Mesothelioma Cancer

According to Science Daily, an online resource for latest research news, mesothelioma patients who got treated by a combination of 2 drugs had an improved chance of surviving. Their survival rate increased by a minimum of 3 months. The two drugs used for the treatment were PEMETREXED and CISPLATIN. The clinical trials were done on 448 mesotheliomic patients.

About 80% of the mesotheliomic patients were men with an average age of 61 years. Some patients received only cisplatin whereas some patients received a combination of pemetrexed, cisplatin, vitamin supplements, folic acid and B12. Not only did their life span increase by three months but also the patients felt less tired, had improved appetite, experienced less pain and had smaller coughing spells. The clinical trial and research was done at the Clatterbridge Center for Oncology in England.

The Mesothelioma Researches 2 & 3 further elaborate on the medical advances made regarding pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma.

Thank you

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by James F. Howell

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Over time, cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Only after several decades do symptoms begin to show, and often because of this delay, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed it is too late for treatment to be effective.

Mesothelioma is rare, with a rate of infection of only 15 per 1,000,000 in the United States in 2004. It is most often found in individuals who encounter asbestos on the job, such as shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople.

There are three primary areas mesothelioma can develop, the lining of the lungs and chest cavity known as the pleura, the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum, or the sac surrounding the heart called the pericardium. Each form of mesothelioma cancer has its own specific symptoms, but there are many symptoms that can be found in all of them. Such symptoms include coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are so general, it can be very difficult to diagnose the disease. This, combined with such a long delay before symptoms begin to develop often means that little can be done to help the patient. The most common forms of treatment are radiation, chemotherapy, and sometimes surgery. Unfortunately however, these treatments have been unable to increase the survival rate of mesothelioma victims beyond a few months.

About the Author
James Howell is a freelance writer and researcher. Find out more about Mesothelioma Cancer.

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Pleural Mesothelioma represents for about 75% of all Mesothelioma cases and. The main cause for this type of cancer is the inhalation of asbestos fibers which get embedded in the lung linings, also known as the pleura. These embedded fibers will cause inflammation which will eventually lead to cancer tumors if not treated at the beginning stage.

Also, if the cancel tumors are not detected early, they can spread from the lung pleura to other vital organs which include the heart and abdomen. Pleural Mesothelioma can also invade the lymph nodes and affect the body’s blood system.

The main cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos. If a person is exposed to asbestos for only a couple of months, the deadly and fine asbestos particles may lead to Pleural Mesothelioma 30 to 50 years later. The older generation especially men in their sixties or seventies are most at risk, because this was the generation that worked with the deadly material with minimal protection. Because it takes so long for this type of cancer to surface, these men are only now discovering that they have this deadly cancer. Many now are filing lawsuits against the companies who are responsible for exposing them to asbestos.

Among the symptoms associated with Pleural Mesothelioma is chest pain. However, the pain is does not come directly from the lung pleura but often appears in the shoulder or upper abdomen. Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, weight loss, fever and coughing up blood are the other symptoms of this type of cancer. The tumor for this type of cancer grows rapidly and enlarges the pleural space, causing this space to be filled with fluid. This is the fluid responsible for the discomfort or pain associated with the early symptoms of this cancer. Many of these symptoms are similar to diseases which are more common than this cancer and hence it is very difficult to diagnose until it is too late.

There is not proper cure available for Pleural Mesothelioma and treatment options are limited. Active research is being conducted around the globe and many pharmaceutical companies are testing new drugs to combat this cancer. Current available treatments for this cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

According to a research done on 167 patients with proven Pleural Mesothelioma, the median survival rate of patients following diagnosis was 242 days. The survival rate was also affected by the type of cancer cells, age, medical record, and lifestyle. Through this research, patients with biphasic cell types had the shortest life expectancy. The chance of survival can be drastically increased if this cancer is treated in its early stages because once it has developed and spread it is very difficult to cure.
By Ray Lam

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Find out more on Pleural Mesothelioma by visiting http://raysinfo.info a popular information website that specializes in offering information about health, wealth, wisdom and also about Mesothelioma Cancer.

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The chemotherapy is the use of drugs for the treatment of patients with cancer. These drugs can be used to the size of the tumors before surgery, or as a primary treatment, if the patient is not a candidate for the surgery. The chemotherapy is effective, because the toxic substances have the greatest effect on the fast-growing cells, such as found in the tumors. Normal, the fast-growing cells, like the cells of the bone marrow, the digestive tract, mouth, stomach, and the hair (discernible hair loss caused by chemotherapy patients) can also be performed. Common side effects of chemotherapy, anemia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, skin rashes and pain.

Alimta, in combination with the standard drug, cisplatin, is the first and only one in the chemotherapy have proved effective in extending the lives of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma when surgery is not an option. The clinical studies have shown that the average life expectancy of patients has been postponed by nearly 30% compared to the cisplatin alone. 50.3% of patients, the association has a year later, while cisplatin alone, the survival rate of 38% in a year. Alimta-cisplatin is the only therapy, must by the FDA for the treatment of non-surgical malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Treatment with ALIMTA

ALIMTA is a medicine by a doctor. Frequency and dosage of the treatment depends on the individual case. Alimta patients are required to take the folic acid, vitamin 5 to 7 days prior to the treatment to help reduce the side effects. The folic acid dose depends on the type and the advice of a doctor, but standard doses between 350 and 1000 micrograms (the amount by a multi-vitamin pill). The patients are usually required to stop taking folic acid for 21 days after the last round of Alimta.

A doctor is also an injection Muskelaufbau vitamin B-12 during the week before the treatment. Regular B-12 shots continued to be used for the treatment and can only be granted, probably on the same day as Alimta.

An oral steroid known as dexamethasone may reduce, skin rashes and other side effects. Most diets Alimta includes a double dose daily on the eve of the day, and day after treatment. Patients are asked not to take anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and forgo alcohol.

The adverse effects of Alimta

Vitamin B 12 and folic acid can usually reduce the side effects of treatment Alimta, but it can cause serious side effects, which may require the reduction, suspension or termination of therapy. Patients can see the side effects in a category known by the name of the patient estimated toxicities. Some of the most common of these side effects are top. If a patient from the experience that these side effects or other unpleasant reactions, he or she must inform the doctor.

Paper toxicities are the type of adverse effects that the patient can not be in the loop. These side effects may also make changes in the cells, blood or asymptotically deterioration of the internal organs. Alimta treatment includes regular laboratory tests to monitor the possibility of these side effects.

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Asbestos is a mineral that was in an extreme pressure and suffered changes in the physical and chemical properties. It is a metamorphic rock, which he has in the form that contains water and magnesium (of seawater), and silicate - is in the Earth’s crust. Asbestos was formed, the front of millions of years. Heat, pressure and chemical activity impacts on the physical and chemical properties of rocks existence. If closely monitored, the asbestos a thread-like filaments, where he is flexible. Unlike other minerals, it is not closely connected crystals.

What are the use of asbestos in the industry?

Asbestos is fire-resistant and there was an element of the fire resistance of materials. It is used in the construction and other industries.

What are the dangers of asbestos?

The discovery that asbestos has a direct connection with the cancer of the Mesothelioms was introduced just before the turn of the century. The symptoms include pain in the chest wall, fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, anemia, blood in sputum, and wheezing, cough and hoarseness. In severe cases, the person may develop tumors or his lungs collapse. The disease can deal with the other parts of the body. In severe cases, blood clots in the veins or in the lungs, the organs can bleed, develop jaundice, which reduce blood sugar levels, and the heavy ascitis can be developed. The risk of cancer, mesothelioma of the acquisition is high. Other diseases are asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma and diseases.

What is the cancer mesothelioma?

It is a disease affecting the tissue devastation keep the internal organs. It occurs usually in the abdominal cavity and the lungs. People develop tumors as a consequence of this cancer. This type of cancer develops after 15-25 years after exposure to asbestos. Once the diagnosis, it is deadly. The survival rate of people with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months.

How can asbestos found?

The deadly asbestos fibers are invisible to the human eye. It can not be thought not yet tasted. The fibres are fibers in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed. The damage is permanent and irreversible.

Which areas with strong US exposure?

Dallas, Texas, Denver, Colorado; Beltsville, Maryland, Dearborn, Michigan; Easthampton, Massachusetts; Trenton, Edgewater, New Jersey, Newcastle and Ellwood City, Pasadena, Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona, Honolulu, Hawaii; Marysville, Ohio, Minneapolis , Minnesota, Newark, New Orleans and Los Angeles, Santa Ana, California, Minot, North Dakota, Omaha, Nebraska, in Portland, Oregon, St. Louis, Missouri; Tampa, Florida; Weedsport, New York, West Chicago, Illinois ; Wilder, Kentucky; Spokane, Washington.

Asbestos mining are also available in Europe, Australia, South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom.

How many people have been exposed to asbestos?

The records show that there were 730000 people who were exposed to asbestos, and around 8400 companies were continuing. The great mass of the dispute caused the defendants and insurers, which he 70 billion dollars.

Who can complain asbestos?

A process asbestos may be submitted by a member of the family with a parent who has mesothelioma, and has already died. A complaint may also come from a person who developed the disease without knowing it, by a close contact with a person who is exposed to asbestos.

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The Mesothelioma is a rare, but very complicated form of cancer. It is usually in front of people, in the mines of asbestos and other industries associated with asbestos, where the air is very pronounced, minute, that the particles of asbestos dust inhaled, while the process of breathing. These particles are so minute they are only under the microscope. This penetration of dust particles in the lungs, intestines, heart and other vital organs of the human body. The symptoms of the disease are not immediate, they have a very long incubation period. But as soon as they occur, they are a danger of death and by a low survival rate.

The irony of the situation is that in most cases is not possible, the person to interpret, if the symptoms show. The reason is that the symptoms, such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pains, etc., can be considered only for the inconvenience. The incubation period of symptoms is usually very long, sometimes many years. This is exacerbated by the problem of how both the patient and the doctor is not possible, as a rule, the origin of the problem to its actual cause, namely the breathing of asbestos dust.

It is normal when treatment is not good for the patients who need to draw up a detailed history of the patient in the past in the years of living and working conditions. The search begins with the family doctor referred the matter to the mesothelioma specialists for consultation and examination.

It is obvious that the first step, as in any other medical problem, the preparation begins work in the history of the patient and conducting a review of diagnosis to confirm the suspicion of it. The physical examination included, the X-ray images of the heart, lungs and abdomen, MRI, CT and biopsies, etc., which can also confirm or refute the initial assumptions. Once the diagnosis on the extent, diversity and the age of the disease is confirmed, doctors multispeciality board meets for the planning of treatment. The treatment of Mesothelioms is coordinated with the new, which is regularly in clinical trials of the procedure. But the general treatment of the disease means that the surgery to remove or tissue, the organ. Apart from treatments for radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also for cancer cells.

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The surgery is a major step in the confirmation, and knowing the type of cancer. It can be used in patients with the combination of radiation and chemotherapy used before and after surgery.

Pleurectomy:
The most common surgery for the treatment of Mesothelioma pleurectomy, in which doctors open the chest of the patient and remove excess liquid or a tumor from the wall of the lung (pleura). Although this method to control the accumulation of fluid and reduces the pain, it’s not a cure. However, if the tumor is in its original form and does not have much further, pleurectomy can increase the survival rate of patients when used with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Moreover, a pleurectomy can in patients less than the approval of the conditions for the health and the death rate is lower than the extrapleuralen lung resection.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP):
Extrapleural lung resection (EPP) is a serious and invasive form of surgery, the patients on Mesothelioma. In this treatment is a part of the lung, pleura (the wall of the lung tissue), pericardium (lining of the heart) and the mid-aperture, so that the tumor cells are removed. He takes the progress of mesothelioma, which the patient to breathe without a problem. It is normally associated with patients who are in the early stages of the disease, and when the tumor in the chest cavity. EPP is recommended for patients with a good heart and lung conditions, so that the severity of post-operative term. Although the operation in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy promising results, there is no guaranteed cure. The studies have shown that patients with therapies extrapleuralen lung resection, and have an average life span of 35 months after surgery, compared to only 9 months pleurectomy. But some doctors question of surgery, to the high risks arising from the internal bleeding, blood clotting, inflammation of the lungs, the accumulation of pus, shortness of breath and even death. So many surgeons recommend that the idea pleurectomy place of the technical complexity of the EPP.

Thoracentèse:
A small surgery is often performed on patients who can not be expanded or EPP pleurectomy, thoracentèse. In thoracentèse, thoracic surgeon inserts a needle into the chest of the patient to remove the excess fluid accumulated in the wall of the lung (pleura). This method is still not the cancer cure, but the symptoms to alleviate painful mesothelioma. In some cases, talc or other officials with a patient in the vaults of the scar in the chest wall and to help them breathe properly, without the tumor to increase to a certain degree.

Paracentèse:
Paracentèse is a similar method, with a needle to the liquid, but the abdominal section of the body. It follows the same procedure for the recovery of the liquid mucosa of the stomach and other organs abdominal muscle training. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma paracentesis are responsible for the surgery.

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Mesothelioma pleural mesothelioma patients treated with cisplatin and raltitrexed may survive longer than patients who cisplatin alone, according to a study in Europe and Canada (J Clin Oncol. 2005 Oct 1, 23 (28): 6881 - 9). Raltitrexed (Tomudex), with a capacity of the cancer cells to multiply and make the deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. The cisplatin is a medicine from conventional chemotherapy.

Two one hundred fifty patients with pleural mesothelioma participated in a clinical trial to determine the safety and effectiveness of raltitrexed. Hundred Twenty-four patients received cisplatin, and the rest has more raltitrexed cisplatin. Most were men with an average age of 58 who do not have the additional treatment with chemotherapy.

Raltitrexed The study was a phase III clinical tests, as proposed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Phase III comparison a new therapy against cancer with a standard treatment, and requires a large number of participants. It follows on from a clinical study of the phase II, which deals with the safety of a new treatment and the way the administration and a clinical phase I trial of the efficacy tests drugs on a small number of patients.

Increase the survival rate among patients with raltitrexed The researchers have investigated the survival, the progress of pleural mesothelioma, security, the tumor response rate, the patients and the quality of life. They have discovered, what follows:

“About six percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma in the cisplatin group raltitrexed survived at least one year, compared to 40% of the cisplatin group.

“The average survival was of 11.4 months for patients in the cisplatin / raltitrexed group, but only 8.8 months for patients in the group with cisplatin.

“Twenty-four percent of patients receiving cisplatin / raltitrexed had a positive response against the pleural mesothelioma, compared to 14% of patients receiving cisplatin.

“The quality of life in general was roughly in the group of cisplatin compared to the cisplatin group raltitrexed.

A small number of patients, both in the cisplatin cisplatin and raltitrexed groups developed lower white blood cell count (neutropenia). Other side effects included fatigue, nausea and vomiting, often in the group of combination drugs.

Raltitrexed is relative to the Pleural Mesothelioma Drug raltitrexed Alimta ® is in the class of so-called antifolates chemotherapy. It blocks the production of thymidylate synthase, back, which decreases its ability mesothelioma cell, the DNA, the genetic material of the base, in the reproduction of cells. It is in Europe for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer.

Raltitrexed is closely connected with pemetrexed (Alimta ®), another antifolate. Currently pemetrexed / cisplatin is the only combination therapy of chemotherapy, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma.

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