HHS questions safety of new mesothelioma radiation therapy

A recent study conducted by S. U. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) suggests that there is insufficient evidence available to support applications for safety and efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

Currently used to treat mesothelioma cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), radiation therapy, SBRT is using the relatively new technology. SBRT allows them to accurately identify and treat areas affected by cancer without harming surrounding healthy tissues.

A brief was prepared for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality HHS discuss the benefits and highlights the SBRT treatment. Preparation of the presentation was made by N. Kelley Tipton, MPH, Institute for the ECRI Evidence-based Practice Center. More than 5,500 articles have literally been tested for memory. And 24 percent were deemed relevant and used for further studies, these data included and the cover in case of malignant tumors treated with SBRT without receiving treatment for other forms of radiation.

The brief said that although SBRT is currently used for treatment of mesothelioma and a variety of NSCLC, a comprehensive systematic review of current literature can not answer questions about the efficacy and safety of more than SBRT other radiotherapeutic ".

Radiotherapy is often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy for treatment of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers and is characterized by an irregular pattern of tumors that spread through the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), or the skin of other abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). There is no known cure for both types of mesothelioma.

The document prepared for the HHS also said SBRT "requires a rigorous quality control and quality assurance measures for treatment planning and delivery of treatment." This raises doubts about the ability of HHS to systematically provide strict specifications. In conclusion, the members of the research team suggests, "Comparative studies are needed to provide evidence that the theoretical advantages of SBRT treatment compared to radiation actually occur in clinical practice."

Clinical trials are planned for 2013 to ensure the safety and effectiveness of SBRT in patients with mesothelioma and NSCLC.

Immune system defense cells thought to be ‘disarmed’ by asbestos

A recent study published in International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology suggests that asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma not only cancer but also the body's defenses against unnecessary. The researchers examined the immune system is the main response, natural killer (NK), in this study put these cytotoxic cells for testing.

If inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can present in the lining of organs start of a process of change leading to mesothelioma cancer. Characterized by an irregular network of cancer, mesothelioma specific to the lining of the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma, when in the lining of other abdominal cavity is called peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma takes decades to develop, often twenty to fifty years. The symptoms show during the last step and the tumor is more aggressive and are often confused with symptoms of pneumonia or bronchitis. Many patients have no idea I've ever been exposed to asbestos and therefore have no reason to consult a medical advisor.

Mesothelioma affects about twenty thousand people each year worldwide. However, asbestos continues to be used throughout the world and in many countries without adequate collateral. Highly regulated in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, asbestos has become a security issue clean, rather than an industry leader in these countries.

Mesothelioma is often associated with asbestos in the workplace, which is thought to have peaked in the early 1970s in the United States. Because the latency period associated with mesothelioma cancer estimated in the United States are considered a peak now.

Most mesothelioma patients aware of their illness later in life, usually around the age of retirement. Life expectancy after a diagnosis of mesothelioma is short, from six months to two years. Mesothelioma treatments usually include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The Japanese study, conducted at Kawasaki Medical School, examined the effects of asbestos on NK cells, which under normal circumstances, would lead the fight against the invasion of the body of tumors and viruses. The NK cells contain protein targeting unwanted cell types. In a study of five months, NK cells were significantly depleted their defensive capabilities, having been exposed to asbestos throughout the test. NK cells exposed to asbestos for only two weeks showed a lower level of cytotoxicity, the toxic level of impact on target cells. NK cells from mesothelioma patient's tissue showed the same results. However, using fiberglass, asbestos, rather than to cross check the results, the outcome was not the same.

Members of the research team concluded: "These results show that asbestos has the potential to suppress the cytotoxicity of NK cells. In particular, it should be noted that both the NK cells of patients with malignant mesothelioma and those of a culture .. . from healthy volunteers with asbestos showed the same pattern of cytotoxicity decreased with low expression of NKp46. "

High asbestos levels detected in PA elementary school

Municipal buildings in the United States continues to face record levels of exposure to asbestos. What was once considered the backbone of American industry has become a threat to national security.

Asbestos was widely used between 1920 and 1980, and in the construction of many production lines. Shipbuilding, manufacture of ammunition, commercial and residential construction saw its highest level of asbestos. Only later, in the last century, that the risk of dangerous asbestos has been known. Asbestos causes serious respiratory diseases including mesothelioma, a rare cancer.

Students and faculty from Benjamin Franklin Elementary School or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are aware of the dangers associated with exposure to asbestos. In 2003, after exceeding the level of use of their facilities, additional space adjacent to the school nearby Pilgrim Baptist Church. The church structure was tested every six months for abnormal levels of asbestos or hazardous. A test conducted in April by the Philadelphia Office of Environmental Management and Social Services and Health and Welfare Fund of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers had mixed results. levels of asbestos, which were higher than usual. Students and teachers were moved to another location nearby to await the detailed results and recommended changes to their property annexed.

Asbestos can cause mesothelioma if its fibers are inhaled or ingested toxic. These fibers accumulate on the walls of organs and initiate a process of growth transformation that spreads like a net of malignant tumors. Pleural mesothelioma is specific to the wall of the lung and peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart, diaphragm and other organs.

A twenty thousand the number of people suffering from mesothelioma in the world each year, but asbestos is still used. Increased use of asbestos has been seen in the developing world where safety measures and regulations are minimal, if any. These countries also lack medical services to diagnose or treat mesothelioma.

When available, mesothelioma treatments usually include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In general, palliative in nature, treatment aimed at reducing pain and quality of life. These treatments are also used in the form of cancer directly. There is no known cure for mesothelioma.

Instances of asbestos, such as Benjamin Franklin Elementary School are expected to continue worldwide until the use of asbestos is strongly affected or stopped.

Mesothelioma qualified by PET/CT scan combo

recent article published by the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Italy, offers a combination of PET and CT may enhance the ability of providers to describe the current stages of mesothelioma. A PET scan shows the models and molecular abnormalities on a lever, while the CT provides a global map of the body's internal organs and tissues. Together, these two scans, doctors should give a thorough knowledge of mesothelioma that this would not be guaranteed by a single scan.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer considered incurable and fatal. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers, which can initiate cancerous changes in the lining of organs, if inhaled or ingested. There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma, which is specific to the lung lining and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects other organs like the heart or diaphragm filling. Both types of mesothelioma are characterized by irregular patterns of malignant tumors.

Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. After exposure to asbestos at home has begun to develop cancer, the disease requires a long latency period, often between twenty and fifty years. In its final phase, and the most aggressive, the signs begin to emerge. The symptoms resemble those of bronchitis or pneumonia mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose, even in its final phase. Once the appropriate diagnosis was made in life expectancy of patients is short and dark.

There are many mesothelioma treatments are available. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often given in combination to achieve the best results. Some patients who are not healthy enough to receive such demanding procedures may choose palliative care focusing on pain management and comfort. Palliative care may also include surgery to ease breathing of the patient and reduce the spread of tumors.

Recent studies suggest that a combination PET / CT allows providers to better examine each case of mesothelioma. This allows suppliers to qualify more precisely which patients are strong enough for surgery and other invasive treatments, which are not. Being able to see the other tumor models, the size and location that allows suppliers to choose appropriate treatment options for each patient. PET / CT done together are proposed as a good tool for follow-up. Providers can control the spread of metastases or infection remains without disturbing the patient and recovery.

New gene therapy shows promise as mesothelioma treatment

Initial treatment options in oncology will shortly publish a report covers the section of the gene therapy on malignant mesothelioma. Gene therapy is a new advanced treatment using a different viral agents to provide genetic changes in the target areas. The negative effects of a virus are removed, leaving only "search and contact characteristics of the virus. This cell structure Piggy Back agent of change prepared to alter the genetic makeup of target tissues.

Mesothelioma is a rare tumor that affects about three thousand and twenty thousand Americans each year worldwide. Mesothelioma is caused by toxic asbestos fibers, which can start developing a cancer of the lining of organs, if inhaled or ingested. This development begins with a latency period of twenty to fifty years, unnoticed by patients. When symptoms do not show the mesothelioma has reached its aggressive phase. The symptoms resemble those of bronchitis and pneumonia, however, is difficult to recognize. Once a correct diagnosis is made, patients receive a prognosis mesothelioma. Life expectancy varies mesothelioma of six months to several years. Mesothelioma is considered a fatal cancer and is without remedy.

When the gene therapy agent for the mobile phone for change are released into the body target cells of mesothelioma to deliver one of three genetic modifications: Agent of cells may initiate a process of cell death in mesothelioma cells, increase the risk that the choice of treatment, or inhibit the reproduction of cells that stop the spread of cancer.

According to the researchers in gene therapy, new treatments that could be very useful in the fight against mesothelioma in several respects. Mesothelioma tumors are characterized by a large cell surface, allowing the cells to change agent greater accuracy in the performance of genetic modifications. Moreover, the tumors of mesothelioma are tend to be grouped in the early stages of the disease, if early diagnosis could be made, the agent of change cells may have a greater target area, rather than scattered smaller. This speed of delivery options and response to gene therapy.

There are currently two ongoing gene therapy trials, both sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and conducted at the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center. It is "intrapleural gene transfer for malignant pleural mesothelioma" and "combination of gene transfer and chemotherapy. The study's authors say the recent gene therapy" has demonstrated safety and some evidence of limited effectiveness.

Japan faces mesothelioma threat

Japanese as a community are struggling to find their lives from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in March, another threat is looming nearby. Piles of debris and rubble on the island mystery, full of asbestos-containing materials. Once cured and relatively safe, the rubble of drying can now afford to asbestos fibers into the air, causing another, even if subtle danger.

The World Health Organization classifies asbestos as a carcinogen type 1. Known to cause lung cancer and asbestosis, asbestos may be more associated with the rare cancer mesothelioma. Mesothelioma affects about twenty thousand people in the world each year. Often, a danger in the workplace, natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes can quickly release the fibers into the air deadly. Once these fibers are inhaled they begin a shift in lung cancer tumors of improper motives and coating the lining of other abdominal cavity.

Asbestos was widely used throughout the history of Japan in many industries. Its fire resistance and the quality of stabilization have made a choice desirable in construction, shipyards, refineries and many other construction trades. Health problems related to asbestos were not widely known until the last decades. Many countries are struggling to enforce safety standards in asbestos while cleaning years of use of asbestos.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, usually between twenty and fifty years only. When they show symptoms similar to pneumonia and bronchitis, delaying correct diagnosis. Prognosis for patients with mesothelioma is sad, life expectancy after months of average diagnosis age of eighteen. There are treatment options for mesothelioma, but no known cure.

Japanese government officials are working on a plan to isolate and manage the risk of spreading asbestos fibers by countless mounds of rubble.

Asbestos threat at Dominion Virginia Power plant

Surry, Virginia, suffered a blackout due to a tornado that swept the region on April 16. A local power plant, owned and operated by Dominion Virginia Power (DOM), was immediately passed to the electricity generator for the rest of the division.

Due to the lack of electricity, a process required the plant's nuclear reactor refueling Sun spokesman Rick Zuercher said can take up to a month, and hundreds of entrepreneurs. The various components of the reactor are in areas or buildings separated from the central government contractors came and went throughout the plant for some time to complete the project.

One of the companies involved reported threat of asbestos, which has attracted the attention of the State Department of Labor and Industry. Asbestos is a toxic chemical known to be used in insulation systems and building elements. Heavily regulated by the S. U. Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos is a cause of serious respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare cancer.

Mesothelioma is perhaps most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos. In case of inhalation of asbestos fibers can initiate a process of mutation that develops into a system of various cancers fantasy. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the two types of mesothelioma, tumors that extend through the protective lining of the lung. peritoneal mesothelioma is less common, specific tumors in the lining of other abdominal cavity, such as the heart or diaphragm.

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often between twenty and fifty years. Victims of mesothelioma usually do not know you have been exposed to asbestos, which makes early diagnosis difficult. The symptoms resemble those of pneumonia and bronchitis and has not shown that the last step and the tumor more aggressive. The diagnosis is usually followed by a short life expectancy, on average eighteen months.

Nearly three thousand Americans suffer from mesothelioma each year. Most of these cases are due to asbestos in the workplace. The World Health Organization provides a rapid increase in the number of cases of mesothelioma in the world, including asbestos continues to be used throughout the world.

State Department of Labor and Industry spokeswoman Jennifer Wester, Surry Central was part of the investigation. He said, "We're looking into it, yes," but did not comment on investigations or situation.

Zuercher said a team of experts examined the area and considered good questions on the basis of guidelines that exposure in the security structure with the Safety and Health Standards Board.

Kidney cancer treatment may benefit mesothelioma patients

A group of Austrian researchers tested chemotherapy drug temsirolimus, currently used for kidney cancer, malignant mesothelioma. Temsirolimus is an inhibitor of the kinase, but the targets and blocks the functions of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), an essential protein that regulates cell growth. In cases of kidney cancer, temsirolimus has stopped or greatly slowed the growth of a malignant tumor.

Although the results of temsirolimus on cancerous cells are mesothelioma showing similarities with those of kidney cancer cells, there is no turning back. The tests showed the malignant mesothelioma cells resistant to commonly used chemotherapy drugs, cisplatin, to be more resistant to temsirolimus. This led researchers to believe that temsirolimus as second-line treatment for mesothelioma, or a medicament for use in combination with first-line treatment of others.

Mesothelioma treatments are usually administered in combination. Standard procedures include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These can be administered in the form of cancer directly, in an attempt to eradicate the malignant cells of the body, or as palliative treatment in order to improve the quality of life for patients and prolong the expectancy life.

Mesothelioma has a short life expectancy after diagnosis, with an average of eighteen months. Mesothelioma is caused by toxic chemicals that asbestos fibers, if inhaled, he began to develop cancer of the lining of the lungs and the lining of the abdominal cavity of others.

Professor Walter Berger, Ph.D., Institute of Cancer Research at the Medical University of Vienna, said that the rare cancer mesothelioma on: "Malignant mesothelioma is a serious malignancy characterized by a very poor prognosis, with an average time of patients survived less than a year This unacceptable situation is mainly caused by delayed diagnosis associated with resistance to all the distinct forms of systemic therapy available to date Mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to asbestos, and unfortunately, -.. on the basis of the long latency period - the peak incidence is found, despite the ban of asbestos still in progress so, new therapeutic options for this disease are urgently needed devastated "..

The results and conclusions of the Austrian study were published in the May issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Berger's study: "In our preclinical study, published in the BCT, we were able to demonstrate that inhibition of mTOR is the major active against oncogenic human mesothelioma, especially after the development of resistance to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo these. results suggest the early clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors as a new strategy against mesothelioma.