Advances in Mesothelioma Cancer Research
Article by Elysiana Canlas
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that is the result of exposure to asbestos. It is different from lung cancer. This affects the lining of the lungs, the abdomen and the heart. Every year, 2500 to 3000 American men and women are diagnosed of mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma cancer results primarily from being around an asbestos-filled environment. The ironic thing about the illness is that the person has no idea he already has it. It only appears twenty to fifty years after affliction. Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing and jabbing pains in the chest.
Since the lung is the target of gene therapy, especially for genetic disorders like malignant mesothelioma, more and more studies are being conducted to see the effects of this treatment. The progress may be slower than what is expected by most, but as soon as it has been confirmed that gene therapy can safely result to the recovery of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, then that is a major improvement of the 21st century.
Thing is researchers, doctors and medical students are all aware that mesothelioma cancer places a challenge for everyone involved in the medicine. There is hardly any treatment for the fatal cancer. Therefore, the studies that concentrate on the discovery of the treatment is often deemed as “experimental.”
There have been incidences wherein traditional treatments are resorted to. Mixing the Western technology with Eastern herbal medicine could pretty much do the work, but the effectiveness of such remedies and its side effects are still to be discovered.
Patients with mesothelioma cancer can apply for clinical trial on these experimental treatments. However, tests involving new medicine or new devices on human subjects are meticulously controlled. These experimental treatments for mesothelioma cancer are done under the observation of the FDA or the Food and Drug Administration. Now, once approved and there are no side-effects, then this will be made available to clinics and drugstores all over the United States.
These are the experimental treatments for mesothelioma cancer: gene therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, complementary medicine and alternative medicine.
Gene therapy is when there are modifications or replacements of the damaged or missing genes in the cancer cells of the patient diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. The methods of the treatment vary depending on the kinds of genes that are used. The whole process involves injection into the tissues.
Immunotherapy involves natural substances. In this procedure, the body uses up these substances to fight off the infections and the impending disease. This is used alongside other remedies in order to make the patients having mesothelioma cancer stronger and immune to other possible illnesses they can obtain.
It is also in this procedure where artificial immune systems are injected in order to stimulate the normal abilities of the patient.
The photodynamic therapy uses a drug that serves as stimulant.
In order to obtain more results, researchers try to mix and match alternative and complementary medicine methods that could
at least alleviate the symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. These may not be considered valid by the medicinal majority but more and more patients are turning to alternative healers and practices which they believe can be more effective. These are herbs, therapeutic massage, acupuncture and Eastern medicines.
Finally, a biopharmaceutical company in New Jersey concentrated on the discovery, development and commercialization of Onconase (scientific name: ranpirnase) to serve as the remedy for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. At the moment, onconase is being evaluated through clinical trials.
Once granted and approved by the Food and Drug Authority, Onconase will be sold exclusively in drug stores. Even if it is an orphan drug, it is still an important tool that could open doors how to treat the fatal cancer.
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Scientists Unveil Research Study Pointing Toward Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment
Article by Alan Haburchak
When nonseroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are combined with Piroxicam and cisplatin (CDDP) they produce an anti-tumoral treatment of cancerous cells, specifically malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. These results, published in May 2008 in the Journal of Translational Medicine, are getting plenty of attention by both scientists as well as victims of mesothelioma cancer. Prior to this study, the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma cancer was grim, even at best, but now, researchers are breaking open a can of worms that may provide treatment for the deadly cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.
While this study offers a slice of hope for victims, the further research is required. According to researchers, because of the potential treatments’ anti-tumoral results, advances in therapy treatment may be further explored.
What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?
There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer, however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the most lethal. It has been determined that malignant mesothelioma victims often have a median survival of only a few months in both untreated and treated cases, according to the study.” Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the sac lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in an individual.
Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is often marked by several symptoms including lumps in abdomen, weight loss, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and difficulties breathing. The cancer can also often cause fluid retention in the abdomen or around the lungs. The cancer often has symptoms similar to other conditions making misdiagnosis of the condition common.
Medical professionals have even admitted that malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are very similar and differentiating between the two is difficult, however, there is an array of tests that physicians can use to increase the potential for a more accurate diagnosis. Tests for diagnosis may include the patient enduring physical exams, chest x-rays, biopsy of body tissues, getting a complete blood count (CBC), cytologic exam, which is an exam of cells under a microscope, or a bronchoscopy procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or mouth for a better view of airways.
Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Mesothelioma
While treatments for mesothelioma are rare in and of themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat malignant mesothelioma because of the severity of the condition. Factoring in the best method of treatment often depends on several factors. The following is a detailed list of these factors, according to the NCI:
* The stage of cancer, which includes stage I or localized malignant mesothelioma or advanced malignant mesothelioma that includes stage II, stage III and stage IV.
* The size of a tumor.
* Potential for tumor removal through a surgical procedure.
* The amount of fluid gathered in the chest or abdomen.
* A victim’s age, physical health and previous health issues.
* Type of mesothelioma cancer.
* Whether a cancer is diagnosed as reoccurring or not.
Often, cancer may spread through the lymph system, blood stream or other bodily tissues.
Treatments for malignant mesothelioma can range from surgery to therapy, including chemotherapy and biological therapy to clinical trials, although the outcome is based on the progression of the cancer and most often, individuals are not aware of their condition until it reaches an advanced and, usually, an untreatable stage.
Asbestos Exposure and What to Do
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used heavily in a range of building materials from vinyl flooring to insulation. It was prized for its inexpensive production costs and fire-retardant ability making it ideal among construction companies. Unfortunately, the inhalation of high levels of asbestos dust and fibers contributed to the development of mesothelioma cancer.
Unfortunately, this discovery came far too late, as millions of Americans working in the industry were exposed and millions more continue to remain at risk for exposure as asbestos still exists in homes, schools, apartment complexes and dozens of other types of buildings across the country. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos particles and fibers should seek medical attention as soon as possible. After receiving a mesothelioma cancer prognosis, it is suggested that a victim speak with an experienced lawyer. Because of the high cost of medical bills associated with this terrifying disease, it is advisable to develop mesothelioma litigation as monetary compensation may potentially be awarded.
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