Mesothelioma Research
In an attempt to consolidate important articles and research related to the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma, we have added this section to our Web site. The research articles below include diagnostic studies, review studies, case studies, etiological studies, and therapy studies. The research articles are sorted by date descending. We have also included relevant mesothelioma related press releases and doctor interviews. Someday we hope to be able to report a cure for mesothelioma here.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Nintedanib Shows Promise as a New Treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Boehringer Ingelheim’s nintedanib has been granted PIM—Promising Innovative Medicine—status for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in the United Kingdom (UK) by the country’s Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute Explores New Mesothelioma Treatment Option in Clinical Trial
An interventional, open-label, phase I study aimed at determining the maximum tolerated dose of pemetrexed combined with cisplatin when administered directly into the chest during surgery is currently underway in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma at the Mesothelioma Treatment Center at the Baylor College of Medicine Lung Institute.
CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology and Immunotherapy — Will This Be the Next Revolution in Cancer Treatment?
The first human trial involving CRISPR gene-editing technology was approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) advisory panel.
Mesothelioma Avastin® Cisplatin Pemetrexed Study (MAPS): New Triplet Therapy Shows Significant Improvement in Overall Survival (OS) in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
A study examining a new triplet therapy of Avastin®, cisplatin, and pemetrexed showed significant improvement in overall survival (OS) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Accelerated Hemithoracic Radiation Followed by Extrapleural Pneumonectomy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
A study evaluating a new treatment protocol for patients with resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
The First Comprehensive Lung Institute in Texas Offers Hope to Patients with a World Class Team of Experts
The Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center team is now accepting patients
Dr. David Sugarbaker is now leading a team of specialists in Texas multi-specialty Lung Institute, the first comprehensive center of its kind.
Releasing the Brakes on Cancer Immunotherapy
Ribas's article, entitled "Releasing the Brakes on Cancer Immunotherapy," discusses the evolution of the potential of the human body's immune system in fighting cancer.
Electron Microscopy Remains the Gold Standard for the Diagnosis of Epithelial Malignant Mesothelioma
Almost Half of Women with Malignant Mesothelioma Were Exposed to Asbestos at Home Through Their Husbands or Sons
The Global Spread of Asbestos
Despite widespread knowledge of the hazards of asbestos and bans on any use of asbestos in more than 50 countries, an estimated 2 million tons of asbestos continue to be used around the world each year.
Newly established ELISA for N-ERC/mesothelin Improves Diagnostic Accuracy in Patients with Suspected Pleural Mesothelioma
Probability of Cancer in Pulmonary Nodules Detected on First Screening CT
The U.S. National Lung Screening Trial showed that screening with the use of low-dose thoracic computed tomography (CT) reduces mortality from lung cancer by 20%
Combination of Arginine Deprivation with TRAIL Treatment as a Targeted-Therapy for Mesothelioma
This study presents data to show that certain tumor cells including malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) cells do not express argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS), and thus are unable to synthesize arginine from citrulline.
What is the Best Way to Diagnose and Stage Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?
The question addressed was which diagnostic modality [computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), combination PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] provides the best diagnostic and staging information in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
Characteristics of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Women
This study evaluates the role of gender in relation to established prognostic factors in MPM.
Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The role of surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma encompasses the need for rapid diagnosis, preoperative staging and surgical resection, and also the need for a greater biological understanding of this rare and aggressive malignancy.
Trimodality Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Analysis of the outcomes of a cohort of mesothelioma patients treated with induction chemotherapy, followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and adjuvant radiation.
Guidelines for Pathologic Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma: a Consensus Statement from the International Mesothelioma Interest Group
Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Developed by Renowned Surgeon
Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, renowned oncologic surgeon specializing in mesothelioma at the Washington Cancer Institute, developed a leading-edge surgical procedure to treat mesothelioma called heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Comprehensive Approach for Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma is Described
Researchers have reported that combination resection, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and whole abdominal radiation therapy is effective for treating malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Radical Decortication/Pleurectomy is the Best Surgical Approach for N2 Malignant Mesothelioma: Presented at recent STS
Stage 3 pure epithelial mesothelioma patients who underwent the more extensive treatment of radical decortication/pleurectomy appear to have significantly better results than patients who had less extensive operations.
Mesothelioma Subtype Shows Lengthier Projected Longevity: IASLC
Some malignant mesothelioma patients may have a mesothelioma prognosis that's not as grim as once widely believed, said a Nordic collaborative group.
ASCO: Recent Study Confirms Pemetrexed-Platinum Activity in Malignant Mesothelioma
Confirming results of previous studies, pemetrexed combined with either cisplatin or carboplatin demonstrated activity in previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma, said researchers.
Chemo Combination Improves Survival in Asbestos-Related Cancer
People with mesothelioma a form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure have a higher survival rate when treated with a combination of two cancer drugs, a large multicenter study finds.
Circulating CA125 in Patients with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Perfusion
Recent clinical trials report encouraging results in selected patients with peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion (IPHP).
Perineural Spread of Malignant Mesothelioma Resulting in an Intradural Spinal Cord Mass
Spinal cord involvement by perineural spread of malignant mesothelioma is rare.
Current Problems in the Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is challenging although MPM is highly aggressive tumor.
Sex Difference in Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is rare and in the past has proved an invariably fatal disease.
5-year Prospective Results of Trimodality Treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Even though followed by a prolonged survival in highly selected patients, the promising results of Sugarbaker's trimodality treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) are debated and not yet uniformly replicated.
Gene Therapy for Malignant Mesothelioma: Beyond the Infant Years
Mesothelioma may be particularly well suited for gene therapy treatment owing to its accessibility, allowing both intrapleural and intratumoral gene delivery.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Comprehensive Review
The incidence of malignant mesothelioma continues to increase, but the disease remains difficult to detect early and treat effectively.
A Molecular Diagnostic Test for Distinguishing Lung Adenocarcinoma from Malignant Mesothelioma Using Cells Collected from Pleural Effusions
Patients with malignant mesothelioma or adenocarcinoma of the lung often present with respiratory complications associated with a malignant pleural effusion.
Mesothelioma in Patients with Nonoccupational Asbestos Exposure. An Evidence-based Approach to Causation Assessment
The specific parameters of nonoccupational asbestos exposures (NOAE) that can distinguish an idiopathic from an asbestos-caused malignant mesothelioma (MM) are controversial.
Onconase Shows Unique Promise In Treating Mesothelioma
Alfacell Corp. said that according to the research findings published in National Academy of Sciences Journal, the company's anti-cancer drug Onconase might be one of the most effective methods of treatment for mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by asbestos.
The Role of PET in the Surgical Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Current imaging modalities fail to define precisely the extent of disease in MPM and are inaccurate in selecting patients for treatment.
New Agents in the Management of Advanced Mesothelioma
The current review will cover the dramatic improvements in the treatment of this rare disease that have been recently achieved, as well as the promise that new, molecular-targeted therapies, such as bortezomid, mTOR inhibitors, and Met inhibitors, seem to offer for the next few years.
FDA approves Alimta®-Cisplatin Combination for treatment of Asbestos-Related Cancer
The first and only drug regimen proven to help patients with an asbestos cancer live longer was approved today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Eli Lilly Boosted by Mesothelioma Treatment Drug Alimta®
Alimta®, a new type of cancer treatment being developed by Eli Lilly, is the first treatment to significantly improve mesothelioma prognosis and ameliorate the symptoms of the disease.
Pathology of Human Malignant Mesothelioma - Preliminary Analysis of 1,517 Mesothelioma Cases
The author reviewed 1,517 human malignant mesothelioma cases from 1975 through August 2000. These mesothelioma cases were definite or probable in diagnostic certainty. Sources of these cases varied including asbestos insulation workers, UNARCO workers, Cancer and Leukemia B mesothelioma panel cases and random cases.
Trimodality Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
We reviewed our experience with trimodality management of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumor that predominantly afflicts men over 50 years of age. Nearly 3000 MPMs are reported annually in the United States with the incidence expected to rise into the new millennium.
Older Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Alerts
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Pregnancy
A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented at 18 weeks' gestation with unrelenting chest and shoulder pain, massive pleural effusion, and a large thoracic mass.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Presenting as Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Since many people were exposed to asbestos during and after World War II, spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with the possibility of such exposure should raise the suspicion of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
'Mucin-positive' Epithelial Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum: an Unusual Diagnostic Pitfall
This case of primary peritoneal 'mucin-positive' epithelial mesothelioma demonstrates morphological and histochemical mimicry with diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma.
Mesothelioma and Lung Tumors Attributable to Asbestos Among Petroleum Workers
Asbestos exposure has been definitively found to be associated with both mesothelioma and lung cancer. Nevertheless, in the overall population of oil refinery workers potentially exposed to asbestos, many studies clearly show a definitely increased risk of mesothelioma, but no proven excess of lung cancer after comparison to the general population.
Pleuropneumonectomy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma(*)
The objective of the study was presentation of the use of pleuropneumonectomy in a multimodality treatment setting and the results.
Prognostic Value of FDG PET Imaging in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The purpose of this study was to assess whether tumor metabolic activity, as assessed by fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging, correlates inversely with survival.
Environmental Exposure to Asbestos in Asbestos Cement Workers: A Case of Additional Exposure from Indiscriminate Use of Industrial Wastes
The paper presents data on cancer risk, especially pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer, among the workers of asbestos cement plant who living in the vicinity of the plant, were also environmentally exposed to asbestos.
The Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma With Gene Modified Cancer Cells: A Phase-I Study
Please see the latest gene therapy treatment study headed by Dr. Paul Schwarzenberger from the LSU Medical Center and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.
Intralesional Cytokine Therapy in Cancer: A Pilot Study of GM-CSF Infusion in Mesothelioma
Intralesional infusion of cytokines is feasible but can be associated with systemic toxicity and has considerable technical problems. It produces a localized immune reaction with tumor regression in a minority of patients.
Systemic Drug Therapy of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
This paper reviews the available literature on the systemic drug therapy of MPM.
Tyler Asbestos Workers: Mortality Experience in a Cohort Exposed to Amosite
This study examines the causes of death among 1130 former workers of a plant in Tyler, Texas dedicated to the manufacture of asbestos pipe insulation materials.
Gene Therapy For Thoracic Cancer: A Trial To Treat Malignant Mesothelioma
Investigators at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center have been awarded a Program Project grant from theNational Cancer Institute that will help fund a novel gene therapy trial to treat patients with mesothelioma, a cancer frequently linked to asbestos exposure.
Commonly Asked Questions about Mesothelioma Surgery
Dr. David Sugarbaker, M.D. has provided us with a list of commonly asked questions about extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Lovastatin - Cholesterol Drug May Inhibit Mesothelioma Cancer Cell Growth
Researchers at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota may have discovered an effective treatment for mesothelioma using a common cholesterol reducing drug.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of Malignant Mesothelioma of Pleura
The LumaCare™ site provides an abstract and details of a recent study entitled "Photodynamic Therapy of Malignant Mesothelioma of Pleura". The study was conducted at the Norwegian Radium Hospital.
Current Therapy For Mesothelioma
Expert Dr. David Sugarbaker and his associates in Boston have published a study of Current Therapy options and predicting survival rate for malignant mesothelioma victims.
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