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New drug hope for mesothelioma

Researchers have discovered a new drug, HRX9, that targets the HOX gene family and induces apoptosis in mesothelioma cells. The study found that treatment with HRX9 resulted in complete loss of tumor blood vessels and widespread cancer cell death, offering new hope for patients.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalBMC Cancer·DateMar 14, 2016

New genetic insights into mesothelioma

Scientists have identified a spectrum of genetic alterations, including some that may be clinically actionable and others that could improve diagnostics and screening for patients. The study's findings suggest targeted therapies and immunotherapies could be effective treatments for mesothelioma.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 29, 2016

The test that reveals cancer sooner

Researchers developed a new test that detected mesothelioma 4-10 years before symptoms appeared, using a specific protein marker. The ONCOblot test detected the ENOX2 protein in serum samples from asbestos-exposed individuals, paving the way for earlier cancer detection and potentially reducing deaths.

SourceONCOblot Labs·JournalClinical Proteomics·DateFeb 4, 2016

Radiation before surgery more than doubles mesothelioma survival: UHN study

A new approach dubbed SMART has been shown to more than double three-year survival rates for mesothelioma patients treated with radiation therapy followed by surgery. The treatment approach, which involves an accelerated five-day course of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, reduces the risk of recurrence and improves quality of life.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJan 20, 2014

Researchers find potential new target to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma

Researchers have identified Ephrin B2 as a promising target for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer. The study found that EPHB2 is significantly overexpressed in tumor tissue compared to normal peritoneum, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 25, 2013

High levels of blood-based protein specific to mesothelioma

Researchers have discovered a specific marker, fibulin-3, that is four to five times higher in the plasma of patients with mesothelioma compared to those exposed to asbestos. The protein demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing mesothelioma, potentially leading to earlier treatment and improved patient outcomes.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 10, 2012

Pleurectomy/decortication proposed preferred surgical procedure

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology suggests that pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a superior approach to extrapleural pnemonectomy (EPP) for patients with early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma. P/D resulted in significantly better survival rates and lower mortality and morbidity compared to EPP.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 15, 2012

Mystery unraveled: How asbestos causes cancer

Researchers discovered that asbestos exposure leads to the release of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), which promotes tumor growth and inflammation. Elevated levels of HMGB1 in patients exposed to asbestos may enable simple serological testing to identify at-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2010

New technique can help diagnose mesothelioma

A new technique measuring pleural fluid mesothelin levels shows great promise in diagnosing mesothelioma. The study found that patients with mesothelioma had significantly higher levels of mesothelin than those with other conditions, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 24, 2009

Exposure to volcanic mineral associated with increased mesothelioma incidence in Turkey

A prospective study of Turkish villagers found a significant association between long-term erionite exposure and an increased risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. The study, conducted over 23 years, revealed annual incidence rates significantly higher in erionite-exposed villages compared to a control village.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 14, 2006

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for October 2005 (second issue)

A new study found that Californians exposed to low levels of naturally occurring asbestos are at higher risk for malignant mesothelioma. The research analyzed 2,908 cases over 10 years and found that people living close to asbestos source rocks had a greater chance of developing the disease, despite lower occupational exposure.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 17, 2005

Other highlights of the April 16 JNCI

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that only 40% of patients with superficial bladder cancer had regular follow-up examinations, despite recommended guidelines. Patient characteristics such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were independently associated with low-intensity surveillance.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 15, 2003