Mesothelioma & Asbestos Cancer News: December, 2009
A recent study conducted by French researchers has shown promise for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, the devastating cancer that is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), which recently convened at the 40th Union World Conference on Lung Health, held in Cancun, Mexico, have declared 2010: The Year of the Lung.
This will be welcome news to those suffering from the deadly asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Portsmouth, UK—A retired plumber who had been exposed to asbestos all of his working life contracted mesothelioma and died as a result, said a coroner.
Boston, MA—An exciting breakthrough in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma has occurred at Boston’s famed Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Researchers there have developed a gene ratio test which can help identify candidates for not only surgical procedures but also trimodality therapy.
With more and more people diagnosed with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma each year, researchers once predicted that instances of the disease would peak around 2010. This was based on calculations that took into account the latency of the cancer – that is, the time it takes for the cancer to develop – and when its cause, asbestos, was at peak usage: nearly forty years ago. Now, researchers in the United Kingdom are saying that mesothelioma-related deaths won’t peak until 2016.
Lake Cowichan, BC—A woman who was given six months to live in 2006 has surprised doctors and family members alike by living well past the usual life expectancy for malignant mesothelioma.
Santa Barbara, CT—Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that is nearly exclusively linked to asbestos exposure, has been a particular concern for United States military veterans, due to the widespread use of asbestos as insulation on Navy vessels, military vehicles and in other capacities. In fact, the military once even mandated the use of asbestos. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, which means that veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars may only now be receiving diagnoses of this terrible disease, despite the fact that their exposure happened decades ago.
Hampshire, UK—The widow of a man who contracted the asbestos cancer mesothelioma while working at a school is now bringing suit against that school.
Columbus, OH—An Ohio man who was a long time worker with General Electric has died from the rare cancer mesothelioma. Marvin R. Allen, 74, worked at General Electric Superabrasives for 27 years. He retired in 1995.
London, England—As part of its recent asbestos-awareness campaign, the British Health and Safety Executive recently announced that 20 United Kingdom residents each year die from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma and similar diseases.
Santa Barbara, CA—After hearing remarkable stories from fellow cancer sufferers about how they alleviated pain with a supplement, or achieved remission through acupuncture, many mesothelioma patients are eager to try complementary therapies or alternative treatments. After all, they might help and they certainly can’t hurt, right?
Bethlehem, PA—After working in a home that was contaminated with the toxic mineral material asbestos, several teachers and up to 100 students at a vocational school are now concerned about their risk for mesothelioma, the asbestos cancer.
Seattle, WA—After three days of deliberation on the part of a federal jury, a former paper mill worker has been awarded over $10 million in his mesothelioma lawsuit against two companies.
Logan, UT—In a halftime ceremony during a recent basketball game at Utah State, one of the university’s most famous alumni was honored with a field named in his honor. The field inside Romney Stadium will now be known as Merlin Olsen Field.
San Diego, CA—One of the nation’s top experts in the field of palliative cancer care will lecture on palliative options for mesothelioma patients on Tuesday, December 8, 2009.
Jefferson County TX—The widow of a man who worked at the oil giant Chevron USA has now filed suit against that employer, claiming that the company acted with malice and gross neglect in exposing her husband to the toxic material asbestos, which caused the mesothelioma that killed him.
Dartmouth, UK—A former asbestos worker contracted the form of cancer known as mesothelioma while on the job, a coroner has concluded.
In a remarkable testament to the power of both alternative and traditional approaches to cancer treatment, a man with pleural mesothelioma has seen his tumor disappear.
Philadelphia, PA—A farmer and former Korean War veteran has fallen victim to the deadly asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Niagara Falls, NY—A former boilermaker who was diagnosed with the rare asbestos cancer mesothelioma in 2008 has reached a multi-million dollar settlement with several companies.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA—A beloved public figure has died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, just one day after narrowly losing an election in which he was widely considered a long shot.
Greg Kannerstein, a former Athletic Director, Head Baseball Coach, Assistant Dean of Students, Acting Dean of Admissions and Dean of the College, at Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania, has died at age 67 of the fatal asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Shrewsbury, UK—A retired electrician has brought suit against his former employer, HM Prison Service, claiming that he was exposed to asbestos dust and fibers while on the job, and that his malignant mesothelioma is a direct result of that exposure.
During the mid-20th Century, the use of asbestos as a component of various building and industrial products and equipment was widespread – some would even say ubiquitous. Asbestos, which is actually the collective term for several naturally occurring mineral fibers, has been highly regarded for its extreme resistance to fire and heat, its lightweight nature and strength, and the fact that it does not conduct electricity. Because of these useful qualities, asbestos was added to fabrics, yarn, plastics, cement and concrete mixes, insulating materials, and a host of other products which would be used in high-heat environments.
A clinical trial examining the effectivness of trimodality therapy on malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, which was recently published in the medical journal Lung Cancer, has found that surgery, chemotherapy and radiation in combination with one another may increase traditional survival rates.
London, UK – In what will be a landmark decision, the House of Lords in England is set to debate on the future of mesothelioma and asbestos cancer court cases.
Texas – A southeast Texas couple has filed a lawsuit against 100 companies, alleging that their negligence and lack of safety measures exposed the husband to asbestos, which resulted in a later diagnosis of mesothelioma lung cancer.
Oxford, UK—The family of a former railway worker who died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma has won a settlement from Great Western Railways.
Potsdam, NY—After a former employee contracted and then succumbed to the fatal asbestos cancer mesothelioma earlier this year, several asbestos abatement projects at the Potsdam Civic Center have been completed.
Nether Langwith, UK—The death of a painting and decorating contractor in 2003 from the fatal asbestos cancer mesothelioma is at the center of a new court case which may have a lasting impact on mesothelioma sufferers’ compensation claims.
A new study, detailed in the September 2009 issue of the European Journal of Surgical Oncology, suggests that the optimal treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma may consist of a combination of cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
Buffalo, NY—The popular television reality show “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” is not only helping a Buffalo family get a remodeled home, but also saving them from the risk of the deadly asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
Hyndburn, U.K.–A legal test case may spur additional mesothelioma and other asbestos-related claims in the United Kingdom.
After working for Premier Construction Ltd. for 20 years, Arthur Eddleston was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 1996. He died just a few months later. Now his widow, Joan, is struggling to receive compensation, and has taken her case to London’s Appeals Court.
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