Voters Pass Marijuana Reform, Providing Help to Suffering Cancer Patients

Marijuana is seen beneficial against mesothelioma cancer.

Mesothelioma cancer patients and families who prefer for alternative treatment options saw a glimpse of hope after voters in Massachusetts, Colorado and Washington voted that limited access to marijuana should be to provide cure against mesothelioma. A recent study in California revealed that a chemical compound found in marijuana has the potential to stop the metastasis of certain aggressive cancers like mesothelioma.

Study Demonstrates Mesothelioma Risk from Shipbuilding

Mid-20th century ship builders diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer

Shipbuilding in the 20th century have placed workers at risk of mesothelioma, reports Surviving Mesothelioma. A study in Italy revealed frequent occurrence of Mesothelioma from the 1940s to the 1960s in the shipbuilding town of Malfacone. Similarly, U.S. shipbuilders, particularly in Hamptons Road, Virginia revealed mesothelioma statistics that was 700% higher than the national average. 

Researchers Find Clue to Prevent Heart Damage in Mesothelioma Patients Treated with Doxorubicin

Doxorubicin, a drug against mesothelioma cancer,
could lead to heart failure.

Researchers at the University of Texas discovered the reason behind the cardiotoxity of Doxorubicin, a platinum-based drug used to combat mesothelioma, and certain types of cancer. According to Mesothelioma Help, the drug was discovered to cause heart failure in some patients.  The researchers said that their findings will help improve cancer care since it will lead to developing new, heart-friendly drugs to treat mesothelioma.

Tracking Genetic Susceptibility to Mesothelioma

Only 10 percent of those who are exposed to asbestos
really develop mesothelioma cancer

Mesothelioma Help reports that according to researchers from the Human Genetics Foundation in Turin, only 1 out of every 10 people exposed to asbestos are actually at risk pleural mesothelioma cancer. This is because of the genes, where “certain combinations of gene variants may create sensitivity to asbestos fibers, perhaps by altering cell division rate.”

Mesothelioma Study Suggests Trimodal Falls Short

Radical surgery not really effective in treating mesothelioma cancer.

Surviving Mesothelioma reports that the intense trimodal treatment approach, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) does not really help patient survive mesothelioma cancer.  Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a radical surgical approach for pleural mesothelioma, wherein the diseases mesothelium is removed as well as the nearest lung, other body linings, and all or part of the diaphragm. This procedure is followed by a chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  The sad thing is, trimodal approach has a high risk of serious complications and even death, although it also guaranteed longterm survival for a few lucky patients.

Statin Use Could Reduce Mortality in Mesothelioma Patients

Mesothelioma Help reports that findings of a recent research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine revealed that large cell lung cancer patients who undergo surgery have better chances of survival and at the same time minimize their risk of recurring ailments by taking statins. Statin is a type of medicines that effective in lowering blood cholesterol levels.  Another study conducted in Denmark seconded the findings in U.S.

Mesothelioma Drug Slows Disease Progression in Patients With an Inactive NF2 Gene

A new drug gives hope to mesothelioma cancer patients.

Initial results from the preliminary trial of a new drug for patients with mesothelioma could reveal that it shows some success in preventing the spread of the deadly disease in patients with low active tumour suppressor gene called NF2, reports Science Daily.

Australian Electricians Fear Mesothelioma Risk

Electricians at risk of mesothelioma

Australia’s Electrical Trades Union urged electricians and electricity-related workers not to modify or work with electrical boxes they have been audited after news spread that meter-box workers are not really protected against asbestos-containing meter boxes, reports Surviving Mesothelioma. This could put them at risk of mesothelioma cancer.

FDA Grants Orphan Drug Status To Amatuximab (MORAb-009)

Amatuxinab is granted orphan drug status.

OncLive.com reports that the Food and Drug Administration had granted orphan drug status to Amatuximab, which is used to treat patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma. Amatuximab (MORAb-009) is a monoclonal antibody which targets mesothelin, a cell surface glycoprotein linked to cell adhesion is manifested on specific types of cancer, including mesothelioma cancer, as well as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, epithelial ovarian cancer, and lung adenocarcinoma.