Search Results for: asbestos/

UN Group to Debate Asbestos/Mesothelioma Link
|

UN Group to Debate Asbestos/Mesothelioma Link

ByAlex Strauss

The link between chrysotile asbestos and illnesses such as mesothelioma will be high on the agenda when the sixth UN Rotterdam Convention meets in Geneva, Switzerland in late April. The group, made up of representatives from around the world, will be considering whether or not chrysotile or white asbestos will finally be added to the list of Controlled Hazardous Substances. The Rotterdam Convention was assembled in 2002 with the goal of protecting people and the environment from toxic chemicals like asbestos. However, in order to include chrysotile asbestos on the list, the vote of all represented countries must be unanimous. In the past, countries that still export, import or use asbestos, including Canada, Brazil, Russia and India, have worked to keep chrysotile…

Mesothelioma and Cosmetic Talc: What You Need to Know

Mesothelioma and Cosmetic Talc: What You Need to Know

ByHolly Zink

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer. It is caused from asbestos exposure, a material once widely used in construction. Recently, it has been discovered that cosmetic talc, commonly found in personal hygiene products, may also contain asbestos, leading to mesothelioma in some cases. Understanding Mesothelioma Mesothelioma primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), and other organs. Exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, with even low levels of exposure posing a risk. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves imaging tests and biopsies. Talc and Asbestos Contamination Talc is a mineral used in cosmetic powders and other products. Cosmetic talc may contain trace amounts of asbestos, which can be…

Unlocking the Power of Vitamin A: Tretinoin Enhances Cancer Treatment
|

Unlocking the Power of Vitamin A: Tretinoin Enhances Cancer Treatment

ByHolly Zink

Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It shows the potential to enhance the effects of chemotherapy. Combining tretinoin with chemotherapy improved survival rates in mesothelioma in mice. Chemotherapy Response in Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is hard to diagnose and treat. It develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to a toxic mineral called asbestos. In most cases, doctors will use more than one type of treatment to remove as many cancer cells as possible from a patient’s body. The standard therapies include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. When a patient gets chemotherapy treatment, they are given drugs that kill cells by damaging their DNA. Currently, the only…

Exploring the Frontiers of Cancer Therapy: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Therapy

Exploring the Frontiers of Cancer Therapy: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Therapy

ByHolly Zink

Tumor treating fields therapy is a groundbreaking approach to cancer treatment. It doesn’t involve surgery or drugs. It is called TTFields therapy for short. TTFields has been approved by the FDA for treating mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and Cancer Research Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive tumor that grows in the lining of certain body cavities. It usually happens in the chest, abdomen, or around the heart. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a harmful substance that was once used in many industries. Even though asbestos is now banned in many places, the number of mesothelioma cases is still increasing. Treatment options usually include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy. Most treatments available today are not very effective. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is only around 10 to…

Microscopic Mysteries: Asbestos, Ultrafine Particulates, and Mesothelioma 

Microscopic Mysteries: Asbestos, Ultrafine Particulates, and Mesothelioma 

ByHolly Zink

Understanding how tiny particles in the air affect our health is challenging. A new study explores the health effects of asbestos and ultrafine particles. Researchers highlight the need for clearer definitions and better research. Asbestos is a toxic mineral found naturally throughout the world. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is not very common. This kind of cancer tends to affect older patients more, especially those over 40, and is more common in men. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a material used in old buildings. Defining Asbestos and Ultrafine Particulates Asbestos and ultrafine particles are tiny and can be harmful when breathed in. But, their exact definitions are not clear,…

Understanding Mesothelioma: The Role of Calretinin Explored
|

Understanding Mesothelioma: The Role of Calretinin Explored

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma is a rare and tough cancer caused by asbestos. Researchers all over the world are studying to improve how we diagnose and treat it. In a recent study, scientists looked closely at calretinin. Calretinin is a protein that could be important in figuring out and predicting how mesothelioma behaves. Researchers explain the complexities and share what we’ve learned from studying calretinin. Learning About Calretinin Mesothelioma is a strong cancer that often starts in linings around important organs like the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It’s caused by exposure to asbestos, a harmful substance once widely used in construction. Calretinin is a unique protein that researchers are investigating as a possible sign of mesothelioma. It could be a simple signal saying,…

Understanding Survival in Asbestos-Linked Cancers: How Asbestos Exposure Matters

Understanding Survival in Asbestos-Linked Cancers: How Asbestos Exposure Matters

ByHolly Zink

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos, and it’s tough to beat. But, some people with this cancer live longer than expected. A recent study in a science journal called Toxics looked at patients with mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer. All of them had been around asbestos between 2009 and 2021. The Hidden Impact of Asbestos The study found some interesting things. People who got exposed to asbestos at work not only lived for a shorter time but also had lower chances of surviving longer. This compares to those who were around asbestos in the environment. They found that the longer someone worked with asbestos and the closer they were to it, the less time they lived with both…

Unlocking Mesothelioma’s Secrets: Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment
|

Unlocking Mesothelioma’s Secrets: Understanding the Tumor Microenvironment

ByHolly Zink

Researchers are working hard to understand the area around mesothelioma tumors. This is known as the tumor microenvironment. The tumor microenvironment affects mesothelioma growth and development. Decoding the Tumor Microenvironment Malignant mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It is caused by asbestos exposure. Scientists are always looking for new ways to understand and treat this disease. One important aspect they’re exploring is how the environment around the tumor, known as the tumor microenvironment. This area affects its growth and development. In a new study, scientists from Wenzhou Medical University in China used advanced computer programs, called machine learning methods. They studied 87 cases of malignant mesothelioma. They collected a…

Safety First: Managing Cisplatin Exposure After Mesothelioma Treatment
|

Safety First: Managing Cisplatin Exposure After Mesothelioma Treatment

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to a mineral called asbestos. Mesothelioma can be difficult to treat, and doctors use a combination of treatments to help patients. One of these treatments is called Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy (HITOC), which delivers a drug called cisplatin directly to the area where the cancer is found. Decoding Mesothelioma Treatment A recent study aimed to learn more about the safety measures needed after HITOC. The researchers focused on understanding how cisplatin is removed from the body through fluids like blood, urine, and secretions from the lungs. They collected samples from five patients who underwent HITOC, both before and after…

Understanding Mesothelioma: The Impact of BAP1 and p16 in Accurate Diagnosis

Understanding Mesothelioma: The Impact of BAP1 and p16 in Accurate Diagnosis

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma is a rare and serious type of cancer that affects the lining of organs like the lungs and abdomen. It is caused by exposure to a harmful substance called asbestos, which is sometimes used in construction materials. Detecting mesothelioma can be tricky, and doctors often need special tests to be sure. A recent study looked into two important factors, called BAP1 and p16, to help diagnose mesothelioma more accurately. Redefining Mesothelioma Diagnosis Between 2019 and 2022, scientists studied 21 fluid samples from around the lungs and abdomen of people suspected to have mesothelioma. These samples were examined closely to find out if the BAP1 protein was missing and if the p16 gene had certain changes. These tests were important…