The family of a Southwark teacher who passed away from asbestos exposure are making an appeal for her former colleagues.

Elizabeth Murphy, known as Betty, worked in The Sacred Heart RC School, St Veronicas RC School and Honour Oak Girls Grammar School, teaching mainly History, French and English.

Teaching between 1966 and 1972, Betty was working before asbestos was banned in 1999. On August 6 2020, she died from mesothelioma an incurable type of lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

She said to her family that she and her colleagues would put holes in walls and ceilings when hanging displays in the classroom raising the high likelihood that she was subject to asbestos poisoning.

There is however no suggestion that the current school buildings contain asbestos.

Now, social justice law firm, Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, are looking into Bettys death and her family are making an appeal to get in touch with her former colleagues, in the hopes of uncovering more information about what happened.

Bettys family said they were shocked and saddened that Betty died from mesothelioma, possibly caused by exposure to asbestos in the career she loved so much.

The familys lawyer, Lorna Webster, highlighted that mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure.

With many school buildings dating back to times when asbestos use was commonplace, were unfortunately seeing mesothelioma cases in a number of people who worked in schools, she said.

While mesothelioma is rarely curable, treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms if it is caught early.

The family have asked that anyone who was a colleague of Bettys, or may know someone who was, to contact Lorna Webster via email at lwebster@hja.net or phone at 07917 236121.

Read more here:

Family of former teacher makes appeal amid fears of asbestos poisoning - Southwark News

Published on October 18, 2021

Despite the best efforts of researchers and physicians around the world, malignant mesothelioma remains a fatal disease. Still, scientific breakthroughs have extended survival time for many patients, and the introduction of each new protocol has offered hope. A study published last week inThe Lancethas shown that treating relapsed mesothelioma with the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor antibody known as nivolumab offers an extension of both progression-free survival and of overall survival in patients diagnosed with either pleural or peritoneal forms of the rare, asbestos-related form of cancer.

Most mesothelioma patients are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, and whether it is combined with radiation and/or surgery, there is an expectation that after a certain period of time their cancer will return. Up until now there had been no tests yielding improved survival in any of these patients after relapse, which is what makes this studys results so notable.

The researchers recruited 332 mesothelioma patients between May 10, 2017 and March 30, 2020 and randomly assigned 221 of them to receive nivolumab and 111 to receive a placebo. The patients had either pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, had received at least one course of platinum-based chemotherapy, and had since been confirmed with disease progression. Median survival with no additional treatment was expected to be approximately six months.

Follow up was performed for most of the mesothelioma patients at approximately 11.6 months after the nivolumab or placebo treatments were administered. While those who received the nivolumab treatment had a median progression-free survival of 3.0 months, those who received the placebo experienced a median progression-free survival of 1.8 months.The nivolumab group had a median overall survival time of 10.2 months while those in the placebo group had a median overall survival time of 6.9 moths.Though there were some adverse events, including diarrhea and infusion-related reaction, serious adverse events occurred in more of the placebo group than in the nivolumab group, and there were no treatment-related deaths in either group.

As researchers continue to work towards improved survival and quality of life, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are working to provide asbestos exposure victims with the resources they need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.

Learn more about and contact Terri

See the original post here:

UK Study Shows Promise of Nivolumab Treatment for Relapsed Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Important Facts About Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma

The FDA in 2020 approved Opdivo and Yervoy for mesothelioma. The drugs must be used together and only for cases where surgery isnt an option. Opdivo and Yervoy are brand names for the checkpoint inhibitor drugs nivolumab and ipilimumab, respectively.

Keytruda, another checkpoint inhibitor, is the brand name for pembrolizumab. The FDA approved it in cases with high amounts of a specific cancerous protein.

For patients interested in how to get mesothelioma immunotherapy treatment, here are three steps to receive this promising option:

Heres how some immunotherapy drugs fight cancers like mesothelioma:

1

Look up the side effects and other information about FDA-approved immunotherapy drugs. Be aware of the regular effects so you can know whats normal and whats a cause for concern.

2

Ask your doctor about immunotherapy options offered at the hospital. Opdivo and Yervoy are FDA-approved and available at many cancer centers. Other institutions have clinical trials involving immunotherapy.

3

Contact a patient advocatefor help finding a cancer center. If you dont already have a mesothelioma specialist, reach out to our team. We can direct you to nearby cancer centers offering immunotherapy treatment.

Your immune system has various components. Each plays a role in detecting and responding to mesothelioma and other cancers:

The presence of antigens raises the immune systems alarm. The primary tumor antigen for mesothelioma is a protein called mesothelin.

Mesothelin is the signal for Bcells to produce antibodies. Once they attach to mesothelin, Tcells should identify and kill the labeled diseased cells.

Immunotherapy can signal to Bcells to produce more antibodies or enhance Tcells against mesothelioma.

Immunotherapy enables the immune system to properly fight against unwanted intruders, such as cancer cells. Diseases like mesothelioma subdue or sidestep the immune system, allowing it to spread freely without inhibition. Immunotherapy helps the immune system actively target these diseases.

Heres how some immunotherapy drugs fight cancers like mesothelioma:

1

Immune cells dont recognize cancerous cells as a threat, which allows them to replicate and spread.

2

Immunotherapy attaches to or kills cancerous cells, which alarms the immune system.

3

The patients immune cells recognize cancerous antigens and target cells with similar antigens.

4

The patients immune cells seek out the remaining cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Other immunotherapy drugs add labaltered Tcells or labproduced antibodies to aid the immune system.

Immunotherapy for mesothelioma has similar side effects to chemotherapy, but they occur less often and less severely. Immunotherapy can make patients fatigued, nauseous or dizzy. Other side effects are weakness, body aches and skin rashes.

Doctors often compare immunotherapy to chemotherapy, hoping to determine which is best for both safety and survival. Most studies favor mesothelioma immunotherapy over chemotherapy.

There are four main types of immunotherapy for mesothelioma: checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, adoptive cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies. These types are split into how the drugs stimulate the immune system: actively or passively.

Active immunotherapy uses drugs or viruses to establish a proper immune response. Passive immunotherapy adds laboratory immune cells to aid the body against cancer.

Checkpoint inhibitors block mesothelioma cells from subduing the immune system Tcells. Blocking the mesothelioma cells allows the immune system to react properly to the presence of mesothelioma. This is a type of active immunotherapy.

Mesothelioma cells have proteins that interact with Tcells proteins. The most familiar to doctors and researchers are PDL1 and PD1.

PDL1, the acronym for programmed deathligand 1, is a surface protein on mesothelioma cells. PD1, the acronym for programmed cell death protein 1, is a surface protein receptor on Tcells.

When PD1 binds with PDL1, the Tcells ignore mesothelioma cells. PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitors act as a wall between the protein and receptor. The drugs prevent, or break, the binding and allow Tcells to defend the body.

Examples of PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitors include:

Another example is a CTLA4/B7 checkpoint inhibitor. These drugs block CTLA4 (immune cell receptor) and B7 (mesothelioma cell protein).

The main example is Yervoy, the brand name for ipilimumab.

Oncolytic viruses deliver an antigen into the body to elicit an immune reaction. This is a combination of virotherapy and immunotherapy, and its another form of active immunotherapy.

Oncolytic viruses work like regular viruses except they dont attack healthy cells. They kill only diseased cells, which release antigens that cause an immune response.

An example is mesothelioma oncolytic virus ONCOS102. The therapy breaks up mesothelioma cells, which releases antigens. The virus then requests for the Tcells to swarm to the site of the cancer.

Adoptive cell therapy alters immune system cells in a laboratory to better fight cancers like mesothelioma. Usually immunotherapy experts will alter Tcells, which are the soldiers protecting the body from diseases.

The most familiar adoptive cell therapy for mesothelioma is CAR Tcell therapy. CAR is an acronym for chimeric antigen receptor. This form of immunotherapy uses labcreated receptors to target mesothelioma specifically.

IcasM28z is an example of adoptive cell therapy. The CAR Tcells target mesothelin, a protein found on the surface of mesothelioma cells.

Monoclonal antibodies are labgenerated antibodies inserted into the body to fight mesothelioma. Its another form of passive immunotherapy.

They stick to mesothelioma receptors and partner with the immune system to fight the disease. Examples of monoclonal antibodies are LMB100, ramucirumab and anetumab ravtansine.

The top immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma are checkpoint inhibitors. Other immunotherapy drugs include oncolytic viruses and adoptive cell therapies and monoclonal antibodies.

The top immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma are:

1

Nivolumab (Opdivo), a PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitor (FDA-approved)

2

Ipilimumab (Yervoy), a CTLA4/B7 checkpoint inhibitor (FDAapproved)

3

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitor (limited FDA approval)

4

ONCOS102, an oncolytic virus (close to FDA approval)

5

Ramucirumab, monoclonal antibody

6

IcasM28z, an adoptive CAR Tcell therapy

7

LMB100, a monoclonal antibody

8

Durvalumab (Imfinzi), a PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibitor

9

Anetumab ravtansine, a monoclonal antibody

Each is either FDAapproved or part of mesothelioma clinical trials.

FDAapproved mesothelioma immunotherapy options range in median survival from 1820 months. Survival variables include the type of immunotherapy, the patients cell type and stage, and whether the drug is paired with other treatment options.

The survival benefit and safety are the two measurements the FDA looks for in applications for approval. Most importantly, immunotherapy (with or without other treatments) consistently outperforms chemotherapy for mesothelioma:

The FDA is considering immunotherapy as an alternative to chemotherapy, specifically for people who cannot have surgery. However, studies continue to investigate whether immunotherapy works as part of multimodal treatment for mesothelioma.

Multimodal treatment refers to using multiple types of therapy. As a multimodal therapy, immunotherapy would pair with one or multiple of:

Ongoing clinical trials are testing immunotherapy before, after, or both before and after mesothelioma surgery. This is especially relevant for patients with a high amount of PDL1 expression on their cancer cells.

A report published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery noted a very poor survival for these cases. All 75 cases in the study involved a mesothelioma surgery and PDL1 seemed to erase the progress of a resection.

Dr. Patrick Forde, of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is running a study using Opdivo and Yervoy six weeks before surgery. Patients can resume immunotherapy weeks after surgery if they choose.

Doctors often pair investigative immunotherapy drugs with mesothelioma chemotherapy in clinical studies. The combination of cancerkilling drugs with immuneenhancing drugs attacks mesothelioma on two fronts.

An example is the pairing of ramucirumab, a monoclonal antibody, with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine. The combination led to median survival of 14 months and a oneyear survival rate of 56% compared to seven months for just chemotherapy.

Many doctors feel immunotherapy and mesothelioma radiation therapy can have a synergetic relationship. Radiation inflames the tissue where cancer exists, which can elicit an immune response. Immunotherapy helps make the responding Tcells prepared to fight.

Radiation also can partially kill tumors, clumps of diseased cells, which then release antigens. These antigens are what the Tcells look for, and immunotherapy can amplify the immune systems ability.

As immunotherapy is coming more in favor, that may make radiation more in favor, said Dr. Charles Simone, the chief medical officer of the New York Proton Center. We have more evidence that immunotherapy and radiation together may have a synergistic effect.

Immunotherapy is one of the emerging treatment options for mesothelioma patients who cannot undergo surgery. The therapy helps the immune system locate mesothelioma cells and attack the tumors, which slows the diseases progress and extends the patients life. Numerous studies report survival times of multiple years thanks to immunotherapy.

The most popular type of immunotherapy for mesothelioma is a checkpoint inhibitor. This blocks two protein receptors from linking, which strengthens the immune system. Examples of checkpoint inhibitor drugs are Keytruda, Opdivo and Yervoy. Another example of immunotherapy is giving the body a virus, or something similar, to activate the immune system.

The FDA recently approved Keytruda for specific cases of pleural mesothelioma. The drug is for patients who have an unresectable, malignant disease and meet a specific threshold of PDL1 tumor burden. PDL1 is a cancerous protein that links with PD1, an immune system receptor, and inhibits the immune system response. Keytruda blocks the connection.

The FDA recently approved multiple forms of immunotherapy for mesothelioma, making the treatment more easily accessible through cancer centers. The combination of Opdivo and Yervoy is available to patients who cannot undergo surgery. Patients who dont meet the FDAs criteria can enroll in clinical trials to receive immunotherapy on an experimental basis.

Jenna Campagna is a registered nurse and patient advocate who is passionate about helping mesothelioma patients navigate their health care. She has over seven years of experience working with patients diagnosed with rare diseases including mesothelioma. Jenna is also a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators and her goal is to connect patients to top mesothelioma specialists, treatment facilities, and clinical trials. Through her writing, she aims to simplify the complicated journey through mesothelioma by offering helpful tips and advice.

Last Edited: July 6, 2021.

See the original post here:

Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma: Types, Drug Options and Survival Rates - Mesothelioma Guide

This article was originally published here

Thorax. 2021 Jul 8:thoraxjnl-2020-215041. doi: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215041. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The risk of asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer among motor vehicle mechanics is of concern because of potential exposure to chrysotile asbestos during brake, clutch and gasket repair and maintenance. Asbestos has also been used in insulation and exhaust systems.

METHODS: We examined the long-term risk of incident mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other lung diseases and mortality due to mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and other lung diseases in a nationwide cohort of all men registered as motor vehicle mechanics since 1970 in Denmark. This was compared with the corresponding risk in a cohort of male workers matched 10:1 by age and calendar year, with similar socioeconomic status (instrument makers, dairymen, upholsterers, glaziers, butchers, bakers, drivers, farmers and workers in the food industry, trade or public services).

RESULTS: Our study included 138 559 motor vehicle mechanics (median age 24 years; median follow-up 20 years (maximum 45 years)) and 1 385 590 comparison workers (median age 25 years; median follow-up 19 years (maximum 45 years)). Compared with other workers, vehicle mechanics had a lower risk of morbidity due to mesothelioma/pleural cancer (n=47 cases) (age-adjusted and calendar-year-adjusted HR=0.74 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.99)), a slightly increased risk of lung cancer (HR=1.09 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.14)), increased risk of asbestosis (HR=1.50 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.03)) and a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk close to unity (HR=1.02 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.05)). Corresponding HRs for mortality were 0.86 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.15) for mesothelioma/pleural cancer, 1.06 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.12) for lung cancer, 1.79 (95% CI 1.10 to 2.92) for asbestosis, 1.06 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.30) for other lung diseases caused by external agents and 1.00 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.01) for death due to all causes.

CONCLUSIONS: We found that the risk of asbestosis was increased among vehicle mechanics. The risk of malignant mesothelioma/pleural cancers was not increased among vehicle mechanics.

PMID:34244457 | DOI:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2020-215041

Go here to see the original:

Risk of asbestosis, mesothelioma, other lung disease or death among motor vehicle mechanics: a 45-year Danish cohort study - DocWire News

If youve got a long career in construction or the trades, chances are youve been exposed to asbestos. Now you face two potential threats: life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma and potential liabilities for your business.

We have had members from every trade diagnosed with mesothelioma due to the fact that asbestos was almost inescapable in the 1960s and 1970s. If a person was around any sort of construction or heavy industry, they were invariably exposed to asbestos. Both mesothelioma and lung cancer are extremely serious cancers that can result in death within one year from diagnosis.

As a contractor and business owner, being aware of these diseases is extremely important. On an individual basis, you personally may have been heavily exposed to asbestos early in your career. If so, its important to see your doctor right away should you experience shortness of breath or fatigue. If you are diagnosed, there are multiple avenues to seek compensation and you should consult with an attorney.

As an employer, its important to be aware of this if you have an employee that was exposed to asbestos on your watch and now has lung cancer or mesothelioma. If he or she was employed at your company in the 1980s or earlier, your company likely had an insurance policy in place that will defend your company against any potential asbestos lawsuit in the present day. Its important to dig that policy up to make sure youre protected. Companies like Policy Find can be utilized if you have a larger company with a long history to locate insurance policies.

Specific Asbestos Illnesses

There are two main diseases a worker can get from asbestos exposure: lung cancer and mesothelioma. These cancers result from asbestos exposure from 20-50 years ago. Often, someone with lung cancer was also a smoker. This combined exposure to smoke and asbestos puts them at great risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer; a risk higher than an individual that was only a smoker or only exposed to asbestos.

A person with mesothelioma has only gotten that cancer from asbestos exposure. Smoking history is irrelevant with this particular cancer. A mesothelioma tumor is formed when the asbestos fibers are breathed in and subsequently work their way out of the lung and into the lining of the lung over a period of many years. Eventually the tumor wraps around the lung itself, much like an orange peel.

Where Asbestos is Encountered

Asbestos is often a problem that contractors face when dealing with almost any building constructed prior to 1985. Whether its the gaskets on a flange, floor tile in the basement, an old roof, or the worst problem of asbestos pipe covering, the most important thing to remember is to not cut it, sand it, or otherwise manipulate it. If asbestos-containing material is cut, the fibers can linger in the air and be breathed in by people across the room for the next several hours.

This is why asbestos abatement teams exist. A hose and a mask are not sufficient protection from fibers that can get into your clothing and be brought home to families. We have had far too many tragic cases of wives getting cancer from shaking out their husbands clothing.

Relief for Victims

If you have an employee that gets lung cancer or mesothelioma, its often a devastating diagnosis. Financial compensation from bankruptcy trusts from now defunct asbestos companies are also available to help compensate a victim and his family. While this can never make a person or their family whole, compensation can go a long way in helping defray medical costs and other financial hardships.

Hopefully, you, your company, and your employees wont have to deal with asbestos issues on any basis. However, if you do, as with most problems, it is better to address the issue head on and tackle it properly before it grows into a bigger problem.

Visit link:

A Threat to You and Your Business - Building Indiana

Scientists in Hampshire have made a major breakthrough that could help patients with mesothelioma survive for longer.

People diagnosed with the aggressive form of cancer, linked to breathing in asbestos fibres, could have more time with their loved ones when prescribed an immunotherapy drug currently used to treat several other types of cancer, new research has found.

The CONFIRM trial was led by researchers in Southamptons clinical trials unit, which is funded by Cancer Research UK, alongside their colleagues in Leicester.

Funded by Stand Up To Cancer a joint fundraising campaign by Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 the trial found that an immunotherapy called nivolumab increased survival and made the disease more stable for patients who relapsed following standard treatment.

A total of 332 patients whose tumours were still growing after receiving chemotherapy and who were not able to have surgery, took part in the randomised trial.

A total of 221 of those patients were given nivolumab and the remaining 111 given a placebo once every fortnight for up to 12 months.

Its the first study to show that a treatment has been able to improve survival in patients with mesothelioma that has come back after chemotherapy.

Until now, no treatment had been found that could significantly improve outcomes for patients.

The impressive findings, which saw those who had nivolumab survive an average of 9.2 months compared to those in the placebo group who survived 6.6 months, were presented to oncologists and researchers around the world at the World Conference on Lung Cancer at the weekend.

Patients who received nivolumab also had more stable disease.

The risk of their cancer progressing was reduced by 39%, with people not seeing their cancer worsening for 3.0 months compared with 1.8 months in the placebo group.

Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs or abdomen, with most cases caused by exposure to the now outlawed industrial material, asbestos.

Currently seven per cent of people survive their disease for five years or more.

Each year, around 90 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in Hampshire.

Cases of mesothelioma in the UK have increased by 61% since the early 1990s. It is particularly high in areas where shipping and mining industries formerly thrived.

Patients are usually treated with chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy. But treatment options start to become limited once people stop responding to their treatment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS England endorsed nivolumab for use in some people with malignant mesothelioma as an alternative to chemotherapy because it has less of a suppressive effect on the immune system and may reduce the risk of someone becoming seriously ill during the pandemic.

This decision is currently in place until the end of March but the data from the CONFIRM trial could help to make this option permanently available to patients.

Professor Gareth Griffiths, Director of the Cancer Research UK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, said: "This trial shows clear evidence of benefit and marks a major breakthrough in the treatment of mesothelioma, a disease where there are currently very few options for patients when first-line chemotherapy has stopped working and prognosis is often very poor.

"This is the first study ever to show improved survival and we therefore believe that nivolumab could be a game-changer for treating mesothelioma patients in the future."

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UKs chief executive, said: "Nearly half a century ago, Cancer Research UK scientists added to the understanding of just how dangerous asbestos could be.

"This research helped change regulations, reducing workers exposure to this deadly substance. But mesothelioma can take over 40 years to develop, and the long and painful legacy of asbestos use is still sadly being felt today.

"Its wonderful news to hear that we may have found a new treatment for people with mesothelioma who have run out of options, when there has been so little progress over the years.

"We hope that NICE considers nivolumab as a treatment option, which will give people with mesothelioma precious extra time with their loved ones."

Original post:

Hampshire scientists make major breakthrough in the fight against mesothelioma - Free Radio

In the first ever placebo-controlled phase 3 trial in patients with relapsed mesothelioma, immunotherapy with nivolumab (Opdivo) significantly improved both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

The CONFIRM trial involved 330 previously treated patients with mesothelioma who were randomly assigned to nivolumab or placebo for 1 year or until progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Although recruitment to the study was stopped early because of the COVID-19 pandemic, enough data accrued to show that the immunotherapy improved overall survival by 28% over placebo, and increased PFS by 39%.

"Nivolumab was deemed a safe and effective treatment and should be considered a new treatment option for patients with relapsed mesothelioma," said principal investigator Dean A. Fennell, MD, PhD, professor and consultant in Thoracic Medical Oncology, University of Leicester, United Kingdom.

He presented the results at the World Conference on Lung Cancer, which was held virtually because of the ongoing pandemic.

Rina Hui, MD, PhD, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia, who was not involved in the study, told journalists that these results had been a "long time coming."

CONFIRM has added "important, encouraging data on immunotherapy in the salvage setting, particularly that patients were heavily pretreated," Hui said, with two thirds having received two or more lines of therapy.

Fennel noted that "a significant clinical benefit was observed in the epithelioid subtype" of the disease, but not in patients with non-epithelioid disease.

However, there was "no evidence" to support tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression as predictive of outcomes, he added, which does appear to be the case in some trials on lung cancer and other tumors.

Commenting on these observations, Hui said that PD-L1 as a predictive biomarker in mesothelioma has been "controversial", and emphasized that the results from CONFIRM indicate "no evidence of PD-L1 being predictive".

However, she questioned the other observation that clinical benefit appeared to be seen only in the epithelioid subtype.

Hui emphasized that non-epithelioid disease is known to be a "more aggressive, chemo-resistant subtypewith a steep decline in the survival curves."

"Therefore a lot of patients would not have made it to a subsequent line clinical trial, explaining why there were only 12% in the CONFIRM study," and so the sample size may be "too small to detect a difference in outcome."

Consequently, Hui said she "would not deny patients with non-epithelioid histology from considering nivolumab in the salvage setting."

She argued that there was "no clear predictive biomarker for patient selection" emerging from the CONFIRM data.

She agreed that, in patients with mesothelioma who have progressed following platinum/pemetrexed-based chemotherapy as in the first line, "monotherapy nivolumab now can be considered as a treatment option in the secondor third-line setting, after second-line chemotherapy".

However, outstanding questions remain, including whether nivolumab "provides better outcomes than second-line single agent chemotherapy or second-line gemcitabine with the VGFR inhibitor ramucirumab (Cyramza)."

It may also be that nivolumab plus ipilimumab (Yervoy) might be superior to nivolumab alone in the salvage setting.

But a more fundamental question is what should be considered for salvage therapy "if nivolumab and ipilimumab have already been used in the first-line setting?"

Results of first-line immunotherapy combination trials are "eagerly awaitedto determine and develop other salvage treatments," she commented.

Responding on Twitter, Riyaz Shah, MD, PhD, consultant medical oncologist, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, UK, echoed these comments, saying that the results were "very exciting" but he also "cant wait to see the first-line chemoimmunotherapy data."

Stephen V. Liu, MD, director of thoracic oncology at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, commented on Twitter that there was "not a lot of safety data" in the presentation and awaits their eventual publication.

He added that it is "good to have a positive trial" in relapsed mesothelioma, "though the first-line studies will decrease the eventual impact as immunotherapy becomes involved earlier in treatment."

Relapsed mesothelioma is an "unmet need," and until now "there have been no phase 3 trials which have demonstrated improved overall survival," Fennell said in his presentation.

However, three phase 2 trials have shown that immune checkpoint targeting via PD-1 has shown useful clinical activity as a monotherapy in the relapsed setting, and one of these trials has led to approval of nivolumab in Japan for this indication.

CONFIRM was an investigator-initiated phase 3 trial in patients with relapsed mesothelioma who had received more than one prior line of therapy and had a good performance status.

Recruitment began in April 2017, and the "target sample size was 336 patients," Fennell said, but was "halted at 332 patients (in March 2020) due to the peaking of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK."

"However, at the time it was felt there were sufficient events" to justify the current analysis of the co-primary endpoints of PFS and OS, despite the latter being 59 events short of the target of 291.

Fennell said that baseline characteristics were "generally well balanced" between the nivolumab (n = 221) and placebo (n = 111) arms.

However, there were more patients with a PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) 1% among the patients given nivolumab, at 37% vs 29% in the placebo arm.

After a median follow-up of 17.1 months in the nivolumab arm and 14.2 months in the placebo group, overall survival was significantly longer with the active treatment, at 9.2 months vs 6.6 months with placebo, or a hazard ratio of 0.72 (P = .018).

The proportion of patients alive at 12 months was 39.5% in the nivolumab group, and 26.9% in patients given placebo.

Investigator-assessed PFS was also significant longer with nivolumab, at 3.0 months vs 1.8 months with placebo, or a hazard ratio of 0.61 (P < .001).

The proportion of patients disease-free at 12 months was 14.5% with active treatment vs 4.9% months with the placebo.

"The role for PD-L1 as a potential biomarker was assessed," Fennell said, using the Dako 22C3 antibody, with 150 nivolumab and 84 placebo patients divided into those with a TPS <1% or 1%.

He noted that PD-L1 expression in the tumor "did not predict survival for patients in the CONFIRM trial", with neither PD-L1 positive nor PD-L1 negative patients demonstrating a significant improvement in overall survival with nivolumab vs placebo.

"For histology, epithelioid mesothelioma patients benefited from nivolumab," Fennell continued, at a hazard ratio for death of 0.71 vs placebo (P =.021). "However, for the non-epithelioid subgroup, in this immature survival analysisthe P value was not significant," he said, but this was a small subgroup of patients (12% in both nivolumab and placebo groups).

The safety analysis revealed that the proportion of patients with any serious adverse events, of any grade or grade 3, was almost identical between the active and placebo arms, Fennel reported. There were five deaths (3.6%) related to a serious adverse event in the nivolumab arm and four (5.3%) in the placebo group.

This research was funded by the Stand Up to Cancer campaign for Cancer Research UK, supported by Cancer Research UK core funding at the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, and investigator-initiated support from Bristol-Myers Squibb for free drug labeling and distribution and funding for RECIST reporting.

Fennell reports relationships with Astex Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, Atara Biotherapeutics, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Clovis Oncology, Eli Lilly, Inventiva, Lab 21, MSD, and Roche. Hui reports relationships with AstraZeneca, BMS, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, and Seagen.

2020 World Conference on Lung Cancer Singapore: Abstract PS01.11. Presented January 30, 2021.

For more from Medscape Oncology, follow us on Twitter: @MedscapeOnc

View post:

Nivolumab Improves Survival in Relapsed Mesothelioma - Medscape

We usually write about our experiences while caring for patients with malignant mesothelioma. As always I cannot remember when I left a patient and didnt have a new respect for how patients with rare diseases like mesothelioma deal with the impact on their lives. Today I read an article about a woman who had been stripped of her job, hobbies, and her life as she knew it by a rare disease other than malignant mesothelioma.

The unique perspective of rare diseases has always fascinated me how do people learn to live with their new normal? Some people make it look easier than others as many adapt to their new way of life. A rare disease is defined as one that affects fewer than 200,000 people across a broad range of possible disorders. Mesothelioma is a rare disease that affects roughly 3,000 cases per year. In the United States there are over 7,000 rare diseases that affect more than 30 million Americans.

Malignant mesothelioma changes daily life for both individuals and families. It can send them into depression and fill the individual and their loved ones with fear. This particular article spoke about how a woman learned photography to document her journey with the disease, her feelings, and to have a visual timeline. Through her foundation she is sharing how she is adopting her hobby of photography to share with others who are going through similar situations. Documenting her struggles and strengths has been rewarding to her own self-esteem and to others who are experiencing similar situations.

When life throws a curveball like mesothelioma it forces most to re-evaluate life and how you will cope with your new rare illness. Most people that we have met handle it with grace and dignity. Some are able to speak freely about their journey where others are not sure how to express what they are going through. Some people keep journals, while others reach out to other survivors, and some take up a new idea that they think will help themselves down this new road. These are just a few examples on how people deal with a rare disease. Some may take up photography or drawing or possibly walking.

If you continue to struggle there are many organizations that can help. One organization that I would like to mention would be NORD, the National Organization for Rare Diseases. There are many tools and resources available that may help you cope with your disease. You may have a rare disease but you are never alone. Feel free to reach out to mesothelioma programs or a member of the team like myself here at Mesothelioma Help Organization.

See the rest here:

How Mesothelioma Patients Cope with Having a Rare Disease - MesotheliomaHelp.org

We will remember 2020 for many reasons, with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic at or near the top of the list.

In the mesothelioma community, it was a year of COVID-related stress and FDA-approved hope. It was filled with emerging treatments and therapies made available to mesothelioma patients, victims receiving their deserved compensation, brands turning away from the dangerous ingredient talc, and important developments among some of the top hospitals.

When the calendar flips to a new year, we should remember 2020 for all the progress it brought in fighting this rare and deadly cancer. Here are the top 10 mesothelioma stories from the past year.

This was the biggest news of 2020 for mesothelioma patients, doctors, researchers, caregivers, advocates and anyone else. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the immunotherapy combination for pleural mesothelioma. The approval is explicitly for unresectable cases, meaning those that cant be helped with surgery.

Opdivo and Yervoy brand names for nivolumab and ipilimumab, respectively increase survival by four months compared to chemotherapy. The combination is also safe compared to chemotherapy, causing mild rashes and manageable side effects in most cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic swept through the United States and elsewhere causing understandable anxiety and stress. The group most affected was people with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as mesothelioma.

The coronavirus attacks the lungs and pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining next to the lungs. Patients with mesothelioma tumors on the lungs are at risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19. Their depleted respiratory health and struggling immune system leave the body susceptible to other diseases, such as this virus.

The U.S. House of Representatives appeared destined to approve an asbestos ban during its September session. That destiny was scrapped at the 11th hour due to partisan politics.

The House indefinitely delayed any vote on the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act, and theres no telling when the congress leaders will take up the issue again. The decision came down to semantics and fine-print language within the bill, which is an unfortunate reason to keep the door open for asbestos to continue affecting and killing thousands of Americans each year.

Dr. Abraham Avi Lebenthal started the Boston VA mesothelioma program a decade ago. Now, he has handed the reins to Dr. Hassan Khalil, the newest thoracic surgeon at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston.

Dr. Khalil spoke to Mesothelioma Guide about joining Brigham and Womens staff, plus taking over the VA program. He trained under three of the best mesothelioma specialists in the world: Dr. Lebenthal, Dr. Raphael Bueno and Dr. Marcelo DaSilva.

One of the top stories in 2019 was the FDA approving a tumor treating fields device for unresectable pleural mesothelioma. Since the approval around 19 months ago, the device has grown in popularity and accessibility.

The device, originally called the NovoTTF-100L System, was rebranded as Optune Lua. Its available in more than 70 hospitals spanning 28 states.

Once experts identified the link between talc and mesothelioma the common thread being asbestos Johnson & Johnson became one of the main characters in the ongoing controversy.

The company decided in May to discontinue the talc versions of those products in the U.S. and Canada. The massive stack of legal claims against the company was the main reason for the move.

Johnson & Johnsons Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder both rely on talcum powder, which comes from the mineral talc. Asbestos can contaminate talc and lead to mesothelioma for consumers, which led to tens of thousands of lawsuits

Johnson & Johnsons top officials likely didnt want to see another $750 million verdict from a mesothelioma case, which also led to them paying more than $100 million to settle 1,000 talc cancer claims.

Johnson & Johnson isnt the only company struggling with legal claims and negative press regarding its talc products. The Environmental Working Group tested cosmetics recently and found traces of asbestos in 15% of them, sounding alarms about the dangers of many products on the market.

Opdivo and Yervoy werent the first two immunotherapy drugs approved for mesothelioma in 2020. The FDA decided in June to approve Keytruda, the brand name for pembrolizumab.

The approval is for a small subset of patients who have high levels of PD-L1. This cancerous protein appears on mesothelioma tumors and subdues the immune system. However, Keytruda halts the proteins power and elevates the immune response against mesothelioma.

Dr. DaSilva left Brigham and Womens Hospital towards the end of 2019 to jump-start the new mesothelioma program at AdventHealth in Orlando. Early in 2020, he started putting together his team and seeing the first patients.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. DaSilva and the AdventHealth staff continued the International Mesothelioma Treatment Programs progress. He had eight patients by June, with five of them having surgery.

Schools and school districts in Pennsylvania have faced asbestos issues since last year. In 2020, though, the problems resulted in criminal charges.

Two former Scranton School District officials former superintendent Alexis Kirijan and former director of operations Jeffrey Brazil were charged with felony child endangerment. Then-current maintenance supervisor Joseph Slack was also charged.

Schools in Philadelphia closed at the start of 2020 due to widespread asbestos concerns. One city school district teacher was diagnosed with mesothelioma and connected her diagnosis to the unsafe working conditions in classrooms.

Sources & Author

Devin Golden is the content writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He produces mesothelioma-related content on various mediums, including the Mesothelioma Guide website and social media channels. Devin's objective is to translate complex information regarding mesothelioma into informative, easily absorbable content to help patients and their loved ones.

Get in depth knowledge about your diagnosis & the best treatments.

Learn More

See the rest here:

Mesothelioma in 2020: Top 10 Stories on FDA Approvals, COVID-19 and More - Mesothelioma Guide

In spite of a global pandemic, there were some major breakthroughs in mesothelioma in 2020 that made the year a hopeful one for people fighting asbestos cancer.

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious illness caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma is still not curable. But researchers have made major breakthroughs in mesothelioma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment this year.

Mesothelioma treatment saw the biggest breakthroughs in mesothelioma in 2020. The FDA approved the first systemic treatment for mesothelioma since 2004. That was the year that Alimta (pemetrexed) received approval.

They approved a combination of the immunotherapy drugs Opdivo and Yervoy. Yervoy helps activate and proliferate T-cells. Opdivo helps existing T-cells discover the mesothelioma tumor. The patients who got the new drug combination for mesothelioma lived a median of 18 months.

At one year, almost 70 percent of patients who got the immunotherapy drugs were still alive. Only 58 percent of chemotherapy patients lived that long.

The second most important of the breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatment this year centers on Tumor Treating Fields. The electrical device received a new name in 2020. It is now Optune Lua. Optune Lua interrupts the replication of mesothelioma cells and stimulates the immune system.

This summer, the makers of Optune Lua and the immunotherapy drug Keytruda announced that they are teaming up for a new study. The study is testing a combination of these treatments in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The results are likely to impact the future of mesothelioma treatment, too.

One of the most significant breakthroughs in mesothelioma diagnosis was a biomarker study in July. That study appeared to confirm the best biomarkers for mesothelioma diagnosis and prognosis.

Two of the countrys top authorities on mesothelioma, Dr. Harvey Pass of New Yorks Langone Medical Center and Dr. Michele Carbone of the University of Hawaii, were authors on the new report.

They conducted a major review of medical literature over the last 20 years. They concluded that SMRPs (Soluble Mesothelin Related Proteins) are the best diagnostic biomarkers for mesothelioma. SMRPs are also the most valuable biomarkers for monitoring the success of mesothelioma treatment.

Other important diagnostic breakthroughs for mesothelioma were two reports on the use of artificial intelligence.

One study came from the Stevens Institute of Technology and the other from Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. Both suggest that machine learning which can identify patterns that doctors miss may be the future of mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment planning.

International Immunopharmacology published the largest study ever on PD-L1 expression and mesothelioma prognosis. It showed that patients whose cells express more of this protein have lower odds of survival.

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) helps cancer cells evade immune system attack.

Other studies have suggested a link between PD-L1 expression and mesothelioma prognosis. But a meta-analysis performed by Chinese researchers confirmed it with an even bigger data set.

Another of the breakthroughs in mesothelioma prognosis also centered on protein expression. This time, BAP1 was in the spotlight. Alterations of the BAP1 gene affect BAP1 expression. People with low levels of BAP1 appear to have a higher risk for mesothelioma.

But a large Italian study released in July suggested that mesothelioma prognosis has more to do with subtype than with BAP1 expression. It cautioned doctors not to put too much stock in BAP1 expression without also considering other factors.

Sources:

FDA Approves Drug Combination for Treating Mesothelioma, FDA Press Announcement, October 2, 2020, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-drug-combination-treating-mesothelioma

Novocure Announces Clinical Trial Collaboration with MSD to Evaluate Tumor Treating Fields Together with KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, July 15, 2020, Novocure Website

Choudhury, A, Predicting cancer using supervised machine learning: Mesothelioma, June 19, 2020, Technology in Health Care, https://content.iospress.com/articles/technology-and-health-care/thc202237

Dumane, VA, et al, RapidPlan for Knowledge-Based Planning of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, June 17, 2020, Practical Radiation Oncology, Epub ahead of print, https://www.practicalradonc.org/article/S1879-8500(20)30158-2/pdf

Pass, H, et al, Mesothelioma Biomarkers: A Review Highlighting Contributions from the Early Detection Research Network, July 22, 2020, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Epub ahead of print, https://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2020/07/22/1055-9965.EPI-20-0083

Zhang, F, and Gong, W, Prognostic and clinicopathological utility of programmed death-ligand 1 in malignant pleural mesothelioma: A meta-analysis, April 24, 2020, International Immunopharmacology, Epub ahead of print, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576920306639?via%3Dihub

Cantini, L, et al, Questioning the Prognostic Role of BAP-1 Immunohistochemistry in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Single Center Experience With Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, June 21, 2020, Lung Cancer, Epub ahead of print, https://www.lungcancerjournal.info/article/S0169-5002(20)30498-0/pdf

See original here:

Breakthroughs in Mesothelioma in 2020 - Surviving Mesothelioma

Encouraging early data were observed with galinpepimut-S (GPS), the Wilms Tumor-1 (WT1)-targeting peptide immunotherapeutic, in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors as treatment of patients with 2 different solid tumor types who had exhausted standard therapeutic options, announced SELLAS Life Sciences Group, Inc.

GPS in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) induced promising disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS) data in patients with advanced WT1-positive ovarian cancer, while GPS combined with nivolumab (Opdivo) generated clinically intriguing activity in patients with mesothelioma.

These early data confirm the tolerability profile seen in earlier studies of GPS, which is one of the primary endpoints in these solid cancer trials, in a variety of cancer indications, even in the most refractory patients who underwent numerous prior therapies, said Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, deputy director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center at New York University (NYU)-Langone Health, co-director of its Melanoma Research Program Center and Chair of SELLAS Scientific Advisory Board, in a statement. These safety findings are accompanied by promising early indications of an efficacy signal for patients with advanced metastatic disease, whose management is extremely challenging even with checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy.

The first study is a phase 1/2 basket trial of GPS plus pembrolizumab, and the first set of evaluable patients had second- or third-line WT1-positive relapsed/refractory metastatic ovarian cancer. Among these 8 patients, the DCR was 87.5% with a median follow-up of 9.4 weeks. At 6 weeks, all patients were free of disease progression for a PFS rate of 100%.

The rate of WT1-positivity was approximately 70% during the screening period, according to findings using a validated immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. Six of the patients are still receiving therapy on the study, and the target enrollment is 20 patients.

The second study, a phase 1 investigator-sponsored study of GPS with nivolumab, included 3 patients with macroscopic measurable deposits of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) who were wither refractory to or relapsed after first-line tri-modality standard therapy in the first set of evaluable patients. These patients had a median PFS of at least 10 weeks since the start of therapy. Considering the lack of effective treatments for patients with primary refractory disease, PFS prolongation is considered clinically meaningful when the interval is greater than 8 weeks.

All patients in the study had the epithelioid variant of MPM which is a tumor that universally expresses WT1. GPS appeared to be appropriately immunogenic, which led to the emergency of WT1-specific CD4-positive T-memory cell responses 3 months post-initiation of treatment. A total of 10 patients with MPM are expected to enroll to the trial to complete the target recruitment.

The safety profile of both GPS regimens was similar to what has been observed previously with checkpoint inhibitors alone. The addition of this therapy induced only low grade, transitory local reactions at the site of injection, which is consistent with findings from previous clinical trials.

By the end of the second quarter of 2021, the company expects to have more mature clinical and immunobiological data from both of these clinical trials.

We are encouraged by the data shown in these 2 studies of GPS in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and look forward to additional data from these studies, stated Dragan Cicic, MD, senior vice president, Clinical Development of SELLAS. We now have early evidence that supports further expanding the field of potential GPS indications into solid cancers with high rates of WT1 positivity. GPS has previously been shown to invoke multi-epitope, broad cross-reactivity along the full-length of the WT1 protein, suggestive of epitope spreading, and immunologically mediated cancer cell destruction, which are hallmarks of an effective cancer vaccine. The scientific rationale in combining GPS with checkpoint inhibitors is the immunbiologic and pharmacodynamic synergy between the two agents, whereby the negative influence of the tumor microenvironment is mitigated by checkpoint inhibitors and thus allowing the patients own immune cells specifically sensitized against WT1, by GPS, to invade and destroy cancerous cells.

References

SELLAS announces promising initial clinical data for galinpepimut-S (GPS) in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in two solid tumor indications. News Release. SELLAS Life Sciences Group. December 21, 2020. Accessed December 22, 2020.

Read the original:

Galinpepimut-S Shows Early Promise With Checkpoint Inhibition for 2 WT1-Positive Solid Tumors - Targeted Oncology

Postdoctoral research fellow and collaborator Angela Bononi in Carbones lab.

New research has found that individuals born with inherited mutations of the BLM gene are more susceptible to developing mesothelioma, especially upon exposure to asbestos. The study was conducted by University of Hawaii Cancer Center researcher Michele Carbone and collaborators, and was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Individuals who inherit two mutated copies of the BLM gene are affected by the rare Bloom Syndrome, characterized by short stature, a red rash over the nose and cheeks, mild immune deficiency and an increased susceptibility to develop various cancers. However, approximately one in every 900 individuals is born with only one inherited mutation of the BLM gene. The cells of these individuals produce only half of the normal amount of BLM protein, which was suspected, and has now been proven, to increase their risk of developing cancer.

Carbones previous discovery of the BAP1 mutation, which signifies an increased susceptibility to cancer, led to the investigation of other genetic mutations with similar functionsincluding those of the BLM gene. This resulted in the establishment of a specific clinical trial at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, that addresses the potential future healthcare needs of carriers of germline mutations, who have a high risk of developing mesothelioma. In this trial, individuals born with genetic mutations are followed for prevention, early detection and personalized therapy when they develop cancer.

To further this research, the National Institutes of Health has awarded Carbone a grant to study a population in northern Nevada, a population at risk of exposure to asbestos and to other harmful mineral fibers and carcinogens present in the natural environment.

The project is in collaboration with Haining Yang of the UH Cancer Center, and Joe Grzymski of the Desert Research Institute. The studys goal is to identify carriers of genetic mutations who may be more susceptible to developing cancer when exposed to these carcinogens. The investigators have already found that 80 out of the 28,553 northern Nevada residents have inherited these BLM mutations, and should benefit greatly from prevention and early detection approaches.

See the article here:

Genetic mutation increases one's susceptibility to mesothelioma - UH System Current News

Published on December 16, 2020

Though malignant pleural mesothelioma remains one of the most challenging types of cancer to treat, physicians continue to refine surgical approaches and improve patient outcomes. A recently conducted retrospective study has confirmed the benefits of extended pleurectomy decortication as a surgical approach in the treatment of the rare, asbestos-related disease, indicating that patients who opt for this approach have a low risk of postoperative mortality. The study confirms that the surgery leads to prolonged overall survival when successful removal of all cancerous tissue is achieved.

The study was published in theAnnals of Surgeryand was a retrospective chart review of the records of 355 consecutive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The patients had all been treated at a single facility between 2007 and 2015. All underwent thoracotomy for planned pleurectomy decortication and were evaluated for both short and long-term outcomes, as well as associated prognostic factors.

Pleurectomy decortication is a lung-sparing surgery that removes the pleura and visible tumor masses, while the extended version of the surgery also removes the pericardium and part of the diaphragm. Both procedures are considered less invasive than extrapleural pneumonectomy, a mesothelioma surgery that removes all of these organs as well as the lung. In all cases the surgery is recommended to be used in combination with systemic approaches to address metastatic disease and optimize outcomes.

The results of the study were encouraging for mesothelioma patients opting for the lung-sparing surgery. Most patients experienced only low-grade complications, with a thirty-day mortality of 3% and a 90-day mortality of 4.6%. The most striking difference in overall survival existed between those for whom the surgery successfully removed all malignant tissue, with a median overall survival of 23.2 months, while for those whose surgery did not remove all malignancies the overall median survival was just 11.6 months. Other factors shown to negatively impact survival were male vs female and higher tumor stage, while use of chemotherapy, intraoperative heated chemotherapy and epithelioid histology were shown to positively impact survival.

If you have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and need more information on treatment options and other resources, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.

Learn more about and contact Terri

Continue reading here:

Study Confirms Benefits of Extended Pleurectomy Decortication for Patients with Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Finances can become the deciding factor in which treatment a patient with cancer chooses to receive, where they receive it and if they can keep on that treatment regimen for an extended period of time.

Its crucial for all patients to find the right treatment team and that may mean traveling further from home for days or even weeks. For patients with mesothelioma, being treated at a large academic cancer center is key since this disease is rarer than other cancer types.

Certain organizations across the country have financial assistance programs to help. For instance, CancerCare, the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to those affected by cancer, has a new program that exclusively offers assistance to patients with mesothelioma.

Once a patient is interviewed by phone and completes a financial application, they are eligible to receive a portion of grant money from the Mesothelioma Transportation Assistance Program that can be used for services such as air travel to a treatment facility, lodging and airfare.

Francine Shuman is thankful she qualified for this help as she has to travel from Augusta, Georgia, to Atlanta, to receive treatment at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, which requires driving two hours one way from her home to the cancer center, as well as staying overnight a few days in a hotel. Ive got bills to pay. I cant afford it, she says.

Shuman received a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis in February 2020 and after undergoing chemotherapy, she recently had surgery to remove the cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen. She believes her cancer was caused by years of inhaling talcum powder that she used on her three daughters as babies. Talc is a mineral that can absorb moisture and because its found in close proximity to asbestos a known carcinogen in the earth, there is concern that talc can become contaminated.

After calling several organizations, Shuman finally connected with CancerCare and through the program, Shuman received a $1,000 grant for expenses. I was told I would get the loan and I wouldnt have to pay it back. And I just thanked the Lord because I didnt know how I was going to get back and forth, she says.

To initiate the process for the Mesothelioma Transportation Assistance Program, the person who received the diagnosis or a caregiver can call CancerCares HOPEline at 1-800-813-4673 or email Charlotte Ference, a social worker, at cference@cancercare.org.

For more news on cancer updates, research and education, dont forget tosubscribe to CUREs newsletters here.

Follow this link:

Making Cents of Mesothelioma - Curetoday.com

Published on December 15, 2020

Immunotherapy represents real hope in the fight against malignant mesothelioma, as well as in other types of cancer. A presentation delivered at the 5thAnnual International Congress on Immunotherapies in Cancer reinforced the sense of optimism, as a top researcher indicated improvements in the results being seen.

Though much of the focus on the use of immunotherapy in malignant mesothelioma has been on its application as a second-line or maintenance therapy after initial treatment with chemotherapy, the latest research is pointing to its role as a frontline protocol. According to Naiyer A. Rizvi, MD, Price Family Professor of Medicine, director of Thoracic Oncology, and co-director of Cancer Immunotherapy at Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, immunotherapy agents are increasingly yielding better results as an initial application.

SCLC and mesothelioma have been difficult cancers to treat, and immunotherapy has not made an impact until very recently, where, in the first-line setting, we have improved outcomes and new standards of care for the treatment of SCLC and mesothelioma, he told a gathering of researchers.

Dr. Rizvi detailed the use of immunotherapy in the phase 3 CheckMate 743 trial, where patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma are being randomized between doses of Opdivo and Yervoy or the more traditional cisplatin or carboplatin plus pemetrexed treatment. He explained that thus far, the progression free survival rates and the overall survival rates both demonstrate significant improvement with the immunotherapy combination when used in patients with non-epithelioid tumors, and less dramatic results in those with epithelioid tumors. These data are really meaningful, supporting immunotherapy only as first-line therapy [in mesothelioma], said Rizvi.

As researchers continue exploring innovative treatments for malignant mesothelioma, having access to up-to-date information becomes more important than ever. For access to the resources you need, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

Learn more about and contact Terri

Go here to read the rest:

Researcher Delivers Promising News on Immunotherapy Role in Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma.net Blog

Checkpoint inhibitors have failed to improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) as second-line therapy and maintenance therapy in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), but this class of agents continue to show encouraging activity worthy of a paradigm shift up front.

The frontline role with immunotherapy has extended to patients with mesothelioma, as well.

SCLC and mesothelioma have been difficult cancers to treat, and immunotherapy has not made an impact until very recently, where, in the first-line setting, we have improved outcomes and new standards of care for the treatment of SCLC and mesothelioma, said Naiyer A. Rizvi, MD, Price Family Professor of Medicine, director of Thoracic Oncology, and co-director of Cancer Immunotherapy at Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, said in a presentation during the 5thAnnualInternational Congress on Immunotherapies in Cancer.

The first robust trial that demonstrated the potential for immunotherapy up front was the phase 3 IMpower133 trial. In the trial, patients with extensive-stage SCLC were randomized 1:1 to 1200 mg of intravenous atezolizumab (Tecentriq) plus carboplatin or etoposide for four 21-day cycles, or placebo plus carboplatin or etoposide followed by maintenance atezolizumab and placebo, respectively.

At a median follow-up of 13.9 months, the median PFS was 5.2 months in the atezolizumab arm vs 4.3 months in the placebo arm (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.96; P = .017).1 The 6-month PFS rate was 30.9% in the atezolizumab arm vs 22.4% in the placebo arm. The 12-month PFS rates were 12.6% and 5.4%, respectively.

At a median follow-up of 22.9 months, the median OS was 12.3 months with atezolizumab vs 10.3 months with placebo (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60-0.95; P = .0154).2 The 18-month OS rates were 34.0% and 21.0%, respectively. The 24-month OS rates were 22.0% and 16.8%, respectively.

The median duration of response (DOR) was 4.2 months in the atezolizumab arm vs 3.9 months in the placebo arm (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.53-0.92). However, more than half of patients in the placebo arm experienced ongoing response in the atezolizumab arm at last follow-up (n = 7 vs n = 18, respectively).

In the subgroup analysis, all patients except those with brain metastases (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.47-2.43) derived benefit from atezolizumab.

IMpower133 is really the first study in over 20 years to really show a meaningful improvement in OS vs standard of care in first-line SCLC. These data led to the adoption of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy as a first-line standard of care for extensive-stage SCLC, said Rizvi.

These data were recapitulated in findings from the phase 3 CASPIAN trial, said Rizvi. In the trial, patients with extensive-stage SCLC were randomized 1:1:1 to 1500 mg of durvalumab (Imfinzi) plus etoposide every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles, etoposide every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles, or durvalumab plus 75 mg of tremelimumab plus etoposide for up to 4 cycles, followed by durvalumab, optional prophylactic irradiation, and durvalumab, respectively.

At over 2 years of follow-up, the median OS was 12.9 months in the durvalumab/etoposide arm vs 10.5 months in the etoposide arm (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.91; P = .0032). The 24-month OS rates were 22.2% and 14.4% respectively.3

The median PFS was 5.1 months in the durvalumab/etoposide arm vs 5.4 months in the etoposide arm (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.96). The 24-month PFS rates were 11.0% and 2.9%, respectively.

The trial was not powered to compare durvalumab plus chemotherapy vs durvalumab plus tremelimumab plus chemotherapy, but these 2 arms did perform fairly similarly, and both did perform similarly to chemotherapy alone, said Rizvi.

In an exploratory analysis, tumor mutational burden was not shown to be predictive of an improvement in OS for durvalumab plus or minus tremelimumab/etoposide vs etoposide alone, indicating that the marker should not be used to select patients for treatment.4

Despite the progress that has been made, there is room for improvement, said Rizvi, who cited the phase 3 SKYSCRAPER-02 trials as 1 study that could push the needle further.

In SKYSCRAPER-02, patients will be randomized to 1:1 to 1200 mg of atezolizumab plus chemotherapy plus 600 mg of tiragolumab every 3 weeks for 4 cycles or atezolizumab plus placebo in the same schedule, followed by atezolizumab/tiragolumab or atezolizumab/placebo, respectively.

Immunotherapy has also been subject to research in mesothelioma, explained Rizvi, who pointed to the phase 3 CheckMate 743 trial, where patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma will be randomized 1:1 to 3 mg/kg of nivolumab (Opdivo) every 2 weeks plus 1 mg/kg of ipilimumab (Yervoy) every 6 weeks or cisplatin or carboplatin plus pemetrexed for 6 cycles.

Initial results from CheckMate 743 demonstrated a median PFS of 6.8 months with chemotherapy vs 7.2 months with chemotherapy (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82-1.21). The 24-month PFS rates were 16% and 7%, respectively.5

OS data, when broken down by subtype, revealed a significant improvement with the combination vs chemotherapy in patients with non-epithelioid tumors, at 18.1 months vs 8.8 months, respectively (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31-0.68). The 24-month OS rates were 38% and 8%, respectively.

In epithelioid tumors, the median OS was 18.7 months with the combination vs 16.5 months with chemotherapy (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.69-1.08). The 24-month OS rates were 42% and 33%, respectively.

These data are really meaningful, supporting immunotherapy only as first-line therapy [in mesothelioma], said Rizvi.

Additionally, although OS favored the combination vs chemotherapy, irrespective of PD-L1 expression, patients who had greater than 1% expression derived more benefit from the combination (HR, 0.69) vs those with PD-L1 expression less than 1% (HR, 0.94).

The response rates were comparable in the combination and chemotherapy-alone arm, at 40% and 43%, respectively. The median DOR was 11.0 months and 6.7 months, respectively. At 2 years, 32% of patients in the combination arm were still in response vs 8% in the chemotherapy-alone arm.

Link:

Immunotherapy Finds a Role in Frontline Small Cell Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma - OncLive

Dec. 17, 2020 17:45 UTC

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Kiromic BioPharma (the Company) (NASDAQ: KRBP), a target discovery and gene-editing company utilizing artificial intelligence and its proprietary neural network platform with a therapeutic focus on immuno-oncology, announced today the submission of two investigational new drug (IND) applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the initiation of:

--- Phase 1 clinical trial of an intravenously (IV) administered allogenic CAR-T for epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and

--- Phase 1 clinical trial of an intrapleural/intraperitoneal (IP) administered allogenic CAR-T for EOC and MPM.

Kiromics proprietary PD1 Gamma-delta CAR (PD1-GDT CAR) T cell therapy is a novel method for off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR T cells derived from healthy donors. We believe our proprietary gamma-delta T cell manufacturing and distribution will offer significant advantages over competitive manufacturing technologies.

The initial dose escalation component of each CAR-T trial is projected to enroll approximately 12 patients over 4 months at two sites.

The first in-human dosing is targeted for 1Q-2021.

"It's an exciting time to see our technology go into the clinic. This is the culmination of +25 years of research and development which has spanned the globe with international contributions and scientific collaborations from the sharpest minds of our time. Our gamma-delta T-cells are designed to offer clinicians a treatment option with:

-- higher efficacy,

-- higher safety (reducing graft vs. host risks), and

-- lower manufacturing and distribution costs vs. cellular therapy technologies of the past," says Dr. Maurizio Chiriva-Internati, PhD, CEO of Kiromic.

"This first in-human off-the-shelf allogenic gamma-delta chPD1 CAR-T cell therapy trial will mark a major milestone, not only for Kiromic, but also for clinicians who have been frustrated with the lack of CAR T cell treatment options for solid malignancies, since current CAR T cell therapies are only approved for hematologic malignancies, with all of the drawbacks of autologous based platforms, commented Dr. Scott Dahlbeck, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Kiromic.

"The cGMP suite consists of 5 clean rooms which will be used to manufacture the Companys off-the-shelf allogeneic therapies during clinical trials. The Company is fully ready for this IND filing and has the clinical manufacturing capability to supply its clinical trials," commented Mr. Tony Tontat, CFO, COO of Kiromic.

"Kiromics proprietary PD1 Gamma-delta CAR (PD1-GDT CAR) T cell therapy is a novel method for off-the-shelf allogeneic CART T Cells derived from healthy donors. As we continue to grow our targets and our clinical programs, our IP portfolio is continually being fortified in all major geographies, and we look forward to updating our investors in upcoming presentations and filings," commented Mr. Gianluca Rotino, Chief of Strategy and Innovations of Kiromic.

About Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Ovarian tumors grow rapidly and metastasize early with a very aggressive disease course, either through direct extension from the ovarian/fallopian tumor to neighboring organs (bladder/colon), or by detaching from the primary tumor, and then spreading and adhering to intraperitoneal organs.

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma represents the vast majority of ovarian cancers and the most common histologic subtype is high grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Unlike most other cancers, ovarian carcinoma rarely disseminates through the vasculature, although pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph nodes can be involved. When ovarian cancer spreads to the mesothelium of the organs within the peritoneal cavity, it can result in encasement of these organs with significant pain and eventual obstruction of the stomach, large, and small intestines.

Despite advances in surgical techniques and intensive combination chemotherapy approaches, the survival rate substantially decreases after ovarian cancer has metastasized to pelvic organs (such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum), metastasized across the pelvic cavity to the abdominal organs and tissue (such as the omentum, small intestine, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes), or metastasized beyond the peritoneal cavity to distant parenchymal organs such as the liver and lung.

The ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) within the peritoneal cavity is a key element in the support of ovarian cancer growth, and only by addressing the TME, along with the ovarian cancer tumor cell itself, will significant advances be achieved.

Since ovarian cancer 5 year survival statistics have improved only slightly over the last few decades, innovative approaches such as Kiromics administration of a PD1-GDT CAR, which is designed to address the TME of EOC, are desperately needed.

About Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Patients with a diagnosis of mesothelioma are generally considered to be incurable, and typically present late, with multiple signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, hemoptysis, dysphagia, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and face/arm swelling which often precludes surgical options. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also options but are often only palliative, with or without an attempted surgical resection.

If the patient is one of the few considered to be a surgical candidate, the surgical objective will be to obtain a maximal cellular reduction (MCR), followed by chemotherapy +/- radiation therapy. Yet even with an MCR and adjuvant therapies, the vast majority of patients still experience a recurrence, most of which are local, and when the tumors do recur, second line treatments are essentially palliative.

Hence, the majority of patients suffering from this disease need innovative and novel treatment options, as most patients will ultimately die of their disease with a poor remaining quality of life due to symptoms such as severe shortness of breath and chest pain, due to hardening of the pleura associated with the inevitable disease progression. Innovative approaches such as Kiromics administration of a PD1-GDT CAR, which is designed to address the tumor microenvironment (TME) of MPM are urgently needed.

About Kiromic

Kiromic BioPharma, Inc. is a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company which is focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing novel immune-oncology applications through its robust product pipeline. The pipeline development is leveraged through the Companys proprietary target discovery engine called "DIAMOND." Kiromic's DIAMOND is big data science meeting target identification, dramatically compressing man-years and billions of drug development dollars to develop a live drug. The Company maintains offices in Houston, Texas.

For more information, please visit the companys website at http://www.kiromic.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. We make such forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "project" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could materially affect results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, those listed under the heading "Risk Factors" included in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-238153) , originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 11, 2020, as amended, and elsewhere in this press release. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance.

The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this press release. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, there is no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our Forms 10-Q, 8-K and other reports filed with the SEC.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201217005901/en/

Read this article:

Kiromic Announces Submission of Two IND Applications for PD1 Gamma-delta CAR - T cell Therapy with the FDA - BioSpace

Court of Appeal of California, First Appellate District, Division Three, December 11, 2020

The heirs of decedent Richard Booker filed suit, alleging that Booker developed fatal mesothelioma from his exposure to defendants asbestos-containing products. The plaintiffs settled with most of the defendants, and a trial was held against the two remaining defendants, Vanderbilt Minerals LLC and Imerys. The jury found the two defendants liable for increasing the decedents risk of mesothelioma and apportioned 60-percent fault to Vanderbilt and 40-percent fault to Imerys.

The plaintiffs filed a memorandum of costs in the amount of $314,549.54, and Imerys responded with a motion to tax. Imerys sought to reduce the filing fees so that Imerys was only responsible for a one-seventh pro-rata share, and to omit all filing and motion fees related to other defendants. Imerys also sought to tax costs for depositions of corporate representative defendants other than Imerys, for depositions of experts designated by defendants other than Imerys, for the deposition of the plaintiffs expert, and for service of process on the other defendants. Citing Heppler v. J.M. Peters Co., 73 Cal.App.4th 1265 (1999), Imerys argued that when a plaintiff incurs costs associated with its case against numerous defendants, costs may be apportioned amongst the defendants for whom they were incurred.

The trial court partially granted the motion in the amount of $44,948.58. However, regarding Imerys request to apportion costs between it and the other defendants, the court found that it lacked discretion to do so, holding that the Code of Civil Procedure, section 1032, subdivision (a)(4) limits discretionary apportionment of costs to cases where a party recovers non-monetary relief. The trial court concluded that even if Heppler is treated as unique authority for the proposition that a California court can apportion a plaintiffs statutory costs between a judgment debtor and other defendants who prevailed at trial (or, by extension, who settled or were dismissed before trial), Heppler was distinguishable because it involved a construction defect action alleging several entirely distinct defects which made it unfair to burden one defendant, against whom the case was evidently simple, with extensive costs incurred to litigate the unrelated issues. Conversely, in the matter at hand, the plaintiffs claims were based on a single injury to which all defendants conduct alleged contributed in the same general way (asbestos exposure). Therefore, the trial court held that Heppler did not apply and declined Imerys request to tax costs related to other defendants. Imerys appealed this decision.

The right to recover costs under California law is governed by statute, and except as provided by statute, a prevailing party is entitled to recover costs in any action or proceeding (internal citations omitted). Pursuant to California statute Section 1033.5, allowable costs are those that are reasonably necessary to the conduct of the litigation rather than merely convenient or beneficial to its preparation. The determination of whether a cost item was reasonably necessary is a question of fact for the trial court and is reviewed for abuse of discretion. The dispute here centers on whether the trial court had discretion to apportion costs among the original seven defendants named in the case in order to reduce plaintiffs total recovery by the amounts attributable to the defendants other than Imerys,

The court of appeals examined Smock v. State of California, (2006) 138 Cal.App.4th 883, 889, where it rejected a similar request to apportion costs between two co-defendants. Ultimately, the court rejected Imerys argument that the weight of authorities supports its position that trial courts have discretionary authority in all cases to reduce costs against a defendant based on amounts apportionable to other defendants that are no longer in the case. The court found the cases cited by Imerys to be distinguishable, as they all involved situations where some but not all of the parties on the same side of the litigation prevailed against the party seeking costs.

The trial court declined to apportion costs after assuming arguendo that it had discretion to apportion under Section 1032, and the court of appeals found that Imerys failed to demonstrate that the court abused its discretion in doing so, as the courts refusal to tax costs related to other defendants did not exceed the bounds of reason. Ultimately, the court held that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to reduce plaintiffs recovery of costs by amounts attributable to the other defendants for filing, motions, corporate and expert depositions, and service of process, as such costs were reasonably necessary to the conduct of the litigation and not merely convenient or beneficial.

Link:

Trial Court's Refusal to Reduce Plaintiffs' Recovery of Costs by Amounts Attributable to Settled Defendants Affirmed - Lexology

Mesothelioma facts

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often becoming apparent with symptoms in the chest area such as chest pain, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Shortness of breath often occurs due to a large pleural effusion (fluid in the thoracic cavity). Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can affect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.

There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present, also referred to as biphasic. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases; it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. Surgery cures this so-called benign mesothelioma.

There are many causes of chest pain. A serious form of chest pain is angina, which is a symptom of heart disease and results from inadequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery disease or spasm of the coronary arteries. Chest pain can also be due to a heart attack (coronary occlusion), aortic aneurysm dissection, myocarditis, esophageal spasm, esophagitis, rib injury or disease, anxiety, and other important diseases. Do not try to ignore chest pain and "work (or play) through it." Chest pain is a warning to seek medical attention.

What are mesothelioma symptoms?

Most people present with complaints of shortness of breath. They also can have complaints of chest pain and cough. Patients may also be asymptomatic, with the disease discovered by physical exam or an abnormal chest X-ray.

As the disease progresses, shortness of breath increases, and weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats can develop. Local invasion by the tumor can result in changing of voice, loss of function of the diaphragm, and symptoms specific to the area and involvement of adjacent structures.

What causes mesothelioma?

Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Usually, this involves men over 40 years of age. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. The number of new cases of mesothelioma has been relatively stable since 1983, the same time that the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) instituted restrictions on asbestos. In Europe, the number of new cases of mesothelioma continues to rise.

How much asbestos exposure does it take to get mesothelioma?

An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later and in some cases, as much as 70 years later.

How long does it take after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to show up?

People exposed in the 1940s, '50s, '60s, and '70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease.

How do health care professionals diagnose mesothelioma?

Pathological examination from a biopsy diagnoses mesothelioma. A health care professional removes tissue. Then a pathologist places it under a microscope and makes a definitive diagnosis and issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusions), shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order an X-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

Like most cancers, the prognosis for this disease often depends on how early it is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated. Unfortunately, oftentimes health care professionals find mesothelioma at a stage in which a cure is unobtainable. Many will succumb to the disease within one year of diagnosis.

Treatment options are determined by the stage of mesothelioma (the extent to which the tumor has spread in the body). There are three staging systems currently in use, and each one measures somewhat different variables.

The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart system, based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.

The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.

TNM system: variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis)

The Brigham system is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to remove the tumor surgically) and lymph node involvement.

What is the treatment for mesothelioma?

There are three traditional kinds of treatment for patients with malignant mesothelioma. Often physicians combine two or more of these in the course of treatment:

Surgery: There are several types of surgery used in treating mesothelioma.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are (internal radiation therapy).

If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. If a doctor removes fluid from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If a physician removes fluid from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.

Health care professionals administer adjuvant radiation in a manner to avoid exposure of the opposite lung to radiation and its potential side effects.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Health care professionals administer chemotherapy by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Often, a platinum-based chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin) drug is given along with a second agent, pemetrexed. The side effects can be quite toxic, therefore they are used in people who are physically well enough to tolerate these side effects.

Chemotherapeutic agents can be administered either systemically (through the bloodstream) or intrapleurally (in the pleural cavity). When it is administered intrapleurally, the treatment is localized at the site of the tumor. These drugs are generally very toxic and you should discuss their use very carefully with your physician.

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

Is there any promising research or are there promising drugs for mesothelioma?

Medical researchers are testing new approaches to treat malignant mesothelioma. They often combine traditional treatments or include something entirely new. They include:

Research is being conducted at various cancer centers all over the United States.

A recent study involving L-NDDP produced two cases of remission in mesothelioma patients. Another study found that a drug known as lovastatin might hold promise for mesothelioma patients.

To learn more about mesothelioma clinical studies and journal medical journal articles, visit the Mesothelioma Web (http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org).

What other kinds of information is available for people with mesothelioma?

There are numerous cancer web sites, some specific to mesothelioma. Because they are often difficult to locate, we have listed some relevant medical web sites that have information about mesothelioma.

American Institute for Cancer Research(http://www.aicr.org)

American Thoracic Society(http://www.thoracic.org/)

Canadian Cancer Society(http://www.bc.cancer.ca)

Mesothelioma Web(http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org)

References

Ried, Michael, et al. "Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy perfusion for malignant pleural tumours: perioperative management and clinical experience." Eur J Cardio-thoracic Surgery 43.4 April 2013: 801-807.

Read the original post:

Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prognosis

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The Mesothelioma Compensation Center says, "If your dad is a former chemical plant or refinery worker and he has just been diagnosed mesothelioma in any state please call attorney Erik Karst at the law firm of Karst von Oiste at 800-714-0303. Erik Karst is one of the nation's most skilled mesothelioma attorneys and he has been helping people with mesothelioma for decades. Erik Karst and his colleagues at the law firm of Karst von Oiste are responsible for over a billion dollars in compensation for their clients who have a serious asbestos exposure illness, and they go the extra mile for their clients.

"The average age for a person with mesothelioma in the United States is 72 years old and by the time they get diagnosed frequently they are in an advanced stage-especially because of the Coronavirus. If this sounds like your dad or your husband-please call attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste at 800-714-0303. At a minimum Erik Karst will be able to walk a person with mesothelioma through how the financial compensation process works along with what might be involved. Talking directly with attorney Erik Karst of the law firm of Karst von Oiste is a much better option than a 'free' booklet, kit, calculator, claims center, or guide about mesothelioma-because Erik can answer your questions."www.karstvonoiste.com/

The following states have a significant number of chemical plants or refineries:

For an interesting government report on existing US chemical plants inthe United Statesplease refer to the government website that addresses this topic:http://www.bls.gov/oes/ current/oes518091.htm.

The Mesothelioma Compensation Center specializes in assisting specific types of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos exposure lung cancer. The group's top priority is assisting US Navy Veterans, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, public-utility workers, chemical plant workers, manufacturing workers, power plant workers, plumbers, welders, electricians, millwrights, pipefitters, boiler technicians, machinists, nuclear power plant workers, hydro-electric workers or oil and gas field production workers.https://MesotheliomaCompensationCenter.Com

According to the CDC the states indicated with the highest incidence of mesothelioma includeMaine,Massachusetts,Connecticut,Maryland,New Jersey,Pennsylvania,Ohio,West Virginia,Virginia,Michigan,Illinois,Minnesota,Louisiana,Washington, andOregon. However, a chemical worker with mesothelioma could live in any state includingCalifornia,New York,Florida,Texas,Illinois,Kentucky,Tennessee,Mississippi, Georgia,Alabama,Wyoming,Colorado,New Mexico,Nevada,Utah,Arizona,Idaho, orAlaska. http://www.karstvonoiste.com/

For more information about mesothelioma please refer to the National Institutes of Health's web site related to this rare form of cancer:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mesothelioma.html

Media Contact:Michael Thomas800-714-0303 [emailprotected]

SOURCE Mesothelioma Compensation Center

Mesothelioma Compensation Center

Original post:

Mesothelioma Compensation Urges the Adult Son-Daughter of a Chemical Plant Worker Who Has Just Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma to Call Attorney Erik...