Mesothelioma News and Research

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Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers.

USPTO issues patent for Rosetta Genomics' human microRNA miR-193b

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd., a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,592,441 to Rosetta Genomics. The patent relates to human microRNA miR-193b, as well as to complementary probes and vectors. This is the third patent issued to Rosetta Genomics by the USPTO.

6 Nov 2009

Study on asbestos-related diseases in Libby launched

Over nearly a century, thousands of residents and workers in Libby, MT, have been exposed to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite ore, leading to markedly higher rates of lung disease and autoimmune disorders, and causing to Libby in 2002 to be added to the federal Environmental Protection Agency's "National Priorities List."

4 Nov 2009

Inhaling carbon nanotubes can affect outer lining of the lungs

Carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems.

26 Oct 2009

Rosetta Genomics, GTG sign exclusive distribution agreement

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd., a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, and Genetic Technologies Limited (GTG), the leading private genetic testing laboratory in Australia, announced today the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta Genomics’ three currently available diagnostic tests.

22 Oct 2009

New health initiative focuses on environmentally-associated cancers

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, in cooperation with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), will launch a targeted health initiative in January 2010 focused on environmentally-associated cancers.

22 Oct 2009

Prometheus Laboratories introduces three new cancer diagnostic products

Prometheus Laboratories Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company, today announced the nationwide commercial launch of three new cancer diagnostic products: ProOnc TumorSource Dx, ProOnc Squamous Dx and ProOnc Mesothelioma Dx. Each of these tests is based on recently developed, highly sensitive microRNA technology.

15 Oct 2009

Veterans Affairs establishes service-connection benefits for Vietnam Veterans

Relying on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki decided to establish a service-connection for Vietnam Veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicides referred to as Agent Orange.

15 Oct 2009

Study reveals that patients with NSCLC who received maintenance therapy with ALIMTA showed survival benefit

Data published today in The Lancet showed a survival benefit in nonsquamous patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received maintenance therapy with ALIMTA(R) (pemetrexed for injection) plus best supportive care as compared to placebo plus best supportive care.

21 Sep 2009

New interferon/lovastatin treatment to battle cancer

For selected patients, he decided he might have something better. He now has opened NeoPlas Innovation in Nashville to offer the combination "off-label" treatment on an outpatient basis.

21 Sep 2009

Rosetta Genomics and AXA Diagnostics sign exclusive distribution agreement

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, and AXA Diagnostics, a privately owned company that markets specialized diagnostic tests, announced today the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement in Italy for Rosetta Genomics’ three currently available diagnostic tests.

8 Sep 2009

New technique may help clinicians in diagnosing pleural effusion

A new technique may help clinicians hone in on a diagnosis in patients presenting with a pleural effusion of unknown cause.

24 Aug 2009

FDA approves Alimta (pemetrexed) for advanced lung cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Alimta (pemetrexed), the first drug available for maintenance therapy of advanced or metastatic lung cancer.

6 Jul 2009

EPA declares first-ever public health emergency in Montana

The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday declared its first-ever "public health emergency," asbestos contamination near Libby and Troy, Mont., northwestern mining towns, the Associated Press reports.

18 Jun 2009

Discovery of mechanism of cell type-specific signaling in tumor development

Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered the mechanisms behind two key checkpoints in cell growth and development - factors that may ultimately allow investigators to benchmark progression of tumor cells or stop them from further development.

8 Apr 2009

New tool in the radiography approach will assist in earlier detection of asbestos-related diseases

Michael Harbut, M.D., MPH, co-director of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers (NCVAC) at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI, and chief of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine Wayne State University, announced the use of a new technology to aid in the diagnosis of asbestos-related lung disease.

30 Mar 2009

'Baby boom' carpenters at greatest risk of developing asbestos related cancer

One in 17 British carpenters born in the 1940s will die of mesothelioma - a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos - according to new research published in the British Journal of Cancer.

3 Mar 2009

New cancer treatment stops aggressive sarcomas

After all standard treatments had failed, a new cancer treatment has stopped the growth of aggressive sarcomas in two recent patients. These results are similar to the new protocol's previous success against several cancers, including melanoma, pancreatic, colon, mesothelioma and other sarcomas.

25 Feb 2009