Promising Results: Pembrolizumab Enhances Mesothelioma Treatment
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Promising Results: Pembrolizumab Enhances Mesothelioma Treatment

ByHolly Zink

Pleural mesothelioma is a challenging cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is often diagnosed in advanced stages with limited treatment options. However, a glimmer of hope has emerged in recent years with a groundbreaking approach. The addition of pembrolizumab to standard chemotherapy has shown promising results in improving the overall survival of patients with this devastating disease. A Global Effort A phase 3 clinical trial was conducted across 51 hospitals in Canada, Italy, and France. Eligible participants, aged 18 years or older, had previously untreated advanced pleural mesothelioma and a good performance status. They were randomly divided into two groups. One received intravenous chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab. A Game-Changing Outcome The trial ran from January 2017 to September 2020…

Challenges and Hope: Mesothelioma in Children
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Challenges and Hope: Mesothelioma in Children

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma is most often found in older adults, but in a very small number of cases, this cancer is diagnosed in children. There is not much research on mesothelioma in children. An international team of researchers looked at all mesothelioma cases occurring in children, teenagers and young adults diagnosed and treated in Europe. The team is called the European Cooperative Study Group on Pediatric Rare Tumors. Understanding the Unique Challenges in Pediatric Cases Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer. It develops in the lining of internal organs like the lungs and abdominal cavity. Reaching a diagnosis of this disease can be hard, and treatment can be even more difficult. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. This is a…

International Mesothelioma Risk for Workers with Asbestos Exposure

International Mesothelioma Risk for Workers with Asbestos Exposure

ByHolly Zink

Workers around the world are still at risk for asbestos exposure, finds a study conducted by a team of researchers from Brazil. This is concerning because asbestos is very toxic to humans. It can cause mesothelioma and other related diseases in people who inhale or ingest the small fibers. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that can take decades to appear after a person is exposed to asbestos. Asbestos has been used since ancient times. It is fire-proof, nearly impossible to corrode, and can be woven into other materials. In modern times, asbestos is often used in manufacturing and construction. Because it is so toxic, many countries around the world have banned the use of asbestos. But there are still other…

Worldwide Mesothelioma Rates Decline
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Worldwide Mesothelioma Rates Decline

ByHolly Zink

A new study looked at the worldwide rates of mesothelioma over the past decade. The international team of researchers hailed from China, Sweden, Australia, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The researchers used information from three different databases to learn about the number of cases and what might cause the disease. The Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus, and Global Burden of Disease provided data for this study. Banning Asbestos Worldwide Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium, the lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. Sites of mesothelioma are typically the outer lining of the lungs and chest wall and the abdomen….

International Mesothelioma Registry
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International Mesothelioma Registry

ByHolly Zink

An international group of researchers have provided recommendations for countries to create a mesothelioma registry. Mesothelioma registries are great tools to monitor the negative effects of asbestos. It can help to identify clusters of asbestos exposure. Registries can also track the impact of asbestos reduction programs. Asbestos Health Risks Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been found throughout the world. Even though it is toxic, it is used in manufacturing and construction in many countries around the world. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It grows in the lining of organs like the lungs. Generally, those who develop mesothelioma show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It…