Understanding Immune Modulation in Malignant Pleural Effusion

Understanding Immune Modulation in Malignant Pleural Effusion

ByHolly Zink

Malignant pleural effusion is a serious condition where cancer cells spread to the lining of the lungs. This leads to fluid buildup in the chest cavity. This fluid accumulation can make breathing difficult and is often a sign of advanced lung cancer. Pleural effusion is a common symptom of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Current treatments for malignant pleural effusion are limited. They focus on relieving symptoms. New findings in understanding the immune system’s role in cancer have led to new treatment possibilities. The Immune Microenvironment The immune system plays a crucial role in the development of malignant pleural effusion. The immune microenvironment is a complex network of cells that interact with tumor cells. This environment can either promote or inhibit tumor…

Biomarkers in Pleural Effusions Can Improve Mesothelioma Diagnosis
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Biomarkers in Pleural Effusions Can Improve Mesothelioma Diagnosis

ByAlex Strauss

Italian scientists say some newly identified biomarkers in pleural effusions are very good at ruling out mesothelioma in patients who do not have the disease.  Unfortunately, most of these biomarkers are not as good as positively identifying mesothelioma. But their accuracy can be improved by combining several of them.  Pleural effusions are pockets of excess fluid that collect around the lungs of people with certain kinds of cancer and other conditions.  Mesothelioma biomarkers in pleural effusions are proteins and other substances that are mostly found in mesothelioma patients. The new study suggests that using these biomarkers the right way can lead to more accurate diagnoses. The Importance of Biomarkers in Pleural Effusions Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the…

Malignant Pleural Effusions: Comparing Treatment Costs
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Malignant Pleural Effusions: Comparing Treatment Costs

ByAlex Strauss

An indwelling pleural catheter may be the most effective way to deal with malignant pleural effusions in mesothelioma patients, but it can also be very costly.  Spanish researchers reached that conclusion after evaluating four different studies including 152 patients.  Their analysis shows that IPCs do help people with malignant pleural effusions feel better. But the procedure tends to be more complicated in people with pleural mesothelioma. This can make it much more expensive for them.   The Problem of Malignant Pleural Effusions Malignant pleural effusions occur when fluid builds up between the layers of the pleural membrane surrounding the lungs. It is a common problem in people with advanced mesothelioma and several other types of cancer.  The fluid is a byproduct…

Recurrent Pleural Effusion Could Signal High Mesothelioma Risk
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Recurrent Pleural Effusion Could Signal High Mesothelioma Risk

ByAlex Strauss

The case of a Japanese woman with recurrent pleural effusion suggests the problem could be a precursor of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion is a build-up of fluid on the space between the layers of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. It is common with mesothelioma and some other cancers.  In the new case study, the patient had recurrent pleural effusion for 15 years before she developed mesothelioma in situ. This is the earliest stage of asbestos cancer, before it becomes invasive. Her doctors say patients with similar problems should be tested for BAP1 loss and other signs of mesothelioma in situ.  Understanding Recurrent Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is a side effect of several conditions including heart disease and cancer….

Minimally Invasive Mesothelioma Diagnosis from Lung Fluid
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Minimally Invasive Mesothelioma Diagnosis from Lung Fluid

ByAlex Strauss

Minimally invasive mesothelioma diagnosis with lung fluid may be just as effective as a tissue biopsy. That’s according to Australian mesothelioma researchers. Australia was once one of the biggest producers of asbestos and now has some of the highest mesothelioma rates in the world. It is also home to high-level mesothelioma research. In the latest study, scientists ran a meta-analysis comparing surgical biopsy with a minimally invasive mesothelioma diagnosis tool called cytology. Their conclusion is that surgery may not always be necessary to diagnose malignant mesothelioma. Tissue Versus Lung Fluid Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It is challenging to diagnose because the symptoms are often vague and similar to other less serious conditions. Doctors…