New Artificial Intelligence Tool Measures Mesothelioma Tumors
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New Artificial Intelligence Tool Measures Mesothelioma Tumors

ByHolly Zink

A new artificial intelligence tool can measure mesothelioma tumors without any human input. Automated mesothelioma tumor measurement is now possible. The artificial intelligence algorithm performed well. There were 266 malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors analyzed. This is the largest study of its kind performed in mesothelioma. And this is the first description of an automated artificial intelligence tool. Inconsistent Mesothelioma Measurement During Clinical Assessment In malignant pleural mesothelioma, complex tumors result in inconsistent clinical assessment. Promising new methods need practical computer automation methods. A new publication showed an automated tool for this purpose. This study compared a new artificial intelligence tool with human standard clinical assessment. This study looked at mesothelioma patients treated with chemotherapy. Evaluating How Well the New Tool…

Mesothelioma Patients with Coronavirus: Artificial Intelligence to Provide Best Treatment Plan
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Mesothelioma Patients with Coronavirus: Artificial Intelligence to Provide Best Treatment Plan

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma patients are vulnerable to the coronavirus due to their poor immune response. Artificial intelligence can provide information used to treat cancer patients diagnosed with coronavirus. Hospitals have access to real-time data from cancer patients. Artificial intelligence uses this data to predict the severity of the patient’s risk. And, it can help physicians alter or change their treatment plans. A mix of treatment therapies can heal mesothelioma patients with coronavirus. Artificial intelligence can predict a patient’s treatment plan to increase survival rates. Coronavirus Disrupts Normal Treatment Plans The coronavirus pandemic has caused chaos throughout the world. The key threat of the coronavirus is in immune-compromised mesothelioma patients. Their weakened immune response makes them weak and at risk. Oncologists and their…

Self-Management Activities Benefit Mesothelioma Patients
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Self-Management Activities Benefit Mesothelioma Patients

ByHolly Zink

Self-management activities are a proven way to fight fatigue and anxiety. They also improve poor sleep quality. A recent report showed that self-management activities are improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Results ask mesothelioma patients to use self-management activities. They are a proven way to improve a patient’s quality of life. What are Self-Management Activities? Self-management activities allow patients to manage their disease. These activities include managing symptoms, medications, physical activity, and dietary behaviors. Results say grab a partner! Early-stage disease patients with a partner have the most benefit. Dr. Rachel Anne Rowntree from the University of Wollongong in Australia stated, “This review supports evidence that there are improved outcomes in cancer among those with a partner.” The Studies and the…

Historic Timeline of Asbestos Exposure in Denmark: Predicting the Next Decade
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Historic Timeline of Asbestos Exposure in Denmark: Predicting the Next Decade

ByHolly Zink

A historic timeline of asbestos exposure in Denmark has been created. This is the first known attempt to compile asbestos measurements in Danish workplaces. The Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment released a new report. It indicates that historical asbestos exposure measurements are valuable for current risk assessment. Asbestos Measurements and Concentrations This work shows the airborne fiber concentration ranges in specific work tasks. And it is divided into different industries over time. The historical asbestos exposure database contained 9,236 records. Of these, 5,869 data entries contained high-quality measurements of asbestos concentrations. The database includes data from 1971 to 1997. These historic reports can identify specific work scenarios with high asbestos exposures. There had not been any previous…

Mesothelioma Mimics Ovarian Cancer: Lessons from a Case Report
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Mesothelioma Mimics Ovarian Cancer: Lessons from a Case Report

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma mimics ovarian cancer in a new report by Radiology Case Reports. Mesothelioma is a rare and very aggressive tumor of the peritoneum. Similar clinical and imaging presentations mean mesothelioma mimics ovarian cancer at times. Yet, a history of asbestosis exposure is key as the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Imaging plays a key role in getting the diagnosis correct. It narrows down the diagnosis possibilities. Ultrasound-guided biopsy with histological study can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Case Report Misdiagnosis The Bangladesh National Institute of Oncology recently published a case report. A 42-year-old woman reported pelvic pain and progressive abdominal distension. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a high volume anechoic peritoneal effusion. Further investigation showed extensive peritoneal disease and bilateral ovarian tissue…

Bevacizumab: An Immune Therapy in Mesothelioma Treatment
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Bevacizumab: An Immune Therapy in Mesothelioma Treatment

ByHolly Zink

Bevacizumab, an immune therapy, enhances the immune system to target cancer cells. Historically, chemotherapy drugs were considered the standard treatment. But, a new study highlights bevacizumab, an immune therapy. It can now be considered in combination with mesothelioma treatments where accessible. Chemotherapy has been a popular treatment therapy. Cytotoxic chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It results in a modest improvement in patient survival. But toxicity limits the eligible patient population. Targeted Chemotherapy Agents Immunotherapies are now playing a greater role in the treatment of many cancers. The last decade has presented a paradigm shift. There has been a change in the way we understand the relationship between the immune system and cancer progression. Several targeted agents…

Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope
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Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma surveillance protocols are a series of medical tests. Surveillance is designed to detect and track cancer progression. Surveillance protocols also check treatment effectiveness. And they provide patients with reassurance and hope. A new study identified the effectiveness of mesothelioma surveillance protocols. This study focused on patients who have noncurative treatment intent. Importance of Reassurance and Hope Findings from nine different studies identified the need for reassurance and hope as part of surveillance. They also highlighted the importance of trust and relationships. Follow-up and surveillance models provide patients with continuity, reassurance, and updates on condition. Continuity ensured patients knew who to contact if they had a new symptom or concern. Patient hopes for follow-up were for management of pain and…

Research Advancements Audit by Asbestos Diseases Research Institute
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Research Advancements Audit by Asbestos Diseases Research Institute

ByHolly Zink

Research advancements provide a brighter future for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lung lining. Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure. Australian researchers from the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute and the University of Sydney have reviewed the basic research advancements. Their new publication covers mesothelioma biomarkers and treatment strategies. There is a long latency period from asbestos exposure to cancer development. A lack of genetic biomarkers makes early diagnosis difficult. The prognosis of pleural mesothelioma is poor. There is an average survival of eight to fourteen months following diagnosis. Diagnostic Biomarkers Biomarkers are limited in the clinic to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood or other body fluids…

A Multimodality Treatment Plan may be Best for Pleural Mesothelioma
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A Multimodality Treatment Plan may be Best for Pleural Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

A multimodality treatment plan may improve mesothelioma patient outcomes. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an invasive, locally aggressive tumor related to asbestos exposure. A new study shows that the best treatment plan for pleural mesothelioma may be when different types of therapy work together. The ideal combination of treatment therapies is still unknown. But a recent study encourages further studies on a multimodality treatment plan. This may include chemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant radiotherapy. Current Clinical Guidelines: A History of Single or Multimodality Treatment Plans Despite a long history of clinical research, there is still no cure or any evidence of the best treatment. Many single-treatment plans, single-modality plans, have had disappointing results. Researchers have begun to evaluate different multi-modal treatment approaches….

Cells Talking in the Tumor Microenvironment: Cracking the Code
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Cells Talking in the Tumor Microenvironment: Cracking the Code

ByHolly Zink

The tumor microenvironment and stroma cells affect the progression and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. A new study shows how cells support the malignancy of mesothelioma and potential therapies. Malignant pleural mesothelioma has a unique and complex tumor microenvironment. A new study recently showed that the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in cancer initiation and progression. Scientists are seeking to understand how cancer and non-cancer cells communicate. Cancer and Non-Cancer Cells Talk to Each Other When white blood cells do not filter out asbestos fibers, other cells in the body are able to begin growing cancerous mesothelial cells. Scientists are seeking to understand how cancer and non-cancer cells communicate in the body. Non-cancer cells include immune cells and stromal…