Mesothelioma Help Cancer News
World Health Organization Reiterates All Forms of Asbestos Cause Cancer
The World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer issued a joint statement Feb. 19 stating that all forms of asbestos cause cancer in humans and stopping the use of all forms of asbestos is the most efficient way to eliminate diseases caused by asbestos such as mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavities.
The joint statement came in response to an article published this month in The Lancet medical journal raising questions about the IARC ‘s participation in a conference in Kiev, Ukraine and potential conflicts of interest. The IARC is participating with the Russian Scientific Research Institute of Occupational Health in a study of cancer among chrysotile workers in Asbest, Russia. The lead author of the research is Evgeny Kovalevsky, who is a promoter of chrysotile asbestos. The IARC is providing epidemiological expertise for the study.
Several prominent American health researchers including Richard Lemen, retired U.S. Assistant Surgeon General, sent a letter to the IARC saying it was unacceptable that a scientist who is a promoter of asbestos should be a lead investigator on an IARC research project. The authors of the letter noted that the World Health Organization had previously withdrawn the Russian Scientific Research Institute’s designation as a WHO collaborating center because of the institute’s conflicts of interest with the Russian asbestos industry.
In the joint statement, the WHO and IARC said the study on cancer among chrysotile asbestos workers in Asbest, Russia will provide important scientific data to quantify the risk of cancers known to be related to chrysotile, the most commonly produced asbestos fiber. In addition it may be useful in quantifying the risks of additional cancers suspected to be related to chrysotile asbestos exposure. The IARC acknowledged receiving a number of emails urging the agency not to participate in the conference.
The IARC and WHO said they take conflict of interest seriously and use a rigorous process to protect research.
According to the Lancet article, the timing of the IARC attendance at the conference and decision to collaborate in the study are particularly sensitive on the eve of an upcoming meeting of countries participating in the Rotterdam Convention. The attendees at the conference will discuss the listing of chrysotile to the Rotterdam Convention, which would require countries that import chrysotile asbestos to give prior informed consent of the health hazards it poses. Russia which has an active asbestos industry, may try to block the addition to chrysotile to the list of hazardous substances.
The heaviest burden of asbestos cancer is currently found in the United State, European countries, Australia, Japan and South Africa, according to a 2012 article in the British Journal of Cancer. The highest consumption of asbestos is in China, Russian, India, Ukraine, Thailand, Brazil and Iran, signaling that those countries will have increases in mesothelioma and asbestos-related cancer deaths in the future.
Approximately, 2,500 to 3,000 people in the U.S. die each year of mesothelioma. It is a devastating disease. Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in a workplace or during military service decades ago.
Sources :
- Lancet article
http://secure.jbs.elsevierhealth.com/action/cookieAbsent - joint statement
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2013/response_lancet_20130219/en/
Researchers Assess Safety and Effectiveness of New Mesothelioma Drug
Medical researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York have treated the first patient with a new experimental vaccinia virus-based cancer therapy designed for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma or non-small cell lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the chest cavity caused by exposure to asbestos.
Genelux Corp., a biopharmaceutical company that develops vaccinia virus-based cancer therapies, announced in a Feb. 6 press release the treatment of the first patient in the Phase I clinical trial designed to evaluate a drug known as GL-ONC1.
Vaccinia virus cancer therapies are part of an emerging area of medical research that utilizes modified viruses to target and destroy malignant cancer cells. Vaccinia virus produces a potent immune reaction to help destroy tumors. The virus was used extensively during the campaign to wipe out smallpox.
Through the current trial, the New York mesothelioma treatment researchers want to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of the new drug at different dosage levels on cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion. The accumulation of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lung is known as pleural effusion. When the fluid contains cancer cells, it is known as malignant pleural effusion. A buildup of fluid is a complication that occurs in many patients who have pleural mesothelioma or lung cancer.
The clinical trial, which is recruiting patients, will assess the safety and tolerability of GL-ONC1 and the severity of side effects. The primary goal is to assess a safe dosage level. The trial may enroll up to 54 patients.
Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, a leading thoracic surgeon and expert on mesothelioma, is the lead researcher in the clinical trial sponsored by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
“We are very pleased that researchers at MSKCC have initiated this important trial, “Dr. Aladar A. Szalay, founder and CEO of Genelux Corp., said in a press release. “For the first time, this will allow us to examine the feasibility and effects of administering GL-ONC1 directly into the chest cavity to some of the most aggressive cancers of the thoracic cavity—including mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer.”
Szalay said the drug has been well-tolerated and shown promising results in early trials involving human patients against a number of solid tumor cancers.
Mary Hesdorffer, executive director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, an advocacy and support group, said novel therapeutic approaches based upon new scientific strategies may lead to more effective treatments and eventually a cure for mesothelioma.
Prayers and a Listener Are Priceless Support For Mesothelioma Victims
When someone you care for is diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might wonder what you can do to help. The first answer is, of course, PRAY and ask others to pray as well. Never, ever underestimate the power of prayer. Our family and our story is proof of that. You might feel as though there is nothing else you can do, but the truth is that you can.
The family that is going through a mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment is scared, tired, and exhausted in every capacity. Any help that you can offer is important. If you know that the person with the diagnosis usually does a certain task, ask if you could take that job over for a while. For example, Dad always spends a lot of time cutting grass, so family members took care of that for him. If you always see someone at the grocery store, ask if they will give you their list and pick up the items for them.
One thing that was extremely helpful was people helping to take care of my two grandmothers who my parents looked after. In this case, if you are a family member, or are close to the family, offer to help take on some, or more of, the responsibility in that regard.
Take a healthy meal over to the family. Trust me, they are too tired to cook and might forget to eat all together. Nutrition is so important for any cancer patient, and helping them eat, and eat right, is a great help.
Lastly, a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear are priceless. Spending time with the people impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis is so meaningful and kind. Let them know that you are praying for them, that you support them, and that you are there for them whatever they may need at any time. The visits we received throughout our journey were so precious to us. Knowing that you are not going through it alone is a priceless thing.
Keep in mind that any kind of help you can give or offer is appreciated whether those involved are able to express it or not. Remember that they are going through a very difficult time. When offering your help, try hard not to overwhelm them, as they are already feeling devastated, so be sensitive to their situation. Friends and family members are an important factor in helping someone recovering from mesothelioma, so you are a cherished member of the team!
Thoracic Nurse to Provide Mesothelioma Information to Readers of MesotheliomaHelp
Lisa Hyde-Barrett has been a thoracic surgery nurse for nearly 25 years, and has had the privilege of caring for countless mesothelioma patients over the years. Lisa has worked alongside some of the leading authorities on treating mesothelioma at Brigham and Women’s Hospital through the International Mesothelioma Program (IMP).
Lisa is also a wellness advocate and she understands the relationship between awareness and cancer prevention and spends much of her time educating patients and their families about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. She also knows that mesothelioma is one disease that can only be prevented through avoidance of asbestos, and once it develops it is challenging to treat.
Lisa feels very passionate about focusing her career on caring for mesothelioma patients and helping them deal with the disease. “I think that these people are the bravest people I have ever met,” says Lisa.
She adds that many of the patients that are treated at the IMP come such long distances, some coming from as far away as Europe and Asia, and they have no idea how their fortune is going to turn out. “These people have been given the worst of the worst news, yet still they find hope and courage,” said Lisa.
Lisa also works with Nursing Liaisons. Nursing Liaisons was founded on the premise that highly skilled and educated thoracic nurses recognize the need for a precise “aftercare” program. The nurses not only offer medical care to patients, but they also help to educate patients synchronizing their diagnosis with each unique, individual journey of mesothelioma. The nurses hope to educate patients transitioning to a more meaningful understanding of treatment and prognosis.
Lisa has been called upon to share her knowledge of mesothelioma at various conferences and educational seminars. In September, she co-presented a session at the 11th International Conference of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group entitled, “The Complex Discharge Needs of the Mesothelioma Patient.” She and her colleagues discussed the potential barriers mesothelioma patients and their families may encounter that could impede learning how to care for the patient and how nurses can offer support to help overcome those obstacles.
She is certified in Guided Care which was presented from Johns Hopkins Hospital. Also, Lisa recently has been certified in Reiki, a Japanese “laying on hands” technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing.
“I continue to meet people fighting this disease, and I am always asking how I can make a difference and help them through this journey,” says Lisa.
Please join us in welcoming Lisa to MesotheliomaHelp where she will offer articles focused on the needs of mesothelioma patients.
Funds from EU to Aid Rare Disease Consortium in Battling Mesothelioma
In 2011, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the European Commission joined forces to form the International Rare Disease Research Consortium (IRDiRC) with a goal to develop 200 new rare disease treatments by 2020. To support this effort, the EU announced last week it is dedicating nearly 38 million Euro, or more than $51 million, in funding towards “the development of a central global rare disease hub involving 70 institutions that will allow scientists to share data from their genomics research projects.” Rare diseases, such as mesothelioma, globally affect nearly one person in 17.
According to a press release by Newcastle University which is coordinating the new rare disease hub, the collaborative efforts will lead to “faster diagnosis” and better treatments that will improve the quality of life for rare disease sufferers.
In the United States, an orphan disease status is assigned to a disease or disorder if it affects fewer than 200,000 Americans at any given time. Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, is diagnosed in 3,000 Americans each year. There are nearly 7,000 rare diseases that affect one in ten Americans. Close to 30 million people across Europe are affected by a rare disease.
Many physicians and scientists believe that the answer to finding an effective treatment for mesothelioma and other rare diseases lies within each patient’s genetic makeup. Recent advances in genome sequencing have brought the cost down and have accelerated genetic discovery leading to targeted drug development and personalized care.
“Being able to sequence a person’s entire genetic code is an important advance, particularly for people living with the many rare genetic disorders, but it has also shown us that sequencing is only the first part of the story,” said Professor Hanns Lochmüller of Newcastle University and leader of the project. “It doesn’t replace clinical expertise – in fact, being able to combine genetic data with clinical data is more important than ever.”
The IRDiRC is launching several major projects combining international genetic data with clinical information and data on biomaterials “to help interpret the vast amounts of data the genome yields,” said Professor Paul Lasko of McGill University in Montréal, Canada, Chair-Elect of the IRDiRC Executive Committee. “This will aid scientists in the search for genetic causes of diseases and help identify new ways to create targeted therapies.”
According to Newcastle University, the projects include developing a global infrastructure to share the research of rare disease projects and supporting international rare disease collaboration through IRDiRC.
The IRDiRC Conference 2013 will be held in Dublin, Ireland on April 16-17, 2013. Sessions will focus on fostering international collaboration in rare diseases research. In addition, attendees will discuss which tools are needed and which are under development that can be used towards reaching IRDiRC objectives.
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