The Power of Immune Cells: Understanding Mesothelioma’s Microenvironment

The Power of Immune Cells: Understanding Mesothelioma’s Microenvironment

ByHolly Zink

In a recent study, researchers looked at how the body’s immune system responds to pleural mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. The published their results in Pathobiology. Researchers looked at samples from 60 pleural mesothelioma patients to study immune cells in the tumor area. They used markers to identify cell types and their impact on the disease. This study sheds light on using the immune system for improved treatments. Immune Cells and Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is often caused by exposure to asbestos, a harmful mineral that was used in many industries in the past. Pleural mesothelioma is rare, but it can be very aggressive and difficult to…

New Hope for Treating Pleural Mesothelioma: Breakthrough Therapies on the Horizon
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New Hope for Treating Pleural Mesothelioma: Breakthrough Therapies on the Horizon

ByHolly Zink

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and tough cancer with a history of limited treatment options and a difficult prognosis. But recent years have brought good news for patients, as new treatments give hope to those facing this challenging condition. A Positive Shift in Treatment Since 2021, a big change has happened in how we treat pleural mesothelioma. Doctors now use immune checkpoint inhibitors as the first choice for treatment. These include nivolumab and ipilimumab. This is a big step forward for patients who once had few options for this tough cancer. Combining chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors is a good next step. But researchers are also exploring other ways to treat pleural mesothelioma. They are learning more about how this…

A Step Forward in Treating Pleural Mesothelioma: The Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib Combination
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A Step Forward in Treating Pleural Mesothelioma: The Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib Combination

ByHolly Zink

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that has been challenging to treat effectively. However, recent breakthroughs in medical research are shedding new light on potential treatment options. Researchers investigated the potential of a combination therapy involving pembrolizumab and lenvatinib. Their findings were promising, with over 50% of patients experiencing tumor shrinkage. While this marks an important step forward, challenges such as side effects need to be carefully addressed in future research. Uncovering Hope for Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It’s linked to exposure to a harmful substance called asbestos. Asbestos used to be used a lot in construction and other industries. Finding good treatments…

Exploring the First Case of Mesothelioma in a California Sea Lion
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Exploring the First Case of Mesothelioma in a California Sea Lion

ByHolly Zink

Researchers have reported the first known case of pleural mesothelioma in a California sea lion. Sea lions are predisposed to growing tumors in different organs. Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a rare disease that affects the lining of the lungs. It is caused by asbestos exposure. When tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled by someone, they can get stuck in the lining of the lungs and cause inflammation. This inflammation leads to the growth of tumors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can be hard to identify. A person might feel shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, chest pain, cough, and fatigue. It can often take around 40 years for pleural mesothelioma to begin. Imaging studies such as…

Exploring Cutting-Edge Treatments for Pleural Mesothelioma
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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…

New Potential Blood Biomarker for Pleural Mesothelioma
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New Potential Blood Biomarker for Pleural Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

A team of researchers just published a study looking at whether a gene called FGF18 can be used as a biomarker for pleural mesothelioma. The study was published in the journal Thoracic Cancer. Signs and Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the body’s internal organs. When it grows in the lining of the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, chest pain, cough, and fatigue. This cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Conventional treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, and. The median survival with conventional treatment is little more…

Surgery for Mesothelioma: Goals and Side Effects
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Surgery for Mesothelioma: Goals and Side Effects

ByHolly Zink

Residual thoracic spaces occur in one-third of patients who receive surgery for mesothelioma. This is the space left after mesothelioma disease is removed from the lung. A new study by researchers in Japan details the results of an analysis of this side effect. Pleural Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Treatment often combines surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest wall. Symptoms may include shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, chest pain, cough, and fatigue. This cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. It can often take around 40 years for pleural…

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….

Lung-Sparing Surgery and Mesothelioma Survival

Lung-Sparing Surgery and Mesothelioma Survival

ByAlex Strauss

Italian researchers say lung-sparing surgery can lead to long-term mesothelioma survival, even if surgeons take a more conservative approach.  Lung-sparing surgery for mesothelioma is also known as pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). P/D surgery is less extensive than the other main surgical approach for mesothelioma but it is also less risky. Now, doctors at Venice-Mestre Hospital say that, as long as it is performed early enough and combined with other treatments, lung-sparing surgery saves lives. Their report in the Journal of Thoracic Disease details the outcomes of 155 mesothelioma surgery patients tracked for a median of a year-and-a-half.  Extrapleural Pneumonectomy & Lung-Sparing Surgery Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is the most radical operation for pleural mesothelioma. In addition to removing the mesothelioma tumor…

Pleural Mesothelioma Risk Among Workers May Be Higher in Winter
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Pleural Mesothelioma Risk Among Workers May Be Higher in Winter

ByAlex Strauss

A leading authority in the occupational health and safety space is warning workers to be aware that their pleural mesothelioma risk may be higher in the winter. The website Occupational Health & Safety says winter is a prime season for exposure to toxins like asbestos that can threaten respiratory health. Asbestos is the primary cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma worldwide. In a new online article, the site says the combination of dry air, colds and allergies, closed up work spaces, and poor ventilation can increase the risk for serious respiratory diseases.  Why Winter Can Be Dangerous for Workers Although anyone can get malignant mesothelioma, it is usually considered an occupational disease. People in certain kinds of jobs face a much…