries from patents, dependence after a third party salesmen and other dangers, which are discussed in periodic archivings of the company with the collateral and exchange commission. By delivering these forwardlooking statements, the company commitment is not received to update these statements for New editions or changes after this release.

Saying the final farewell to loved ones. The last 48 hours

2008-01-15T00:37:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

HE has battled for two long years. Unfortunately the patient’s lung cancer progressed despite three lines of chemotherapy.

He drifts in and out of consciousness. Intravenous morphine takes the edge off his pain and suffering. Death is imminent. It will come in 24 to 72 hours.

Cancer testing and cancer treatment – stop. Care continues. Clinical findings – rather than repeated blood tests and x-rays – determine symptomatic and supportive treatment. The relatives and friends understand.

There is a hush in the room. The wife silently hugs her three children. Two siblings and three close friends are in quiet meditation. She recalls their times together and knows that most everything will be changed soon. The others are there for her.

Bach’s Air on the G string (his favourite baroque piece) is being played. They all reflect on their own lives and how the patient has enriched theirs. It is a time of contemplation and soul searching about the meaning of life and death.

He breathes his last. Whatever ambivalent feelings course through the minds of those present, they keep their peace. The dying experience can be beautiful and enriching to the bereaved.

It is sadly not so tranquil most times. I should know. I have been with patients and their loved ones during those final hours on many, many occasions.

Anguish turns to aggression. “Why can’t you do something to cure him?”

Reason takes a beating. “Do you want to make him a morphine addict?” “Don’t you know that morphine will stop his breathing!”

Sometimes the rhetoric borders on the accusatory. “You doctors and modern science are useless.”

When we can no longer cure cancer (life is a matter of weeks or months), relief of symptoms and quality of life are paramount. We tell the patient and his relatives such. We tell them to grieve (anticipatory grieving) as this will lessen the blow when death finally ensues.

Despite this, acceptance is difficult. One soon-to-be-bereaved even shouted, “Death is not an option. I want you to send him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)!”

It is not difficult to understand why relatives and friends are so distraught and often so unthinking at such a time. Death is the ultimate existential issue. Whenever someone close to us dies, it reminds us of our own mortality. This is another of those “inconvenient truths”.

We feel guilty. Have we done enough? Did we love him enough? Ambivalence sweeps over us. We feel alternately sad, happy, guilty and relieved.

We project our fears, anger and uncertainties onto the doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. The whole scenario turns ugly. Soon, raised voices and unreasonable demands are heard. Those last 48 hours become a hellish battleground of wills and personalities.

But it need not be so.

Oncologists, palliative care specialists and oncology nurses have drawn up guidelines on how to manage the last 48 hours. The guiding principle is that patients should be comfortable, clean, pain-free and dignified.

No unrealistic measure should be undertaken. The doctors and nurses should clearly communicate these guidelines to the patient’s loved ones and carers and I am sure most of them do. I shall touch on a few salient points.

Morphine, oxygen and steroids (sometimes) play a very important role in providing comfort to the patient. An indwelling bladder catheter ensures that the bladder is empty as a full bladder can cause the patient to be restless.

Nasogastric feeding (a tube that goes through the nasal passage to the stomach) is sometimes used if the patient can no longer swallow.

Exquisite control of hypertension, diabetes and a high cholesterol level is no longer appropriate. In fact, we withdraw most of the drugs used for these chronic metabolic disorders.

Transfer to the ICU is neither warranted nor wise. This last point seems obvious but requests for such transfers are still being made. If bleeding cannot be staunched, it would help to place lots of green surgical drapes around the site of haemorrhage. White cloth would make red blood seem gory and should be avoided.

Many patients in Malaysia and Asia wish to die at home for religio-cultural reasons. By all means. Palliative care workers can instruct the patient’s carers on pain control and other symptom control.

Oxygen therapy can easily be made available anywhere. Subcutaneous hydration (giving fluids to a patient through the skin when oral intake is not possible) can be readily handled by carers at home. At least one litre of normal saline can keep the patient hydrated when swallowing is no longer possible.

Let him go gently into that good night with comfort and dignity. It is time to let go. He is at peace.

Soon, he will breathe his last. We will move on.

mesothelioma clinic of clinic because asbestos cancer with mesothelioma effect no one of the people want mesothelioma and go to mesothelioma clinic.

Wrexham cancer sufferer sues for £200,000

2008-01-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

A PENSIONER who claims his job caused a devastating cancer is suing a North Wales council for up to £200,000 in damages.

Raymond Jones, 74, from Wrexham, has filed a writ in the High Court, claiming damages of between £150,000 and £200,000 against Wrexham Council.

He claims that he contracted the industrial lung disease mesothelioma after prolongued exposure to asbestos and asbestos dust in the 30 years he worked on housing repairs and building inspections.

Mr Jones, of Bieston Close, off Barkers Lane, says the councils failed to provide him with respiratory protection.

Between 1961 and 1991 Mr Jones was employed by Wrexham Rural District Council and Wrexham Metropolitan District Council on housing repairs and then inspections – which are covered by construction and asbestos legislation.

“He worked in buildings under demolition, alteration and construction and on many occasions worked in close proximity to asbestos based lagging being stripped, mixed and applied and in close proximity to asbestos insulation board used for fire insulation, cladding on steel work, partitions and ceilings, being cut and drilled,” says the writ.

“He was not provided with any respiratory protection.

“The contraction of mesothelioma and consequential loss and damage were caused by the breach of statutory duty and or negligence of the defendant and or its predecessors.”

Manchester lawyers acting for Mr Jones allege the councils failed to ensure there was proper circulation of fresh air and adequate ventilation.

They claim the authorities failed to have Mr Jones undergo a medical examination – or advise him to be examined – and that they failed to “heed the warning” that other employees contracted asbestos related disease.

Mr Jones’s lawyers claim that the two previous Wrexham councils failed to react to warnings by Mr Jones and his workmates about the excessive quantities of asbestos dust.

The writ says Mr Jones developed symptoms of mesothelioma in July 2006 and was admitted to hospital on July 17 until July 21 although no diagnosis was reached.

On July 31 he was back in hospital for pleural drainage.

It was June 2007 before he was given a diagnosis and referred to an oncology clinic.

At the time he was suffering from a hernia but it could not be repaired because he had developed mesothelioma.

“Whether or not the claimant responded to chemotherapy it is inevitable there will be further deterioration in his condition, probably with worsening pain, increasing breathlessness and debility,” the writ continues.

“In October 2007 his life expectancy was estimated at less than nine months with a small chance he may survive a little longer and a significant chance that he could die much sooner.”

A spokeswoman for Wrexham CBC said: “We have received the claim and it is in the hands of our insurers.”

Mesothelioma Clinic Issues

2007-12-23T03:21:00.001-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

A SOUTH Tyneside widow today blasted a £1,800 increase in asbestos bereavement compensation as "a slap in the face".

Anne Craig, from St Joseph's Court, Hebburn, received £10,000 in compensation after her husband David died from mesothelioma in February 2002.

But she says she finds it "shocking" that people in Scotland receive tens of thousands of pounds more in compensation.

Her comments follow the Government's decision to increase bereavement compensation by £1,800 in England and Wales, to £11,800.

But Scottish widows and widowers of mesothelioma victims receive up to £30,000 compensation for bereavement.

Mrs Craig has backed a campaign by Newcastle-based Thompsons Solicitors to bridge the compensation gap between England, Wales and Scotland.

She said: "This announcement is like a slap in the face for the families of people who have died from asbestos diseases." Mrs Craig added: "No amount of money can bring David back, but the level of compensation paid for bereavement should reflect the loss suffered.

"It is unjust that people in Scotland are receiving more compensation than those in England and Wales.

"It should be the same system across the UK."

Mr Craig, a super-fit cyclist, was just 54 when he died from the disease he contracted after working as an electrician at Swan Hunter, Wallsend.

But he did not discover he had the killer disease until more than 30 years after his initial exposure to asbestos dust.

Mrs Craig added: "The system in England needs to change to take into account the relatives of those who have died.

"Under our current system, David's family, including our son David, cannot claim for bereavement, even though their suffering has been as great as mine.

"I support Thompsons Solicitors in their campaign, and hope that they are successful in bringing justice to asbestos families acros
s the UK."

Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, has slammed the £1,800 increase in compensation for bereavement in England and Wales as "an insult."

This follows an announcement by the Government that the level of bereavement damages paid under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 will rise from £10,000 to £11,800 from January 1 – the first increase since 2002.

Mr McFall said: "This increase in bereavement compensation, announced by the Government, is just not good enough.

"It fails to address the widening gap between the way the law treats asbestos victims, compared to the more humanitarian approach of the law in Scotland.

"Here, widows and widowers are still only entitled to a fraction of the compensation for bereavement that would be paid in Scotland, while the grief and sorrow of other family members in England and Wales is not recognised at all."

Adelaide mum defies odds surviving mesothelioma

The asbestos disease, mesothelioma, is usually a death sentence, killing its victims within a year.

But an Adelaide mother has defied the medical odds by not only surviving the deadly asbestos-related disease mesothelioma but having a child 10 years after her diagnosis.

39-year-old Belinda Dunn took part in a gene therapy trial soon after she received the news she had mesothelioma.

But medical experts are still baffled by her survival, as Nance Haxton reports from Adelaide.

NANCE HAXTON: Belinda Dunn is a medical mystery.

Her only contact with deadly asbestos dust was as a small child when she played on a pile of fibro while her parents were extending their house.

The 39-year-old Adelaide mother of one was diagnosed with mesothelioma soon after the birth of her first child, Nathan, 10 years ago, and told she had little chance of living beyond a year.

But a decade on, not only has she survived the disease, but she is pregnant as well.
BELINDA DUNN: It's a very daunting thought, actually. Where I was 10 years ago to where I am now.

NANCE HAXTON: Belinda Dunn took part in an experimental gene therapy trial in the United States soon after her diagnosis.

But she says she doesn't credit her current good health exclusively to that treatment.
BELINDA DUNN: I've taken lots and lots of vitamins at the time of - under the guidance of my naturopath - with the gene therapy trial, and I'm just wondering if it was because my immune system was in good shape when I had the trial that perhaps that's helped it.

NANCE HAXTON: And you've had no complications with the pregnancy from the mesothelioma so far?
BELINDA DUNN: Well, not from - not anything I've had normally for the last 10 years, because I suffer, still, like an arthritic type pain, like shoulder tip pain and I know when my mesothelioma is active, if you want to call it that, or it's my chest is inflamed and basically, I just live with that. And that's part of being pregnant and having mesothelioma.

NANCE HAXTON: Professor Doug Henderson from the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide was the doctor who initially diagnosed Belinda Dunn with mesothelioma.

He says he never would have thought 10 years on from that day that he would be talking about her still being alive and well.
DOUG HENDERSON: I certainly didn't - it's a very unexpected but very positive and good outcome.

NANCE HAXTON: But Professor Henderson says sadly, Belinda Dunn's recovery cannot be explained by science, and therefore has little significance at this stage for other sufferers.
DOUG HENDERSON: I have seen other rare cases of mesothelioma that have gone into apparently spontaneous complete remission and one patient whom I remember very vividly was alive with a completely normal chest X-ray and otherwise well, eight years after the diagnosis had been made.

NANCE HAXTON: What can this be put down to?
DOUG HENDERSON: We don't know the reasons for spontaneous regression like this in tumours. It might be due to some altered cellular dynamics within the tumour itself, but why that should happen we really have no clear idea.

The other theory is that the immune system of a body somehow gains a boost and gains ascendancy over the tumour and puts it into remission.
NANCE HAXTON: So are there any ramifications from these rare cases that could be applied to other victims of this disease?

DOUG HENDERSON: I don't think so, these are the exceptions rather than the rule and I'm not sure that one could use these people or any factor from these people to treat other patients, because we don't know what the factors that are involved in this type of remission really are.

I think only time will tell the eventual outcome but I hope that Belinda will have a virtually normal life expectancy, taking into account that she's now been in apparently complete remission with no evidence of progressive disease for some 10 years.

NANCE HAXTON: While Ms Dunn is grateful for her health, she struggles with losing many of the friends she has made through asbestos disease support groups, including Bernie Banton.

She hopes that her case, while something of a miracle, gives hope to other people with mesothelioma - that it does not have to be a death sentence.

BELINDA DUNN: I really hope, you know, that that's what it's doing because, you know, if it's worked for me, surely someone will start thinking about what I had been doing with the vitamins when I had my trial and perhaps they can move on to do some research into what I was taking when I had the gene therapy, and perhaps someone else might be lucky and live with mesothelioma.

ELEANOR HALL: That's the mystery mesothelioma survivor, Belinda Dunn. Nance Haxton in Adelaide with that report.

Widow's anger at asbestos payout

2007-12-23T03:21:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Adelaide mum defies odds surviving mesothelioma

Man suffering from lung disease crusades against asbestos

2007-12-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Sarah, Phil and young Sarah Lake have made decisions about his healthcare as a family. Phil, a former millright, has lived with a rare cancer called mesothelioma for eight years. They say every day is blessed, despite his illness. ..

SCOTT DEPOT — Phil Lake greets each new day with both the best and worst news.

He awakens to know he has survived a terrible disease another day. Yet he knows he cannot forever survive the disease, a rare cancer called mesothelioma that has attacked the tissue that covers his lungs.

He has had one lung and part of the other removed. A Gortex patch has replaced his diaphragm. He has undergone numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

But here's the thing: Phil Lake, 47, husband of Sarah, father of a girl by the same name, looks good. He's trim but certainly not gaunt. His cheeks are ruddy, not pale. He has a firm handshake. He appears quite healthy.

"I get that all the time," he said.

Most people with mesothelioma do not live to talk about it eight years after they are diagnosed. Most don't survive two years.

His own diagnosis came with a doctor's advice for his wife: Take him home and get his affairs in order.

"Certainly we've been blessed," he said. Surprising to hear, perhaps, until he explains.

He has been blessed because he was diagnosed quickly and got the best possible care, much of it right here in West Virginia. And blessed because he has been able to watch his beautiful daughter grow up and prepare for college.

"We ultimately may lose the war, but we're not going to lose every battle, every day," he said. "We go on trips and vacations. I have coached Little League baseball. The Lord blessed us with a treatment-free summer."

He has two big goals right now: To see his daughter off to college; and to eliminate the mining, production and use of asbestos everywhere.

Mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure and doctors believe that is what caused Lake's cancer.

Lake beat the odds once before. He was born with an extremely rare form of kidney cancer and underwent surgery as an infant to remove the cancerous kidney.

He suffered no ill effects and went on to live a normal childhood.

A West Virginia native, he took a job immediately after high school graduation as a maintenance mechanic and laborer in an apprentice program so he could become a millwright. His first job, in 1981, was in a huge power plant in Houston.

Millwrights install, repair and maintain machinery and heavy equipment used in industries such as manufacturing and power production. Such equipment often is insulated with asbestos.

"I didn't even know what asbestos was," he recalled. "At some point in my work history, we started being told asbestos is dangerous and we needed to be careful around it.

"I'll put it this way: I went from laying there and knocking it off pipes with a hammer to, in 1991, if you weren't a licensed insulator, you didn't touch it."

His job took him to power plant sites around the country, often for weeks at a time. Eight years ago, when he was 39, he was working at a plant in Wilmington, Del. It was late winter and he hadn't been feeling well.

"I thought it was a cold or the flu. I'd been in Delaware six or eight weeks and the job was at a low point, it was finishing up. So I decided to leave work one day and go to the doctor and get an antibiotic."

It was the last day Lake ever worked.

He went to a 24-hour clinic and the doctor said he believed Lake had a collapsed lung. He ordered a chest X-ray and then said he couldn't see Lake's left lung on it.

"The nurse came in with oxygen and the doctor said, 'You need to go to the hospital.' "

"I told him, 'I'm from West Virginia — I'll just get my things and go home there to see a doctor.' He said, 'You don't understand; I've already called an ambulance.' "When he got to the hospital, he said he knew something was terribly wrong."Everyone looked so serious."

By the time his wife and her parents made the long drive from West Virginia, leaving his then 10-year-old daughter with relatives, a preliminary diagnosis had been made.

A doctor met Sarah outside his door.

"His words to me were that he had a tumor on his lung that he was sure was cancer and that he was sure was inoperable," Sarah recalled.

They made arrangements to immediately transport him home for more tests and treatment.

Asbestos is a mineral whose name comes from a Greek word meaning inextinguishable. Its long, pliant fibers and ability to withstand heat made it popular in the late 19th century with manufacturers and builders.

It has been used to insulate homes — in everything from attics to wiring to pipes. It is used in automobile brake shoes and in gaskets.

"The bottom line is it is a product that worked well," Lake said.

But those same fibers that can insulate and resist heat are harmful to humans exposed to them. They are known to cause mesothelioma and asbestosis.

"There is no safe threshold for asbestos exposure," Lake said. "I was exposed to asbestos my whole career."

Lake has no patience for people who criticize medical care in West Virginia."Most people don't live beyond two years after diagnosis and part of the problem is diagnosing it," he said.

His doctors at Charleston Area Medical Center, oncologist James Frame and pulmonologist Robert Crisalli, diagnosed him within hours.

"Dr. Crisalli came in for a one-on-one conversation with me. He asked me to give him a few days to do some research."

Crisalli recommended that Lake see Dr. Harvey Pass, a cardiothoracic surgeon then working in Detroit, Mich., whose specialty was surgery of lung cancers.

Within two weeks of landing in the hospital in Delaware, Lake was on an operating table in Detroit for a procedure called an extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Pass removed Lake's left lung; his diaphragm, the partition of muscles and tendons that separate the chest cavity from the abdomen; and his pericardium, the sac around his heart.

"Dr. Pass said we'd take this thing 18 months at a time," Lake said. Pass, also impressed by the care Lake had received in Charleston, sent him home for further treatment.

Young Sarah was 10 years old and in the fifth grade when her dad became ill.Her mother recalls the discussion on how to tell her daughter what was wrong."That was a tough thing to sit down and decide," she recalled. "But our approach has always been we do things as a family."

Young Sarah remembers the day. Everyone was sitting at the dining room table."I was trying not to cry."

Lake's wife, who used to work in a doctor's office, became the family research specialist and the keeper of all medical records. As a family, they became educated about mesothelioma.

And as a family, they decided to pursue a lawsuit against a manufacturer of asbestos. The suit has been settled and though the Lakes decline to discuss the terms, he said he is comforted to know his wife and daughter will not be burdened by his medical bills and will be supported financially.

"I don't think it was important to me to get back at anyone," he said. "But it was important to me that they would be OK."

He said the last eight years have brought a wide range of emotions, including perhaps even regret that he didn't go to college and have a safer job.His wife recalls feeling angry.

"Yes, I got angry because I saw a young man who was healthy and I saw all that taken away from him. He couldn't work, and taking care of his family had been very important to him.

"He had a young daughter at home. He had to give up hobbies — he used to like to hunt and fish."

"I still fish," Lake reminds her. "But I have to fish from a boat — I can't trout fish anymore."

The Lakes could content themselves with enjoying life as a family. But Lake is committed to the cause of supporting others who suffer from mesothelioma and is a regular speaker at an annual symposium that includes patients and their families.

"I talk about hope," he said. He encourages people to e-mail him and Sarah with questions.

The family recently traveled to Washington, D.C, with other members of a mesothelioma support group to push for medical research money.

He also is pushing legislation now making its way through Congress — Rep. Nick Rahall, D.-W.Va., is among sponsors — to eliminate asbestos in this country.He believes it is his duty as an American citizen to do this.

Lake recalls he spent time volunteering at Sarah's high school, where he helped with a project to install lockers for the girls' softball team. One day he showed up and there was a green Dumpster out front, with yellow caution tape streamed around it and a small sign that warned of asbestos.

"Everybody is exposed to this stuff," he said. "It's in all of our homes. And we are just beginning to see the start of this.

"I don't want to see anyone else go through this. That little girl over there could end up with this," he said, pointing to his daughter. "My wife could end up with this."

Lake has recently developed congestion around his heart. His remaining lung is affected by mesothelioma. He has cancer cells in his one remaining kidney and part of it has been removed. Doctors don't know if those cancer cells are related to his mesothelioma or to his childhood kidney cancer.

But an August trip to see Dr. Pass in New York, where he now practices, came with a bit of good news — no surgery or radiation needed right now.

In the course of his treatment, the Lakes have become close to his doctors, from specialists on down to his family doctor, Greg Harrah, a high school classmate of Lake.

Sarah recalls a conversation with Dr. Frame.

"He said there may be a time when we don't have an option, when there's not a Plan B, and I'm here for that part, too. He's emphasized that with us and for peace of mind, that goes a long way.

"As a family, we made a decision. Are our last memories going to be good ones or are we going to be defeated?

"I think we made the right decision."

by Monica Orosz

Daily Mail Features Editor
Daily Mail

Mesothelioma Treatment

2007-12-06T09:38:00.000-08:00

mesothelioma clinic

Treatment of mesothelioma using conventional therapies has not proved successful and patients have a mediam survival time of 6 - 12 months after presentation. The clinical behaviour of the malignancy is affected by several factors including the continuous mesothelial surface of the pleural cavity which favours local metastasis via exfoliated cells, invasion to underlying tissue and other organs within the pleural cavity, and the extremely long latency period between asbestos exposure and development of the disease.

Surgery, either by itself or used in combination with pre- and post-operative adjuvant therapies has proved disappointing with a 5 year survival rate of less than 10%. A pleurectomy/decortication is the most common surgery, in which the lining of the chest is removed. Less common is an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which the lung, lining of the inside of the chest, the hemi-diaphragm and the pericardium are removed.

Although the tumor is highly resistant to radiotherapy, these regimens are sometimes used to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel. Radiotherapy is commonly applied to the sites of chest drain insertion, in order to prevent growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs for treating cancer. The drugs can be swallowed in pill form or they can be injected by a needle into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is systemic therapy. This means that the drug enters the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body (through the whole system) to reach and destroy the cancer cells.

Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy A procedure known as heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy was developed by Paul Sugarbaker at the Washington Cancer Institute. The surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible followed by the direct administration of a chemotherapy agent, heated to between 40 and 48Â°C, in the abdomen. The fluid is perfused for 60 to 120 minutes and then drained. This technique permits the administration of high concentrations of selected drugs into the abdominal and pelvic surfaces. Heating the chemotherapy treatment increases the penetration of the drugs into tissues. Also, heating itself damages the malignant cells more than the normal cells

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

2007-09-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs.

Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma Staging Systems

2007-09-06T04:29:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. Staging of mesothelioma is based on imaging studies such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans.

Butchart Staging System:

Stage I: Mesothelioma is present within the right or left pleura, and may also involve the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) on the same side.

Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach), heart, or pleura on both sides. The lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.

Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity). Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.

Stage IV: There is evidence of distant metastases (spread through the bloodstream to other organs).

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may need to assess the stage to help plan treatment.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

2007-08-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

chest wall pain

pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung

shortness of breath

wheezing, hoarseness, or cough

In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

abdominal pain

ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

a mass in the abdomen

problems with bowel function

weight loss

In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:

blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis

disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs

jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin

low blood sugar level

pleural effusion

pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs

severe ascites

A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Types of Mesothelioma

2007-08-08T03:55:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

There are two common types of mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma - is cancer of the Pleura, a sac that lines the lungs. Is much more common than mesothelioma in the peritoneum. For every person with peritoneal mesothelioma there will be about 12 people who have pleural mesothelioma. and causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma- Cancer in the abdomen caused by asbestos is known as Peritoneal Mesothelioma. The peritoneal is a sac that lines the abdomen much in the same way the pleura lines the lungs. It is believed that asbestos fibers reach the peritoneal membrane either by being swallowed or migrating from the pleura. The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs; and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall. and causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

2007-08-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

2007-08-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

What is mesothelioma?

2007-08-06T03:40:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum.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.

What is the mesothelium?

2007-08-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Mesothelioma History

2007-08-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

It was not until 1960 that an article published by Wagner et al first officially established mesothelioma as a disease arising from exposure to crocidolite asbestos. The article referred to over 30 case studies of people who had suffered from mesothelioma in South Africa. Some exposures were transient and some were mine workers. In 1962 McNulty reported the first diagnosed case of malignant mesothelioma in an Australian asbestos worker. The worker had worked in the mill at the asbestos mine in Wittenoom from 1948 to 1950.

In the town of Wittenoom, asbestos-containing mine waste was used to cover schoolyards and playgrounds. In 1965 an article in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine established that people who lived in the neighbourhoods of asbestos factories and mines, but did not work in them, had contracted mesothelioma.

Despite proof that the dust associated with asbestos mining and milling causes asbestos related disease, mining began at Wittenoom in 1943 and continued until 1966. In 1974 the first public warnings of the dangers of blue asbestos were published in a cover story called "Is this Killer in Your Home?" in Australia's Bulletin magazine. In 1978 the Western Australian Government decided to phase out the town of Wittenoom, following the publication of a Health Dept. booklet, "The Health Hazard at Wittenoom", containing the results of air sampling and an appraisal of worldwide medical information.

By 1979 the first writs for negligence related to Wittenoom were issued against CSR and its subsidiary ABA, and the Asbestos Diseases Society was formed to represent the Wittenoom victims.

Mesothelioma Legal Issues

2007-08-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

mesothelioma clinic

Asbestos and the law

The first lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers were in 1929. Since then, many lawsuits have been filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers, for neglecting to implement safety measures after the links between asbestos, asbestosis, and mesothelioma became known (some reports seem to place this as early as 1898). The liability resulting from the sheer number of lawsuits and people affected has reached billions of dollars.[citation needed] The amounts and method of allocating compensation have been the source of many court cases, and government attempts at resolution of existing and future cases.