Targeted Immune Cells Shrink Tumors in Mice

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Researchers have generated altered immune cells that are able to shrink, and in some cases eradicate, large tumors in mice. The immune cells target mesothelin, a protein that is highly expressed, or translated in large amounts from the mesothelin gene, on the surface of several types of cancer cells. The approach, developed by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, shows promise in the development of immunotherapies for certain tumors. The study appeared online the week of Feb. 9, 2009, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Expression of mesothelin is normally limited to the cells that make up the protective lining (mesothelium) of the body’s cavities and internal organs. However, the protein is abundantly expressed by nearly all
pancreatic cancers and mesotheliomas and by many ovarian and non-small-cell lung cancers. Although the biological function of mesothelin is not known for certain, it is thought to play a role in the growth and metastatic spread of the cancers that express it.

"Since tumor cells are derived from the body’s normal cells, the immune system often does not recognize
tumor molecules as dangerous or foreign and does not mount a strong attack against them," said Ira Pastan, M.D., chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, a study collaborator. Moreover, even though it is possible to genetically engineer immune system cells to recognize molecules on tumor cells, most of the molecules found on tumor cells are also found on normal cells. But, Pastan notes, “Mesothelin is a promising candidate for generating tumor-targeting T cells, given its limited expression in normal tissues and high expression in several cancers."

Previous laboratory research has shown that certain immune system cells, called T cells, can kill tumor cells that express mesothelin. In addition, studies in both animals and humans have shown that antibodies directed against mesothelin protein can shrink tumors.

In the new study, the research team genetically engineered human T cells to target human mesothelin. To
produce them, a modified virus was used as a delivery vehicle, or vector, to transfer synthetic genes to cells. These genes directed the production of hybrid, or chimeric, proteins that can recognize and bind to
mesothelin and consequently stimulate the proliferation and cell-killing activity of the T cells.

In laboratory studies, the team found that the engineered T cells proliferated and secreted multiple cytokines when exposed to mesothelin. Cytokines are proteins that help control immune functions. The cells also expressed proteins that made them resistant to the toxic effects of tumors and their surrounding tissues.

To study the effects of the engineered T cells on tumor tissue, the researchers implanted human
mesothelioma cells underneath the skin of mice. About six weeks later, when tumors had formed and
progressed to an advanced stage, the engineered T cells were administered to the mice. Direct injection of the T cells into tumors or into veins of the mice resulted in disappearance or shrinkage of the tumor.

"Based on the size of the tumors and the number of cells administered, we estimate that one mesothelintargeted T cell was able to kill about 40 tumor cells," said study leader Carl H. June, M.D., professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and director of Translational Research at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center. "This finding indicates that small doses of these cells may have potential in treating patients with large tumors. Clinical trials are being developed to investigate this approach in patients with mesothelioma and ovarian cancer."

For more information on Dr. Pastan’s research, please go to http://ccr.cancer.gov/staff /staff.asp?profileid=5782.

For more information on Dr. June’s research, please go to http://www.med.upenn.edu/camb/faculty
/gt/june.html.

Vermont Residents and the Asbestos Mine

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The Vermont Asbestos Group Mine closed in 1993, but it is still stirring controversy in the thirteen towns near the Belvidere Mountain area where it was located. Fourteen hospitalizations and five deaths are thought to have been due to the adverse health effects of asbestos. A report from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Vermont Department of Health show that there may be a reason to study further the health risks brought about by past mining activities.


This conclusion was drawn from analyzing data gathered from towns that are within a ten-mile radius of the mine, and while the study may have had its limits, there is a noticeable statistical link between the occurrence of asbestos-related disease in communities within the mine’s vicinity. It was determined that risk of contracting asbestos-related diseases triples with geographic exposure to asbestos mines.
Asbestos used to be a staple material in American homes until the 1970s for insulation, floor and roofing tiles and tile glues. When the adverse health effects of the material were discovered, agencies such as the
Environmental Protection Agency, the OSHA and the CDC have attempted to ban the mineral from
commercial use.

Until now, though, asbestos still finds its way into the market, but the attempts to ban it had significantly
limited the quantities to which the American public may be exposed to.

Proximity to an area that has been mined for asbestos, though, is a different story. The removal of
asbestos-based products will do nothing to exposure. Asbestos fibers enter the body through inhalation, and may lead to a number of diseases.

The most notable among these diseases is mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer that is usually not
detected until it is already in its advanced stage, sometimes up to three decades after exposure. This means that the 14 hospitalizations and 5 deaths in the area at this time is just the tip of the iceberg. Diseases may not manifest themselves until the 2020s.

The most the authorities can do as of now is to warn people about staying away from the property. The mine is closed, but outdoor enthusiasts such as all-terrain vehicle drivers use the property for their activities.

source: mirg.org

Mesothelioma Victims Center Launches Its First campaign in 2011

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The Mesothelioma Victims Center gets rave reviews from individuals, or family members dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis for good reason. They say, "Mot one organization, or law firm in the United States comes close to us, in providing a just diagnosed victim of mesothelioma, or their loved ones with the number, or quality of free services, or resources, for an individual now living with this rare form of cancer." The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "Our 2011 goal is to offer just diagnosed mesothelioma victims with the most comprehensive free service on earth, with an emphasis on, call us first, and you get everything you need, on the spot. We lived with mesothelioma ourselves, we are passionate about helping every victim, and their family members, and our motto is nothing but the best, for a individual, or family dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis." For more information mesothelioma victims or their family members can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com


source: prweb.com/

Coping Up With Mesothelioma

Image by Litandmore via FlickrPeople with a mesothelioma diagnosis are "truly scared," says Alan D. Valentine, MD, associate psychiatrist and associate professor of medicine (psychiatry) at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

There are several reasons for this. The late diagnosis and often poor prognosis are certainly factors, says Dr. Valentine. He also notes that the many advertisements that you see on television — from law firms promoting lawsuits and settlements — also give a certain graveness to the disease.

In addition, mesothelioma doesn't get the publicity — or public support — that more common cancers like breast cancer do.

Therapy and antidepressants are an option for helping to manage emotions like fear, anxiety, and depression that are common after a cancer diagnosis, says Valentine. While he says that patients should be screened to see if those therapies would offer benefit, they shouldn't automatically be prescribed.
Be honest and realistic about what you're faced with, recommends Valentine. Accept your fear, anger, and other feelings — don't feel like you have to be strong, stoic, and always positive. "Sometimes, that's asking a lot," he says.

Instead, concentrate on what needs to happen, says Valentine, rather than what could happen. Focus on business obligations, taking medications, and moving forward with treatment, instead of wondering if the worst will happen.
Valentine also recommends these mechanisms to cope with fear from a cancer diagnosis and to stay calm:

• Practicing guided imagery, in which you lead your thoughts to soothing images
• Trying self-hypnosis
• Joining a support group
• Getting regular, light exercise — even walking or exercising in a chair

Anything you can do to distract yourself and allow yourself to refocus on the task at hand rather than getting caught up in fear, anxiety, and "what ifs," Valentine says, will help you manage your fear.  

Several Surgical Treatments That Can Relieve Mesothelioma Symptoms

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In many cases, surgery to remove cancerous cells, such as in early stage colon cancer, can greatly improve one's odds of survival. In the case of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the lining of various organs, surgery is usually used to minimize symptoms rather than cure the disease. 

“For most people with mesothelioma, the care is predominantly palliative,” explains Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of respiratory care and a professor of pulmonary medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. There is no known cure for mesothelioma, so palliative care — care that focuses on alleviating symptoms instead of curing the disease — is the mainstay of treatment.

Understanding Mesothelioma 
According to Dr. Schachter, mesothelioma is particularly difficult to treat because it differs from other, more common cancers in a number of ways. “The problem with mesothelioma is it’s not one of these cancers that goes all over your body,” he says. “It tends to be localized and grows [only in certain] areas," Schachter adds. As a result, mesothelioma often leads to vague symptoms that can mimic other conditions, making it tougher to diagnose. By the time mesothelioma is actually diagnosed, it becomes that much more challenging to treat.

Surgical Options for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma typically affects the pleura, the lining of the lungs. When the pleura become irritated, excess fluid can build up in the lungs making it very difficult to breathe. Many palliative procedures for mesothelioma therefore involve surgical procedures to drain and prevent this type of fluid accumulation.

Surgical palliative care options for treating mesothelioma include:

• Chest tube drainage. When excessive fluid builds up around the lungs, a thick catheter or chest tube may be temporarily placed to allow the fluid to drain outside of the body.
• Pleurodesis. After the fluid is successfully drained, surgeons may place special chemicals into the pleural space in a procedure known as pleurodesis. These chemicals usually cause the pleural tissue to become so scarred that no new fluid can accumulate.
• Pleuroperitoneal shunt. Another option for addressing recurrent fluid buildup is to place a permanent catheter that diverts pleural fluid away from the lungs into the peritoneal, or abdominal, cavity.
• Pleurectomy and decortication. These surgeries are more drastic than pleurodesis, Schachter says, but they can be helpful for relieving symptoms if pleurodesis is ineffective. In a pleurectomy, the pleural tissue is separated from the lungs and chest wall and removed. In a decortication, both the pleural tissue and associated scar tissue are removed. “You are basically peeling out all the scar tissue that surrounds the lung,” Schachter explains. This enables patients to breathe more easily.
• Palliative tumor resection. This involves “cutting out as much tumor as you can, but this is the kind of tumor that you can’t just take all out; it will [eventually] grow back,” Schachter says. Even so, removing the tumor and any damaged lung tissue can temporarily alleviate shortness of breath and chest discomfort.

In some cases, an operation called extrapleural pneumonectomy can also be performed. This is considered a very extensive surgery. In addition to removing the pleura and some of the lung, surgeons “also sometimes take part of the diaphragm," explains Schachter. "If you happen to be young and relatively functional, and they find no lymph node involvement, then your prognosis for five-year survival is almost reasonable. But that represents a small percentage of patients. There’s also hope that treating some patients with chemotherapy may shrink some tumors."

Other Palliative Treatments 
Bartolome R. Celli, MD, chief of pulmonary care at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, also says that experimental chemotherapy regimens can relieve discomfort for mesothelioma patients. “In addition, oxygen if necessary, analgesics [pain killers], and opiates [narcotic pain killers] will improve symptoms and quality of life,” Dr. Celli adds. Palliative radiation therapy can be used to control pain as well.

Though there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, researchers are studying novel ways to control the progression of this disease. In the mean time, palliative care therapies aimed at reducing pain and other symptoms are essential for people with mesothelioma.

The Hunt for a Mesothelioma Cure

Image via Wikipedia“Is there a cure? No,” says Neil Schachter, MD, medical director of respiratory care and a professor of pulmonary medicine at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “There are some promising avenues of research going on now, but mesothelioma is a terrible disease with a poor prognosis, though there are some brighter areas in the field.”

Bartolome R. Celli, MD, chief of pulmonary care at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, adds that early detection coupled with surgical intervention can extend patients’ lives. “Unfortunately, there is no real cure,” says Dr. Celli. “Some mesothelioma cases caught early can have extensive resection [surgical removal] of pleura [lung and chest lining] and lung with some survival benefit.”

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. People with this disease generally do not survive a long time; five years after diagnosis, only about 10 percent are still alive.

But there are some options that may bring a ray of hope:

• Direct chemotherapy delivery. Researchers are investigating chemotherapy treatments that are delivered right into the malignant site. Normally, chemotherapy is delivered intravenously.
• New uses for older drugs. Newer mesothelioma treatments also include combinations of older drugs. “People are working on available treatments to see if they can be refined,” says Dr. Schachter.
• Neoadjuvant therapy. With this therapy, chemotherapy, used to shrink a tumor, is given before surgical treatment instead of afterward, which has been the norm.
• Anti-growth factors. These treatments are also designed to cause tumors to shrink, says Schachter. These are being tested in animal models and preliminarily in people to see how toxic they are, “but I don’t think we’re anywhere near being able to use [this treatment method] therapeutically.”
• Biologic therapy or immunotherapy. Another type of therapy being tested is biologic therapy, which can refer to the introduction of a bacterial, viral, or blood product for the treatment of a disease. In mesothelioma, biologics are being used to stimulate a patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer. Other types of biologic treatment attempt to decrease blood flow to the tumor, starving the tumor of what it needs to grow larger and spread. 

But at the moment, Schachter says, the only treatment plan that increases life expectancy is surgery first, with chemotherapy and radiation. However, this only applies to a small proportion of the patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, Schachter says. “You have to be strong to undergo that, and then you’re left with only one lung.” 

Gastric Cancer Drug - Potential for Treating Pleural Mesothelioma

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Malignant pleural mesothelioma patients may soon have another treatment option if the makers of Teysuno, a gastric cancer drug, can prove the effectiveness of the drug in fighting the deadly form of lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive respiratory cancer caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers and is resistant to many standard cancer treatments.

Diagnosed in nearly 3,000 Americans each year, mesothelioma is most common in trade workers and military veterans. The latency or incubation period can be up to 50 years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asbestos causes approximately half of all deaths from occupational cancer. In addition, they estimate 90,000 people die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

An Anti-Tumor Drug From JapanOne standard treatment for mesothelioma is a combination of chemotherapydrugs. Most often pemetrexed and cisplatin are combined after surgery to halt the growth of the cancer and to alleviate symptoms. However, the overall prognosis for mesothelioma patients remains poor, with the average survival time varying from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis.

In a recent article in the medical journal Cancer, Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, Japanese researchers explore the effectiveness of the new anti-tumor drug, also known as S-1, for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. The chemotherapy drug that is taken orally was developed by the Japanese drug manufacturer Taiho Pharmaceutical Co.

The drug is approved in Japan for the treatment of gastric, colorectal, head and neck, non-small cell lung, metastatic breast, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers. It is also available in Korea, China and other Asian countries. It was recently recommended for approval as a first line treatment for gastric cancer in Europe, but is not yet available in the U.S.

Proves to Improve SurvivalTo test the drug’s effectiveness on mesothelioma, researchers at the University of Tokushima implanted malignant mesothelioma cells into the chest cavities of mice. Their intent was to see whether S-1 would reduce the growth of cancerous tumors and the occurrence of bloody pleural fluid caused by mesothelioma.

The researchers reported that treatment with S-1 significantly reduced tumor growth in mice with certain lines of mesothelioma cells and prolonged their survival. One of the key compounds in S-1 is CDPH, which enhances the antitumor activity of 5-FU as well. 5-FU is another anti-cancer medication used in conjunction with S-1.

Most often diagnoses of mesothelioma are not made until symptoms appear and the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. To make the study realistic, the researchers then delayed treating the mice until their tumors were also at an advanced stage. The same results were achieved with late stage mesothelioma, suggesting that S-1 may be applicable for treatment of human mesothelioma patients in a clinical setting.

The research suggests that S-1 may be an effective therapy for controlling malignant pleural mesothelioma, but further study is needed.

Mesothelioma Patient Runs for Mesothelioma Cure Research

Steve Lee he has been living with mesothelioma for over 5 years, he is turning his running efforts into fundraising for mesothelioma. Lee, 65-years-old, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2007 when his doctors told him he had just 6 months to live. Lee and his running buddies of the Reading Roadrunners of England have raised more than $62,000 to fund research at Queen Mary, University of London.

Pleural mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer that is almost always caused byasbestos exposure and is most commonly found in the outer lining of the lungs called the mesothelium. Lee, whose father died of mesothelioma in 2002, is not certain but believes he contracted mesothelioma when working with his father on building sites. He also said that his family lived in an asbestos-built house in Canvey Island, Essex.

According to Professor Julian Peto, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Institute of Cancer Research, the UK now has the highest death rate in the world from mesothelioma, with over 2,000 deaths a year. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma.

The university has matched the sum raised by Lee and the club and have made use of the funds towards research to synthesize a naturally-occurring compound, which is believed to kill mesothelioma cells. Their goal is to produce the compound in sufficient quantities to determine whether it can be used to treat sufferers.

Dr Adrian Dobbs, the organic chemist who is supervising the mesothelioma research project, said “…if their data are correct then [the research] could certainly have a very powerful effect on giving longevity and a massively improved quality of life” to victims of mesothelioma.

Lee says he will keep running for as long as he can, and now raising money for others has become his therapy. He added after a recent trip to the Queen Mary laboratory, “It’s great to be able to meet those involved and ask them things about the research.”

Global Burden of Mesothelioma Uncovered

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In an article made available January 6th online inEnvironmental Health Perspectives researchers reported their findings that globally “one mesothelioma case has been overlooked for every four to five reported cases.” The study’s goal was to estimate the global magnitude ofmalignant mesothelioma since some countries that are known to have extensive historical use of asbestos do not report mesothelioma cases.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused specifically byexposure to asbestos. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed 30 years or more after exposure, and are often not diagnosed until the disease is at an advanced stage. Mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many standard cancer treatments with the average survival time varying from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 43,000 mesothelioma deaths worldwide each year.

Data EvaluationResearchers from the University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, National Taiwan University, and University of Birmingham, England set out to validate and reassess the 2005 estimate that WHO endorses and to compile a set of data correlating asbestos use and mesothelioma.

Using data for country-level asbestos use from 1920 through 1970 and the number of mesothelioma deaths reported between 1994 and 2008 the authors estimated the global burden of mesothelioma mortality at 213,200 over the fifteen years. The researchers determined the cumulative mesothelioma frequency is predictable from cumulative asbestos use based on the total of the 174,300 reported cases. Thus, in the 33 countries that do not report, mesothelioma is predicted at 38,900 cases – or one for every 4-5 cases reported.

This averages to 14,200 cases per year “assuming a flat change rate or approximately 25,000 (38,000) cases in the year 2008 assuming a 10% (20%) annual increase rate.” This is higher than the previously reported value of 10,000 for only the developed regions in the world, but less than the 43,000 mesothelioma deaths estimated for the world in an earlier study from which WHO got their data.

Numbers Could Still be UnderestimatedThe authors said that this study is the first to provide a global estimate of unreported mesothelioma cases by using the “collective experience of countries with data.” Using asbestos-related facts such as length of exposure, the authors made the assumption that cumulative asbestos use subsequently takes a toll reflected in the cumulative mesothelioma count in populations. Some studies indicate that even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

The authors identified the following potential areas that could result in an underestimation of their numbers:

• Lack of data on the trade of asbestos-containing products (ACP) which would impose additional risk;
• Estimates cannot account for the national experiences of the majority of countries in the world with “no information” on asbestos use (it is possible that USGS information on asbestos use is less complete for the less-developed countries, especially for the earlier years); and
• Underdiagnosis and underreporting of mesothelioma is also a major problem in developed countries.

The researchers caution that the unreporting countries may have economic reasons for not reporting the data and will continue to maintain their production and trade of asbestos while continuing to contribute to the growing global mesothelioma burden. They also state that it is plausible that “the hidden [mesothelioma] burden is substantial in countries with high cumulative use of asbestos, including the asbestos-producing countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, China and India.”

Prevention of Mesothelioma Through the Ban of AsbestosThe tragedy of mesothelioma is that the disease is completely preventable through the ban of asbestos. While use of asbestos has been curbed in the United States since the late 1970s, the incidence of mesothelioma has been increasing in the United States. Current estimates indicate that close to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year.

According to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the study authors urge every country to ban the mining, use, and export of asbestos because mesothelioma can be prevented by eliminating exposure to asbestos.


source: by nancy meredith of mesotheliomahelp.net

Smoking Increases Cancer Pain

Image via WikipediaThere may be an association between increased pain severity plus interference from pain and being a smoker in individuals with a cancer diagnosis, according to research published in the January issue of PAIN.

Joseph W. Ditre, Ph.D., of Texas A&M University in College Station, and colleagues analyzed self-reports of pain in 224 cancer patients about to begin chemotherapy to study the associations between multiple levels of smoking status and pain-related outcomes in this patient population.

The researchers found reports of more severe pain in those who continued to smoke after their cancer diagnosis than in patients who had never smoked. The current smokers also reported a greater level of interference from their pain than former or never smokers. Former smokers reported experiencing less pain with increased number of years since they quit.

"These data suggest that continued smoking despite a cancer diagnosis is associated with greater pain severity and interference from pain; however, future research is warranted to determine the directionality of this relationship," the authors write.

Stop Smoking When Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

Image via WikipediaSmoke-quitting when diagnosed with mesothelioma minimizes pain while being treated. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells, caused by breathing in asbestos fibers that become lodged in the thin membrane that lines and encases the lungs. Most patients do not receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma until after symptoms appear, which can be 30 years or more after exposure. By this time the disease has progressed to an advanced stage leaving the patient with life-threatening complications and limited treatment options.

Mesothelioma is a painful cancer and the pain associated with the disease varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of mesothelioma. Over half of the pleural mesothelioma patients suffer pain in the lower, back and sides of the chest. Others may experience pain from shortness of breath, and constant and acute coughing. Now, researchers say that cancer pain may be increased in those who continued to smoke after their cancer diagnosis compared to patients who had never smoked.

In the study led by researchers at Texas A&M University, 224 cancer patients about to begin chemotherapy were followed to determine the association between smoking and the aggravation of cancer symptoms and treatment side effects, such as pain. The researchers reviewed self-reported measures of pain severity, pain-related distress and pain-related interference. They concluded that “continued smoking despite a cancer diagnosis is associated with greater pain severity and interference from pain.” Former smokers reported experiencing less pain with increased number of years since they quit.

Unlike many other predominantly pulmonary-related cancers, cigarette smoking has no known causative affect on mesothelioma incidence; however, according to the study, smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases and 85% of head and neck cancers. Smoking cessation is one of the primary ways to prevent lung disease.

Carbon Nanotubes That Look Like Asbestos, Behave Like Asbestos, Could Lead To Asbestos-Related Disease

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A major study published in Nature Nanotechnology suggests some forms of carbon nanotubes -- a poster child for the "nanotechnology revolution" -- could be as harmful as asbestos if inhaled in sufficient quantities.

The study used established methods to see if specific types of nanotubes have the potential to cause mesothelioma -- a cancer of the lung lining that can take 30-40 years to appear following exposure. The results show that long, thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes that look like asbestos fibers, behave like asbestos fibers.

Discovered nearly 20 years ago, carbon nanotubes have been described as the wonder material of the 21st Century. Light as plastic and stronger that steel, they are being developed for use in new drugs, energy-efficient batteries and futuristic electronics. But since their discovery, questions have been raised about whether some of these nanoscale materials may cause harm and undermine a nascent market for all types of carbon nanotubes, including multi- and single-walled carbon nanotubes. Leading forecasting firms say sales of all nanotubes could reach $2 billion annually within the next four to seven years, according to an article in the U.S. publication Chemical & Engineering News.

"This study is exactly the kind of strategic, highly focused research needed to ensure the safe and responsible development of nanotechnology," says Andrew Maynard, Chief Science Advisor to the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies and a co-author on the paper. "It looks at a specific nanoscale material expected to have widespread commercial applications and asks specific questions about a specific health hazard. Even though scientists have been raising concerns about the safety of long, thin carbon nanotubes for over a decade, none of the research needs in the current U.S. federal nanotechnology environment, health and safety risk research strategy address this question."

Widespread exposure to asbestos has been described as the worst occupational health disaster in U.S. history and the cost of asbestos-related disease is expected to exceed $200 billion, according to major U.S. think tank RAND Corporation.

Anthony Seaton, MD, a co-author on the paper and a professor emeritus at the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom, says, "The toll of asbestos-related cancer, first noticed in the 1950s and 1960s, is likely to continue for several more decades even though usage reduced rapidly some 25 years ago. While there are reasons to suppose that nanotubes can be used safely, this will depend on appropriate steps being taken to prevent them from being inhaled in the places they are manufactured, used and ultimately disposed of. Such steps should be based on research into exposure and risk prevention, leading to regulation of their use. Following this study, the results of which were foreseen by the Royal Society in the U.K. in 2004, we can no longer delay investing in such research."

Researchers, led by Professor Kenneth Donaldson at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, examined the potential for long and short carbon nanotubes, long and short asbestos fibers, and carbon black to cause pathological responses known to be precursors of mesothelioma. Material was injected into the abdominal cavity of mice -- a sensitive predictor of long fiber response in the lung lining.

"The results were clear," says Donaldson. "Long, thin carbon nanotubes showed the same effects as long, thin asbestos fibers."

Asbestos fibers are harmful because they are thin enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, but sufficiently long to confound the lungs' built-in clearance mechanisms for getting rid of particles.

Donaldson stresses there are still pieces of the puzzle to fill in. "We still don't know whether carbon nanotubes will become airborne and be inhaled, or whether, if they do reach the lungs, they can work their way to the sensitive outer lining. But if they do get there in sufficient quantity, there is a chance that some people will develop cancer--perhaps decades after breathing the stuff," states Donaldson.

There is a silver lining to this research. According to Donaldson, "Short or curly carbon nanotubes did not behave like asbestos, and by knowing the possible dangers of long, thin carbon nanotubes, we can work to control them. It's a good news story, not a bad one. It shows that carbon nanotubes and their products could be made to be safe."

But Donaldson added that the present study only tested for fiber-like behavior and did not exonerate carbon nanotubes from damaging the lungs in other ways. "More research is still needed if we are to understand how to use these materials as safely as possible," he notes.

Carbon nanotubes are atom-thick sheets of graphite formed into cylinders. They may be formed from a single layer of graphite or they may consist of multiple concentric layers of graphite, resulting in multi-walled carbon nanotubes. While the diameter of a nanotube can vary from a few nanometers up to tens of nanometers, they can be hundreds or even thousands of nanometers long. Carbon nanotubes come in many forms, with different shapes, different atomic arrangements, and varying amounts and types of added chemicals--all of which affect their properties and might influence their impact on human health and the environment.

"This is a wakeup call for nanotechnology in general and carbon nanotubes in particular," says Maynard. "As a society, we cannot afford not to exploit this incredible material, but neither can we afford to get it wrong--as we did with asbestos."

source: sciencedaily.com

The Importance of Early Diagnosis for Mesothelioma Cancer Patients

The importance of early diagnosis for mesothelioma cancer patients can't be overemphasized. If you have a history of asbestos exposure—whether from a workplace, your home, or at a public building such as a school—it's in your best interest to consult a knowledgeable physician even if you have no symptoms of mesothelioma cancer or other asbestos-caused disease. Early diagnosis is especially important because by the time symptoms of mesothelioma cancer appear, usually 20 – 50 years after the initial exposure, the disease is already in an advanced phase. An early diagnosis is necessary for the bestmesothelioma prognosis.

Image by Szili via Flickr

The importance of early diagnosis for mesothelioma cancer patients is also reinforced by the short life-expectancy of individuals with this disease. If the mesothelioma is at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis, the average life expectancy is estimated one to two years. If an individual's mesothelioma is "caught" at an early stage, mesotheliom treatment can be initiated that much sooner, and it may be easier to hold off the advance of the cancer.

Scholarship for Families of Mesothelioma Victims

Families of mesothelioma victims can avail of scholarship programs like Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship.

Description: Established in 2003, Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarships are offered four times per year to honor the thousands of people who have died from Mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos, as well as the thousands of patients who are newly diagnosed with the disease every year. Mesothelioma Memorial also aims to educate Americans about mesothelioma via the information provided on the site.

Academic Level:High School

Field(s) of Study:Unrestricted / Other

Amount: USD 500 annually, non-renewable

No. of Scholarship Recipients: 4 awards offered annually and one (1) award is given each quarter.

Criteria: * This award is for international and U.S. students.
* Must be a high school senior or older to apply for this undergraduate and/or graduate award.

- Essays will be judged on a combination of need and aspirations.
- Eligible students must not have already received or been awarded a full-tuition scholarship or waiver from another source.
- International students are welcome to apply.
- Students must be enrolled or plan to enroll in any post secondary program including: four or two-year universities, vocational/technical programs, continuing education, ministry training and job skills training programs.

For more details visit website.

Dallas Gets Mesothelioma Lawyer Dallas Service

Image by WestSideLaura via Flickr
Dallas, TX – (Dallas Mesothelioma Attorney News) Today the online Asbestos exposure resource center, AsbestosHelpDesk.org, announced the addition of Dallas area Mesothelioma Lawyer location services. The addition of a Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyer location service is the next step in Asbestos Help Desk’s commitment to helping the victims of Mesothelioma find medical, legal, and emotional support for dealing with the disease.

Patients living in the Dallas/DFW area who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer, a disease caused by the exposure to Asbestos, often wish to seek the assistance of a Dallas Mesothelioma attorney/Lawyer because of the life altering side effects of the disease and the complex nature of Mesothelioma cases, many times victims need assistance in locating the best Dallas area Mesothelioma Lawyer for their case. The asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma cancer specialists at Asbestos Help Desk can now help to guide Mesothelioma patients to a prescreened law firm best suited to help with their individual needs.

The reasons for seeking the help of a Dallas Mesothelioma attorney vary in each instance. Victims of Mesothelioma cancer or their families often seek justice from the party responsible for the Asbestos exposure which caused the disease. It is also widely accepted to secure the help of a Mesothelioma Lawyer in Dallas to aid in recouping financial compensation to cover cancer related medical expenses, lost time from work, diminished quality of living, and at time the loss of one’s life.

source: www.AsbestosHelpDesk.org

Some Facts About Asbestos

Image by LAC/BAC via FlickrAsbestos is a fibrous mineral that can be highly toxic when inhaled, absorbed, or otherwise ingested by the body. For many years, asbestos was a commonly used insulation material. Individuals who have worked in construction trades, manufacturing plants, railroads, and other occupations where insulation or construction materials are present may have been exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos fibers, when taken into the body, can cause ailments including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and a number of cancers. Ordinarily, asbestos related health problems do not develop without extended exposure, but some individuals can develop problems based on exposures that are relatively limited.

Asbestos is generally regarded as most dangerous when it is airborne. If you encounter asbestos in your home or workplace, you should not remove it yourself. Professional asbestos abatement services are available, and such agencies should be consulted to ensure that the asbestos is removed and disposed of in a safe, environmentally sound manner.

If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos and have sustained injuries as a result of such exposure, you may wish to seek legal counsel. Thousands of individuals have already recovered monies as a result of legal actions against the manufacturers of asbestos.

Demolition of a Former City Hall

Image via WikipediaReal demolition has yet to begin, according to city engineer

By Cecelia Martinez

The Record

TROY — Responding to concerns about asbestos at the demolition site of the former City Hall in Monument Square, City Engineer Russ Reeves said that the process is being handled “methodically and carefully,” adding that work performed at the site up to this point was not demolition, but rather general cleanup and “investigatory procedures.” Reeves said that demolition will take place after abatement for asbestos in the building, some of it friable, takes place after Jan. 13.

Concerns regarding asbestos at the site were raised during last week’s City Council meeting, at which Mayor Harry Tutunjian took offense to what he called “allegations” that asbestos had been released into the atmosphere. Friable asbestos, if inhaled, can cause health problems, specifically a type of cancer called mesothelioma.

At the meeting and again in a letter responding to an inquiry by Councilman Bill Dunne, D-District 4, the administration said it was aware of asbestos and that it was being monitored daily. Reeves said that workers are now cleaning out the site and will be making site evaluations to determine a plan for the demolition.

Dunne raised concerns that the demolition may be in violation of Subpart 56-5(h) of 12 NYCRR Part 56, which requires that “no demolition… be commenced by… prior to the completion of asbestos abatement.” Dunne said that Reeves’ claim that work completed over the past two weeks is not considered demolition is “backpedaling.”

“I’m not sure what kind of testing backing a truck hoe into windows is,” said Dunne. “It sounds to me like they’re changing their tune.”

An Oct. 11 Limited Asbestos Survey completed by Atlantic Testing Laboratories of Clifton Park found the only location of friable asbestos was in the ceiling of the parking garage. In his letter to Tutunjian regarding Dunne’s concerns, Reeves wrote that the asbestos was located in lighting fixtures in the ceiling, which would be “carefully bagged and taped, cut at the conduit and removed.”

Dunne said that he believes the Mayor’s actions to begin demolition on New Year’s Eve were done out of spite against those who were against the demolition or in favor of moving City Hall back to Monument Square. The Mayor and Reeves have both said they felt the need to show progress at the site to as not risk losing a nearly $1 million grant for the demolition.

“We need to keep our focus on the facts and not get into hysteria here,” said Reeves. “The worst thing of all is the misinformation spread through the Internet on what we’re doing. It’s inappropriate.” Reeves said that they have met with the Department of Labor, and are working with the contractors on a daily basis, but that e-mails regarding these concerns are getting in the way of their work. “We’re spending more time addressing these e-mails than on the work we’re supposed to be doing. We need to focus on the science of this.”

Mesothelioma Facts

Information is a vital tool when fighting a disease such as mesothelioma. Being informed correctly is important for the morale of the person because he or she is not in the dark and knows what to expect next.

Make sure that the mesothelioma facts you know are correct and accurate with the present time. When in doubt, ask your doctor to provide with mesothelioma information that he knows is accurate and up to date. Here are some important mesothelioma facts:

• asbestos exposure is the first cause of mesothelioma (this is the 1st mesothelioma fact that you have to know)
• the first known asbestos cancer victims appeared almost seventy years ago, but that information was kept secret, away from the years of workers that were exposing themselves to the risk
• diagnosis for mesothelioma is difficult to provide because the symptoms exhibited by patients are very similar to a range of other diseases that have nothing to do with mesothelioma or asbestos
• in the world, today, there are more than 100 mesothelioma support groups and organizations able to help patients and families
• the doctor that is treating will need to know any prior medical conditions the patient suffered from before developing mesothelioma in order to decide what treatment method is best to use
• from the region that mesothelioma starts developing in it can easily spread to the lungs (if it is malignant)
• mesothelioma treatment is similar for all types of the disease, be it malignant, pleural or peritoneal. The only thing that influences the treatment methods used is the stage of mesothelioma and the general health of the patient before being infected with mesothelioma
• the mesothelium of the person is affected by cancer cells in 80 percent of mesothelioma cases

Always make sure that the information you found from a source is accurate. Ask more people and visit as many sites as possible to make sure that what you know about the disease is entirely accurate. The information you will find on our site is accurate and up to date, and it will help you get a general idea of the disease.

The best mesothelioma information source is your doctor and you can rely completely on it. He will also be able to direct you to a specialist that can give you detailed information regarding the mesothelioma disease.

Who are at Risk of Mesothelioma?

It is widely known that mesothelioma is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos in almost 100 percent of all cases recorded. Doctors and experts established that the sources of mesothelioma are the tiny asbestos fibers, which implant themselves in thin tissue and act like needles. This causes the specific tissue group to allow for cancer cells to develop. After the tiny fibers reach the peritoneum or pleura, mesothelioma lung cancer is only a step away.

Usually, mesothelioma cancer occurs in specific groups and can also be transmitted in some ways to relatives of those people. The risk groups are:

• ship builders
• ship repair crews
• plumbers
• miners (only those working for asbestos extraction companies, extracting minerals part of the amphibole group)
• construction workers

Asbestos fibers can be carried on clothes and brought back home by workers.

Treatments methods develop in the last two years include methods of preventing mesothelioma, because if it has already appeared in a person it cannot be cured yet. Experts developed special masks that allow for normal breathing but stop the tiny fibers from being inhaled or swallowed by people. Among other prevention methods, mesothelioma doctors advice people part of the above mentioned risk groups to have a specific diet in order to avoid cancer.Preventing mesothelioma is the only way to cure it, for now.

Mesothelioma Study Exhibits Safe Treatment with Multimodality Approach

Photodynamic therapy is an advanced treatment method in which generally light energy are used to largely destroy cancer cells while commonly leaving all the healthy cells largely much unaffected for a greater good cause. Initially during the general process of photodynamic therapy treatment, a patient is normally given the drugs known as photosensitizers, which largely make cells sensitive to light. Then the treated cells get exposed to light of a specific wavelength and this generally causes them to largely produce a particular form of oxygen which is toxic and kills nearby cancer cells.

The recent research studies conducted by University of Pennsylvania researchers indicated that, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) in perfectly conjunction with general surgery (extra pleural pneumonectomy) and the given intraoperative photodynamic therapy was evaluated as a treatment option for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Titled “Extrapleural Pneumonectomy, Photodynamic Therapy and Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma,” the study treated 11 patients from the year 2004 to 2007. Seven out of these nearly 11 mesothelioma cancer patients had perfectly undergone the said photodynamic therapy during the course of a previous surgery.

Clinical Trials Can be Your Hope

Clinical trials is another option if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, before you jump into anything, you need to learn about the process involved for qualifying for a clinical trial, what it takes to become eligible, and what will be expected of you if you are chosen for the trial.

A clinical trial is a study that is done on humans, rather than or after trials using animals, that determines the effectiveness and the safety of a new drug or treatment. It is a major decision to involve your self in one...it should be discussed thoroughly with your doctors, your family, and your friends. Don't ever accept being part of a mesothelioma clinical trials if you have any questions that have gone unanswered, or if you have any doubts.

Some Information on Mesothelioma Claims

Health insurance is mandatory by law for all us. Life is unpredictable and we just can't wait for the bad to happen to us and our beloved ones. The best way to tackle unexpected shocks in our lives regarding health is to have an insurance cover. Mesothelioma is something which is extremely dangerous and it really is a tumor. This tumor on its later stage forms cancer and spreads all around the mesothelial lining of all the organs in the body. It has adverse effects on the human body. Mesothelioma claims can help you if you have mesothelioma.

There are several states that do set up a time limit for mesothelioma claims. As the cases of this medical condition are increasing day by day there are many claims and lawsuits which are filed in recent years against those companies that are responsible for the exposure of asbestos. There are many people who are not aware about the claim and compensation.

It is very important for all of us to know about the mesothelioma fact. The simple fact is that it is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. The time period for the development of cancer ranges from twenty five to forty five years since the human lungs are mostly affected by the tumor during this age. It spreads through the pleural space of the organ and invades other thoracic structures that are related to the pleural effusion.

NYC ASBESTOS INSPECTOR SENTENCED FOR FRAUD

Saverio Todaro, a former New York City building safety inspector, was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison for filing false asbestos inspection reports. Mr. Todaro entered a guilty plea in March to charges of falsifying documents, violating federal environmental regulations, and committing mail fraud. According to prosecutors with the US Attorney’s Office, Mr. Todaro filed hundreds of asbestos inspection reports from 2001 to 2009, but never ordered that the required tests for the city’s older buildings be carried out.

Over 30% of Current Victims of Mesothelioma Served In The Armed Forces

Close to 80% of all mesothelioma victims have been exposed to asbestos in their daily lives. And of them, over 30% of those people were members of the armed forces. Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium as a result of inhaling or imbibing small particles of asbestos. This can affect the genitals, the heart, the stomach, the throat, and, most often, the lungs.

There are actually five different types of mesothelioma, and only one of them, benign mesothelioma, does not become cancerous. Below are descriptions of the other four in the order of their prominence:

• Pleural mesothelioma affects about 75% of all mesothelioma victims. It develops in the pleura (lining of the lungs). Symptoms are chest pain, cough, lumps under the skin of the chest, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

What is Asbestos

Image via WikipediaAsbestos is an insulating material that is heat and fire resistant. In the past, asbestos was used widely in the building industry, ship building industry, manufacture of household appliances, motor industry, power stations, and telephone exchanges. There are three main types of asbestos - blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos are strongly linked with mesothelioma.

So most cases of mesothelioma occur in men who have worked in manufacturing using asbestos or who have used asbestos products, particularly in construction or engineering. People who worked as plumbers or mechanics also have an increased risk. 

Mesothelioma may not develop until 15 to 40 years after you have been exposed to asbestos, which is why we are now seeing an increase in cases. The number of cases is expected to peak around 2020 and then start to go down.

Mesothelioma and Rural Areas

How does mesothelioma affect those living in rural areas?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused only by previous exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, naturally-occurring mineral that was used for several years as an industrial insulation component as well as a durability enhancer in several consumer products. Many of the areas from which asbestos was mined were rural areas, which used the local workforce to extract the mineral from the ground.

Unfortunately, those who worked in asbestos mines or other mines where asbestos could be found often inhaled the harmful fibers. This occurred specifically in the small town of Libby, Montana, where nearly an entire town was sickened by the nearby vermiculite mine. Those who worked in the mine developed breathing complications and mesothelioma. Many of the families and children of the miners were affected as well, as workers often brought home the harmful asbestos fibers on their clothing and person. Over time, bodily contact with a worker who was contaminated with asbestos, or contact with the person’s clothing led many of these family members to develop respiratory disorders as a result of this exposure.

A Vaccine for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that is caused by previous exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring insulation compound that was used for decades in thousands of different industrial products.

Until recently there were very little effective treatment options for those diagnosed with mesothelioma aside from chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, which in most cases were only able to extend comfort and extend survival rates minimally. However, in recent years, exciting news has begun to shake the foundations of the mesothelioma treatment establishment. Not only are tri-modal and surgical treatments beginning to advance far beyond previously-established boundaries, but preventative measures against mesothelioma are now being explored and tested.