Author: Holly Zink

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    The Role of PARP Inhibitors in Combating Mesothelioma

    ByHolly Zink

    PARP is a promising new therapy for thoracic cancers like mesothelioma. PARP is short for Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. PARP is involved in repairing damaged DNA in cells. PARP can work against the effects of chemotherapy by repairing damaged tumor cells. This action allows the tumors to keep growing. If doctors can block PARP in patients with thoracic cancer, they might be able to stop the growth of tumors. A New Hope for Mesothelioma Patients Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the organs in the chest, abdomen, and other areas. The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can cause inflammation that…

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    Breaking Down Mesothelioma: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

    ByHolly Zink

    An international team of scientists from India, Malaysia, and Indonesia published an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. Their report was published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Oncology. Understanding Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment 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. Diagnosing mesothelioma is challenging because it can look like more common diseases. To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors often use imaging tests like X-rays, CT…

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    Exploring Cutting-Edge Treatments for Pleural Mesothelioma

    ByHolly Zink

    A new study looks at the current treatments available for people with mesothelioma. The authors of this overview are based in Italy at the University of Bologna. Advancements in Mesothelioma Treatment Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers internal organs. When mesothelioma grows in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. This aggressive cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic mineral found in nature. It can be used in manufacturing and construction materials and is illegal in many countries. Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, and the symptoms can be like many other diseases. This makes it hard for doctors to make a diagnosis. For mesothelioma…

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    Mesothelioma Spreading to the Brain and the Role of Stereotactic Radiosurgery

    ByHolly Zink

    Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh shared a case about a mesothelioma patient whose cancer spread to their brain. Doctors used a treatment called stereotactic radiosurgery to treat the tumors in the brain. A Glimpse into Treatment Challenges The patient had a type of cancer called pleural mesothelioma. This cancer develops in the lining of the lungs. It is caused by inhaling tiny asbestos fibers that cause inflammation, which leads to tumors. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in about 2,000 people in the United States every year. The disease occurs more often in men than women. It can often take around 40 years for pleural mesothelioma to begin. The symptoms might include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fatigue. Pleural mesothelioma…

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    Unlocking the Role of Osteopontin in Mesothelioma Tumor Growth

    ByHolly Zink

    Scientists have discovered that a protein called osteopontin is found in higher levels in mesothelioma tumors than in normal tissues. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of some organs in the body. It is caused by exposure to tiny fibers called asbestos. When these fibers are breathed in, they can get stuck in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Over time, they can cause cancerous cells to grow there. Mesothelioma is also very rare. This means that doctors and scientists are still learning about how this cancer grows and the best ways to treat it. The current treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. These treatments are not always effective, so scientists are…

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    Predicting Bone Cancer in Mesothelioma Patients

    ByHolly Zink

    New research from Scientific Reports describes a tool called a nomogram that can help doctors to predict the outcome of bone cancer in mesothelioma patients. The tool was developed by scientists in China at Xiangya Hospital and Central South University. Improving Survival Chances Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It grows in the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the body’s organs. In the later stages of the disease, mesothelioma can spread to the bones. This happens when cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and reach the bones. This is called bone metastasis. Bone cancer can cause symptoms like pain, broken bones, and problems with movement. It can…

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    Insights from European Mesothelioma Databases

    ByHolly Zink

    An international team of researchers analyzed data from two mesothelioma databases. They discovered trends about mesothelioma in Europe. These trends can help doctors make better treatment decisions for their patients. Improving Mesothelioma Treatment Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is both rare and aggressive. It is caused by exposure to a toxic mineral called asbestos. Asbestos is a fiber-like material that can be used in building and manufacturing materials. The two most common types of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is found in the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma grows in the abdominal cavity. There are about 2,000 cases of pleural mesothelioma and 1,000 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma each year. There are also three different cell…

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    The Power of the Immune System in Mesothelioma Therapy

    ByHolly Zink

    Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy treatment for mesothelioma. A newly published study looks at how pembrolizumab is being used to treat this disease. Harnessing the Power of the Immune System Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos. When it grows in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. There are about 2,000 cases of pleural mesothelioma in the United States each year. It can often take around 40 years for symptoms of pleural mesothelioma to begin. These may include shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, chest pain, cough, and fatigue. Conventional treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. According to medical studies, the median survival with conventional treatment is little more than a…

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    Veterans with Mesothelioma and the Unique Challenges They Face

    ByHolly Zink

    Veterans with mesothelioma and their caregivers face unique challenges. Patients and their caregivers often feel anxiety, depression, and stress. But we do not know enough about the experiences of veterans with mesothelioma or their caregivers. Researchers from the University of Sheffield spoke to six veterans and their family caregivers. They wanted to find out more about their experiences with mesothelioma. Understanding the Experiences of Veterans with Mesothelioma The results of these interviews were published in the scientific journal Cancer Nursing Practice. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the lining of organs like the lungs. It is caused by exposure to a toxic mineral called asbestos. Mesothelioma is also a rare disease that has a poor outlook. It…

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    Breaking Ground in Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment

    ByHolly Zink

    Researchers from Spain are trying to understand just how effective a multi-modal therapy is at treating mesothelioma in the abdomen. The treatment is called cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Or, CRS-HIPEC for short. Mesothelioma that is found in the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. It is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers. Those tiny asbestos fibers become stuck in the abdomen. After 20 to 50 years, these fibers can cause inflammation and mutations in the healthy cells in the abdomen. These mutations can cause these cells to form tumors in the abdomen. Patients diagnosed with MPM have longer life expectancy than those with other types of mesothelioma. Some studies report patients live up to 5 years after treatment….