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Archive for October, 2009

MD Anderson Focus Clinical Trials on Personalized Mesothelioma Treatment

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is progressive in their research and mesothelioma treatment initiatives.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Department has a comprehensive program with over 30 specialists on staff dedicated and focused on mesothelioma. In their approach for mesothelioma treatment, the specialist team determines the patient’s cancer stage and if they are a candidate for surgery.

In conjunction with the surgical staging, Anderson is conducting a clinical trial of the drug, Dasatinib. Prior to surgery, patients are given Dasatinib to test the effectiveness of the drug therapy in preventing the progression of the disease.

For more information about mesothelioma treatment, check out the M.D. Anderson web site, or visit our pages on clinical trials, cancer centers, and leading mesothelioma doctors.

Tags: mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment
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Clinical Trial Promoted by FirstHealth and Wake Forest Medical School

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

FirstHealth of the Carolinas Clinical Trials group is partnering with Wake Forest Medical School to further a research study on the development and progression of asbestos diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Dr. Jill Ohar of Wake Forest University has spent more than 20 years researching asbestos diseases. The current study examines both environmental factors and genetic markers of those with a mesothelioma diagnosis. The focus is to attempt to identify how often environmental pollutants affect the body, as well as genetic factors that perhaps make some families to susceptible to mesothelioma and other forms of asbestos cancer.

You may request more information about the clinical trial by contacting FirstHealth Clinical Trials at 910-715-2200. Or review our web site for more information about other mesothelioma clinical trials.

Tags: mesothelioma, mesothelioma research
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Seoul City Announces Plans for Managing Asbestos

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Buildings to be demolished in urban redevelopment projects in Seoul City, Korea will be managed by a comprehensive plan. The plan, which covers asbestos abatement, also includes:

Citizens who monitor the entire process of removing and handling asbestos products and materials
To ease the public concerns, disclosure of the process will be on the Internet
An advisory group with expertise on asbestos removal and handling will be set up by the city
Disclosure of an “asbestos map” of each building being demolished and how much asbestos it contains and where
A supervisor must be hired to oversee the handling of asbestos at the demolition site and be responsible for the budget

Monitoring of the amount of asbestos in the air near the sites will be the Seoul City’s responsibility and if the amount exceeds a safe level the Labor Ministry must be notified. Asbestos removal plans are important when embarking upon any reconstruction or demolition in order to protect workers and passersby from exposure to asbestos. We commend Seoul City for their efforts to provide protection to those involved in these urban redevelopment projects from asbestos.

Tags: asbestos
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EPA Fines Arizona Charter School for Asbestos Violations

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Another violation to the federal asbestos regulations has been discovered in Arizona. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined Pointe Educational Services and The Charter Foundation $22,030 for violations stemming from lack of asbestos inspections on seven Arizona schools. Furthermore, the schools did not have an asbestos management plan.

After a professional asbestos inspection, only one of the seven Arizona schools had any asbestos-containing products.

It is important to comply with state and federal regulations regarding asbestos abatement and management in order to keep both workers and individuals safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure. More information on the EPA’s regulations on asbestos in schools can be found here.

Tags: asbestos, EPA
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NCI Seeking Participants for New Mesothelioma Drug Trial

Monday, October 19th, 2009

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently looking for participants for a clinical drug trial testing the effectiveness of the cancer drug gefitinib in treating malignant mesothelioma. Gefitinib, commonly known as Iressa ®, has been used primarily to treat non-small cell lung cancer as well as breast and prostate cancer.

Gefitinib works by blocking signals within the mesothelioma cancer cells. It attaches itself to epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and prevents them from activating cell division. This treatment is different from chemotherapy in that has the potential to stop the cancer cells from growing.

Possible side effects of the drug are as follows:

Diarrhea
Acne-like rash
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Tiredness
Eye Problems
Change in blood pressure
Breathing problems

Participants in the clinical trail will receive daily doses of the drug until unacceptable toxicity levels are reached or the cancer has stopped growing. Patients will be followed for 4 years. The NCI is looking for 40 participants with malignant mesothelioma that are not candidates for surgery or radiation. To learn more about the clinical trail, please contact the National Cancer Institute.

Tags: mesothelioma, mesothelioma research
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