New Device may Assist Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Steven Kazan

Whenever people think of lung cancer, they are likely to associate the disease with tobacco use. However, exposure to asbestos is a potential risk factor as well. The link between these two diseases drives scientific research into several directions, from studies on how to treat the illness to the creation of better diagnostic tools. The latter is especially important because better detection can lead to a more effective treatment.

At Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, which is Israel’s oldest university, scientists joined forces with the device manufacturer Alpha Szenszor to develop a product that can diagnose lung cancer simply by analyzing samples of the air that individuals exhale.

Different tools are available – and invasive
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described the telltale signs of lung cancer as wheezing, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss and coughing, which may be bloody. If lung cancer is caused by asbestos exposure, symptoms can take 15 years after initial contact with the toxic material to develop.

The American Cancer Society lists several tools that doctors have at their disposal for diagnosing lung cancer. These include imaging scans of the chest, such as chest X-rays, MRI, CT and PET. However, these radiological tests often need to be confirmed with the help of other, more invasive diagnostic tools, such as thoracentesis, which analyzes the fluid that builds up around the lungs, or a biopsy, which collects cell samples from the tumors themselves.

Breathe in, breathe out
Scientists are always trying to find better ways to diagnose diseases. When it comes to lung cancer, this could mean creating a test that is less invasive and easier to use on patients. Collaborators at Technion and Alpha Szenszor believe that an answer may be found the breaths that patients exhale.

Within the air that individuals breath out are substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Researchers from the Netherlands note that diseases such as lung cancer cause the lungs to release distinctive VOCs because of inflammation. Developing technology that could diagnose lung cancer and other conditions, simply by analyzing the VOCs in patients breaths, could prove useful. Compared to biopsies, this approach would be less invasive and easier for patients to endure.

“At Alpha Szenszor, we are excited to be working with one of the world’s premier research institutes in a field where the transformational benefits to human life have been so clearly demonstrated,” CEO Steve Lerner said in a statement. “We look forward to this partnership with Technion as a critical step in the validation of early stage diagnostics through direct digital detection of gaseous biomarkers.”

Lung cancer numbers are on the rise
A new tool, such as the one that Technion and Alpha Szenszor plan to commercialize, will be especially valuable in light of the changing dynamics of diseases caused by asbestos exposure. Specifically, the Environmental Working Group estimates that asbestos-induced lung cancer claims the lives of about 4,800 individuals in the U.S. every year. This in addition to other asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma, gastrointestinal cancers and asbestosis, which, when combined with lung cancer, cause nearly 10,000 deaths every year.

Adding to the urgent need for new diagnostic tools is the fact that the incidences of these diseases will only increase during the next 10 years or so. At Kazan Law, we are happy to support and promote scientific research that will help us curb these trends.

Shocking Discoveries on Researchers Downplaying Side Effects of Drugs for Mesothelioma and Other Cancers

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Steven Kazan

In the fight against malignant diseases caused by asbestos exposure, doctors may take several approaches. While surgery can physically remove the abnormal tissue, radiation and chemotherapy may be more common for patients whose conditions are advanced. These different treatments often work together.

At Kazan Law, we are very familiar with the side effects of chemotherapy. We are also excited about the fact that scientists are constantly developing new drugs while figuring out more effective ways to administer the existing ones. However, Reuters Health recently reported on a disturbing trend in which researchers seem to be downplaying the side effects of the drugs that they study.

Research finds surprising results
Ian Tannock, a scientist from Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, investigated how forthcoming researchers were in the presentation of 164 individual studies. He made some shocking discoveries:

Two-thirds of the papers did not list the serious side effects of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery in the introductory abstract of the publication.
One-fifth of the authors did not include the toxicities within their studies’ results tables.
One-third of the scientific articles did not discuss toxicities in either their papers’ abstracts or discussion sections.
One-third of the studies shifted the focus of their papers during the research if the authors found that they were not getting the results they hoped for. This can mean the difference between reporting lifespan without cancer and lifespan with relapsing disease.

These trends are important to note because doctors sometimes read only the paper’s abstract, increasing the chances that they can miss important information. Tannock also discovered that these behaviors were not limited to cancer studies.

“Investigators want to go overboard to make their studies look positive,” Tannock told Reuters Health.

Altering the way an experiment’s results are reported can increase the chances of publication, which in turn boosts the authors’ likelihood of receiving grants and tenure.

Tannock suggested that scientific journals can discourage these practices by requiring authors to talk about side effects and other problems within their abstracts. Furthermore, those who read journal articles need to learn how to be more critical.

Chemo side effects and asbestos-induced diseases
The National Cancer Institute lists the most common side effects of chemotherapy as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, oral sores, pain and decreased blood cell counts. These complications occur because medications for cancer usually target cells that have a high rate of growth, including healthy ones.

Not all patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer or other diseases experience the same chemotherapy side effects. This tends to depend on the type of treatment a patient is undergoing, as well as his or her overall health before the course begins.

If you experience any side effects from your cancer treatment, it is important to discuss them with your medical team. Sometimes these side effects can curb your motivation to adhere to your regimen, which can only lead to more problems. Instead, ask you physician about how you can cope.

For example, the American Cancer Society has several tips on how you can deal with changes in your appetite caused by nausea or problems in the mouth. Eating a balanced diet is still important during cancer therapy because it will help you maintain your strength and stay healthy.

To help increase your desire to eat, try walking before meals or eating with loved ones. Additionally, you should try to add variety to different aspects of your mealtime, such as the setting or the types of food that you consume.

Sitting down to three average-sized meals a day may seem daunting if you have a low appetite. Instead, consider eating several smaller meals throughout the day. This may make it easier to keep food down.

Clinical Trials Continue to Support Multimodal Therapy for Mesothelioma

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Steven Kazan

The Environmental Working Group estimates that the incidence of malignant mesothelioma will continue to increase for another 10 years or so. This is cause for concern because there is no standard treatment strategy for this disease, which in turn underscores the need for more research.

At Kazan Law, we are happy to keep tabs on the latest developments. For years, scientists have known that mesothelioma patients are unlikely to be cured because of the use of any single treatment, whether it is chemotherapy, radiation therapy or even surgery. However, patients may have more success if their doctors administer multiple treatments.

One team of researchers from Italy recently published the results of a study that supports this approach.

Mesothelioma requires intense treatment
Scientific research to determine the best treatment for a disease usually requires that different strategies be compared against each other. Because mesothelioma is relatively rare compared to other diseases, this task has proved exceedingly difficult, according to experts from the American Cancer Society. Furthermore, the cancer is hard to approach because it can spread easily and does not grow as one single mass of tumorous tissue.

However, there is evidence showing that patients benefit the most from a regimen that combines several different treatments, a strategy known as multimodal therapy. This includes:

Chemotherapy to shrink the cancer. Cisplatin and pemetrexed are two of the most common drugs that doctors use. While cisplatin damages the DNA of cancer cells in order to keep them from dividing, pemetrexed prevents the cells from actually making this DNA, as stated by the National Cancer Institute.
Surgery to remove the diseased tissue. One procedure is the extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Experts from the University of California in San Francisco describe this procedure as one that excises an entire lung, plus portions of the diaphragm, pleura and the lining of the heart.
Radiation therapy to kill any abnormal cells left behind.

New study supports multimodal therapy
There have been several studies that show multimodal therapy may be a good approach for mesothelioma patients. Based on the success of this research, the team of scientists from Italy conducted their own study to investigate the impact of this regimen. In this study, subjects who were diagnosed with mesothelioma underwent three cycles of chemotherapy that combined cisplatin with pemetrexed, an EPP three to eight weeks later, and radiation four to eight weeks after surgery.

The researchers initially enrolled 54 patients, all of whom had mesothelioma between Stages I and III. Ninety-six patients completed chemotherapy, 83 percent underwent EPP and 41 percent completed all three segments of the multimodal therapy.

Results showed that the median amount of time in which patients lived without any significant deteriorations was 6.9 months. The median overall survival time was 15.5 months. One-third of study participants still had event-free disease after one year. After two years, that figure was almost one-fourth.

“The combination of pemetrexed plus cisplatin followed by surgery and hemithoracic radiation is feasible and has a manageable toxicity profile in carefully selected patients. It may be worthy of further investigation,” the scientists wrote in the journal BMC Cancer.

However, the researchers also noted that two subjects died due to complications from radiation therapy. After this happened, the scientists adjusted their experiment by using lower doses of radiation for subsequent patients. This underscores the need for physicians to select the candidates for certain treatments, such as radiation therapy and surgery, very carefully.

Understanding Metastasis and Mesothelioma

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Steven Kazan

There are several therapeutic approaches that doctors may take in order to treat malignant mesothelioma. Both chemotherapy and radiation are capable of killing diseased cells. Additionally, some patients may be eligible for surgery that can remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible.

However, even with these treatments, patients who have mesothelioma are still at risk for medical complications if their disease metastasizes.

What is metastasis?

We understand cancer as a disease in which a group of cells within one piece of tissue in the body goes rogue and multiplies far beyond what is considered a normal, healthy rate. This leads to the growth of tumors, which can become deadly if they interfere with the function of the surrounding tissues.

Metastasis occurs when these malignant cells break off from the tumor, travel to another part of the body and produce another tumor. Experts from the American Cancer Society (ACS) describe this process as occurring through one of three pathways in the body: circulation through the lymph nodes, circulation through the blood vessels or along the surfaces that line the body’s cavities. Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that can spread via the cavity linings.

The metastasis process takes place over four steps:

A group of tumor cells stops growing.
This group breaks away from the tumor.
The cells move out of the affected tissue and either enter one of the circulatory systems, or travels along the body cavity lining.
The cells settle in a new location and grow into a new tumor.

Metastasis is deadly in part because its symptoms can easily be mistaken for another health condition.

Metastasis can affect mesothelioma patients

When doctors need to determine how bad a case of mesothelioma is, one of factors that they measure is how far the cancerous cells have spread.

For example, the National Cancer Institute describes localized stage I mesothelioma as being confined to the lining of the chest wall, diaphragm or possibly the lung. However, in the advanced stages of the disease, cancer may spread beyond these tissues and affect the diaphragm and lungs themselves, as well as the lymph nodes, trachea, esophagus, fatty tissues, soft tissues, peritoneum, ribs, the sac that encapsulates the heart, or the heart itself. In some stage IV cases, the malignancy may travel even further and strike the spine, brain, prostate and thyroid.

Scientists are taking a closer look

In order to tackle metastasis more effectively, some scientists who study cancer have decided to make this specific phenomenon their niche.

“Fewer than 8 percent of researchers mention the word ‘metastasis’ in their grant applications, in the context of actually working on the problem…Figuring out how to prevent cancer – a key research focus today – would be the best approach…but that’s of little help to patients who already have cancer,” said Dan Welch, a member of the ACS Scientific Council, as quoted by the ACS. “To prevent something, you have to know its cause. We have no idea why cancer cells spread, let alone what prompts them to disseminate throughout the body.”

One possible key to understanding metastasis is the study of the tumor microenvironment in which breakaway cells settle. Scientists are also exploring the genes that are involved in metastasis, and why certain clusters of breakaway cells can remain dormant for decades before forming new tumors.

The Environmental Working Group projects the incidence of asbestos-related diseases to increase for another 10 years or so. At Kazan Law, we are optimistic that scientists are on the right track to helping such cancer patients and truly understanding the cause of metastasis.

Latency Periods for Mesothelioma

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Steven Kazan

In the U.S. the use of asbestos peaked during the mid-1970s. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that, at that point, the hazardous material was present in more than 3,000 industrial and commercial products, such as insulation and fireproofing materials.

Eventually, the mineral became less prevalent once manufacturers realized they could not deny what scientists had known for years: asbestos is the principal cause of the development of malignant mesothelioma.

Scientists know that an individual’s level of asbestos exposure over time is directly related to his or her risk: the greater the exposure, the higher the likelihood of developing an asbestos-related illness. However, this latency period between contact with the mineral and the development of symptoms may be longer for some individuals than others, regardless of the level of exposure.

This led one team of researchers from Italy to measure the incidence of mesothelioma among nonagenarians.

Mesothelioma festers for decades
The EWG estimates that the latency period for asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, can take between 20 and 50 years. For this reason, the incidence of these illnesses in industrialized nations is expected to continue to rise for another 10 years or so.

Most people do not know they have an asbestos-related disease until they start experiencing symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. By then, an illness is likely to be in its advanced stages.

Experts from the American Cancer Society note that there is no standardized early screening approach for diagnosing mesothelioma. Doctors may recommend radiology tests to look for changes in the lungs among patients with a history of asbestos exposure, but it is not clear how effective this method is in detecting early disease.

Italian scientists study oldest patients
Researchers from Italy noted that many mesothelioma patients tend to be diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 80. Their diseases are often the result of occupational exposure, particularly if they worked in shipyards.

However, the scientists also recalled that a minority of patients are diagnosed while in their 80s or 90s. It was not immediately clear whether this was because of low asbestos exposure or late contact with the material.

In order to investigate further, the researchers reviewed the medical records of seven men and one woman, all of whom were diagnosed with mesothelioma while in their 90s. After collecting information on their employment histories, the scientists found that the latency periods within this patient group ranged from 64 to 75 years. The duration of asbestos exposure ranged from 11 to more than 40 years.

Examinations of lung tissue revealed that a low level of exposure is not the explanation for the long latency periods.

“In this group of cases, the late development of mesothelioma cannot be attributed to mild exposure to asbestos or to unusually late exposures. Very long latency periods even in people heavily exposed suggest an individual resistance to the oncogenic effects of asbestos,” the researchers wrote in the journal Tumori.

Vigilance can help protect you
At Kazan Law, we believe that vigilance is one of the most important weapons against asbestos-related diseases. The Environmental Protection Agency has many tips on how you can protect yourself from asbestos:

Hire a professional to inspect your home for asbestos before any remodeling job, or in case parts of the house are falling apart.
If you find asbestos in the house, inspect it without touching it. If it is intact, make sure no one and nothing disturb it.
If you are employed in a job that may potentially expose you to asbestos, make sure you know your rights regarding protective equipment and the safety limits of asbestos fiber air concentration.

Hyperthermia may be a Treatment Option for Mesothelioma Patients

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Steven Kazan

After you have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, it is important to have a thorough conversation with your healthcare team about all of the possible treatment options. Such a discussion will highlight the different treatment options and experimental therapies available for cancer patients today.

At Kazan Law, we like to keep track of all of the various possibilities for patients, including multimodal therapies that administer more than one treatment, and newer options that scientists are still studying. In Japan, one team of researchers is exploring the effects of hyperthermia.

Treatment heats cancer cells to death
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) describes hyperthermia as a form of cancer therapy that applies temperatures as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to parts of the body that are affected by a malignancy. Doctors who use hyperthermia often combine it with radiation or chemotherapy.

The idea is that the high temperatures either kill the diseased cells directly or make them more sensitive to other forms of treatment.

Hyperthermia can be administered to a small and local area or applied to a larger region. For the former, applicators or probes may be used on the skin, inside a cavity or directly on the tumor. When it comes to regional hyperthermia, external applicators may be placed over large surface areas of the body, heated chemotherapy drugs can be administered, or a patient’s blood is removed in order to be heated by a device before being circulated throughout the body again.

The NCI notes that the effectiveness of hyperthermia depends on a combination of the temperature, the characteristics of the cancer cells and the length of therapy.

Doctors discuss hyperthermia for mesothelioma
So far, scientists have explored the use of hyperthermia for the treatment of malignancies of skin, brain, lung, breast, liver, bladder, rectum and peritoneum. In Japan, one team of doctors published a case report in which they discussed treating a mesothelioma patient with hyperthermia.

They diagnosed the 61-year-old man with stage III malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The American Cancer Society describes this stage as involving the pleural lining of one side of the chest, one of several tissue layers around the chest or heart, possible disease in the lymph nodes and a lack of spreading to distant areas of the body.

The man in the case report did not wish to undergo invasive treatments, such as surgery or radiation. In light of his preferences, the doctors decided to treat him with a combination of chemotherapy – using cisplatin and irinotecan – and hyperthermia. After the physicians administered the irinotecan, they applied 30-centimeter wide electrodes to the front and back of the patient’s thorax. Radiofrequency waves heated the target tissues to 42.5 degrees Celsius, or approximately 108.5 degrees F. Each hyperthermia session lasted 60 minutes.

After one course of chemotherapy and three hyperthermia treatments, CT scans of the chest revealed that the thickening of the pleura had been significantly reduced. Afterward, the patient remained disease-free for more than seven years.

“The combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy may be a novel and safe therapeutic option for MPM and can be considered in cases ineligible for radical treatment,” the scientists wrote in the Journal of Medical Case Reports. “Further clinical studies of the hyperthermia-chemotherapy combination are required to confirm its effects on MPM.”

What does the future hold?
So far, hyperthermia is not a standard treatment for any cancer. However, there are several clinical trials going on, as noted by the NCI.

If these trials continue to show promise, hyperthermia may prove invaluable to individuals affected by cancer related to asbestos exposure.

Warning: Even Light Smoking Poses Health Hazards

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Steven Kazan

Most health-conscious people are aware of how lifestyle factors can impact the likelihood that they will develop cancer. In order to avoid these diseases, they will load their diets with antioxidant-heavy food, start an exercise regimen, manage stress more effectively and give up smoking.

Even after someone has been diagnosed with cancer, these lifestyle habits do not cease to be important. Smoking cessation is especially advisable for individuals who need help with mesothelioma.

Recently, an expert from the American Cancer Society (ACS) published an article which suggested that even light smoking poses serious health hazards.

Tobacco wreaks havoc all over the body
There is a reason why smoking cessation is a common New Year’s resolution: tobacco harms nearly every organ in the body. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that cigarette smoking is responsible for about one-fifth of the deaths that take place in the U.S every year. That is more than HIV, car accidents, illegal drug use and murders combined.

The respiratory and cardiovascular systems are two of the organ systems that are most commonly associated with the negative effects of smoking. Specifically, this habit causes coronary heart disease, constriction of the blood vessels, abdominal aortic aneurysms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Furthermore, smoking has been linked to malignant illnesses of the lungs, bladder, esophagus, stomach, throat, kidneys, cervix, mouth and bone marrow. Tobacco use may also cause other health complications, such as infertility and birth defects.

For these reasons, health experts agree that smoking cessation is always a good idea. Individuals who have malignant diseases of the respiratory system, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, would also do themselves a favor by kicking the habit.

There’s no safe amount of smoking
Given the hazards associated with tobacco, most people would agree that heavy smoking – 20 to 30 cigarettes a day – is downright dangerous. However, J. Lee Westmaas, Ph.D., the director of tobacco research in the Behavioral Research Center of the ACS, recently wrote that even light smoking is unhealthy.

This is concerning in light of data showing that between 1996 and 2001, the amount of light smokers in the U.S. increased by 40 percent. These individuals may not consider themselves to be smokers and, consequently, do not feel a need to quit.

“Smoking even as little as five days out of the month can lead to more shortness of breath and coughing. What’s more, smoking just one to four cigarettes a day can increase the risk of dying from heart disease and all causes, like cancer,” Westmaas wrote. “For women, the news is even worse: women’s risk of lung cancer from light smoking is greater than men’s when compared to never-smokers of both genders.”

Don’t be afraid if you need help
If you have mesothelioma or other disease related to asbestos exposure, you should quit smoking immediately. Some people can go cold turkey, but others may need help.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a website that features plenty of tips to help you quit smoking. Among their general recommendations are reflecting on reasons why you should quit, being aware of factors that trigger cravings and remember how much money you can save by never buying another cigarette.

Furthermore, there are several medications that can help you give up tobacco. Some of these products, including skin patches and chewing gum, reduce withdrawal by supplementing nicotine. Other drugs, such as Zyban and Chantix, either alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal or make cigarettes less desirable by blocking the effects of nicotine.

New Device May Diagnose Mesothelioma and Other Cancers Early

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Steven Kazan

cells

Although the word “cancer” is not something that any patient wants to hear in a doctor’s office, many of these diseases are treatable. As time passes, chemotherapy and radiation therapy grow more precise in order to target only the malignant tissue while preserving the healthy cells. Doctors are refining their surgical techniques, as well.

One of the keys to determining which treatments may work best is an early diagnosis. However, when it comes to malignant mesothelioma, such an approach has proven exceedingly difficult.

At Kazan Law, we keep track of scientists’ efforts to diagnose mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases early. Recently, a binational team from Japan and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) developed a device that can capture tumor cells circulating in the blood. This technology may prove to be valuable in not only diagnosing malignant conditions, but also determining whether tumor cells threaten to colonize other areas of the body.

Early detection is difficult
People usually have no indication that they may have malignant pleural mesothelioma until they develop symptoms. Experts from the American Cancer Society list these as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, fever, fatigue or weight loss. Peritoneal mesothelioma is characterized by pain or swelling in the abdomen.

Once patients develop symptoms, doctors may use several tools to determine what is wrong. These include a recording of a patient’s history of asbestos exposure, radiological scans of physical changes and possible analysis of any abnormal fluid buildup. One of the more common tests is a biopsy, which collects a cell sample from the body for a closer examination under a microscope.

However, by the time patients develop symptoms, their conditions are likely in their advanced stages. For this reason, scientists are trying to find a way to screen for this disease early in symptom-free individuals. Efforts have included recommendations for x-rays and CT scans of the chest for people with a history of asbestos exposure, or blood tests to measure levels of substances such as osteopontin and soluble mesothelin-related peptides. However, the value of these approaches for early screening remains unclear.

New technology acts like Velcro
In order to improve the chances of early diagnosis of cancer, scientists from UCLA and the Japanese company RIKEN developed a device that allows blood to pass through it like a filter. Within the system is a molecule that attaches itself to tumor cells in a Velcro like fashion. In the laboratory, scientists can cool the molecules down, causing the tumor cells to detach for easy collection for examination.

“Until now, most devices have demonstrated the ability to capture circulating tumor cells with high efficiency. However, it is equally important to release these captured cells, to preserve and study them in order to obtain insightful information about them. This is the big difference with our device,” said Hsiao-hua Yu, who helped lead the development of the technology.

All scientific advances need volunteers
It may take a while before we start seeing devices such as the one RIKEN developed reach the clinic. Often, additional studies are needed to verify that they work. This cannot be done without the help of volunteer subjects.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has a handy guide for people who are interested in volunteering for clinical trials, which evaluate therapies, screening tools, diagnostic modalities, preventive medicine and other facets of cancer care. The guide lists both the potential benefits and drawback. When it comes to the former, the NCI states that subjects may help promote better treatments for future patients by teaching scientists more about cancer.

Tumor Boards May Not Impact Care for mesothelioma or Other Diseases

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Steven Kazan

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another type of asbestos-related cancer, you want to make sure that you have the best medical treatment possible. This means that you need care from more than just your general practitioner. You will need an entire team behind you, which can include surgeons, dietitians, nurses or other professionals.

Throughout the U.S., many hospitals use what are referred to as tumor boards, or multidisciplinary opinion, in order to decide upon the best care for cancer patients. However, one recent study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), questions how much of an impact these tumor boards actually have on patient care.

Boards bring experts together
Providers from the Sutter Health system in California describe tumor boards as a group of medical professionals who meet regularly in order to discuss the diagnoses and treatments of individual patients. These teams may include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurse oncologists, social workers, dietitians, patients’ primary care doctors and more.

Conversations may also touch upon the latest available information on therapeutic options and clinical trials. In addition to addressing patients’ treatment, tumor boards also provide an opportunity for continuing medical education to all who attend them.

Different medical providers will conduct their tumor boards in a different fashion. Some may meet in person while others gather in virtual, online forums. The regularity with which tumor boards meet may also vary.

Researchers investigate links between tumor boards and care
One team of scientists from Harvard Medical School decided to study the impact that the presence of a tumor board within a healthcare system had on the care of cancer patients. For their research, they analyzed information collected from the tumor boards of 138 medical centers within the Veterans Affairs (VA) network. They gauged stage-specific cancer care based on information from cancer registries and administrative data.

The scope of the review encompassed malignant diseases of the lungs, prostate, breast, circulatory system and colorectal regions.

Results showed that there was only a modest association between the presence of tumor board and the type of care given to patients.

“This could mean that tumor boards did not, in fact, influence quality of cancer care in the VA setting,” the scientists wrote in the JNCI. “Additional research is needed to understand the structure and format of tumor boards that lead to the highest quality care.”

What does this mean for those exposed to asbestos?
However, these results do not necessarily mean that tumor boards serve no purpose at all. Douglas Blayney, M.D., of the Stanford School of Medicine wrote an editorial commenting on the Harvard study, in which he argued that the impact of a tumor board may not be easy to measure in systems such as the VA network because they are large and more integrated in their care. Instead, tumor boards may make a more discernible difference within smaller medical facilities.

“[U]ntil there is carefully constructed public reporting of process adherence and outcome, we are left to hope that cancer doctors, their leaders, and the systems that they build will use recognized measures of structure and process and work toward superior outcomes,” Blayney wrote in the JNCI.

If you have a malignant disease that was caused by exposure to asbestos, a tumor board may make more of a difference if you receive care from a smaller cancer center. However, if you are part of a larger medical group, the tumor board may still serve a purpose because this is an opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn about the best way to tackle diseases like yours.

Major League Baseball Remains Dedicated to Eradication of Mesothelioma and other Cancers

Posted on January 8, 2013 by Steven Kazan

If you are a baseball fan, you may be aware of the official 2012 World Series Champions Film. If not, you may be interested to learn that a special component of the DVD featured Hollywood stars and baseball fans Steve Carrell, Ken Jeong and Colin Hanks speaking in a video for the Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) campaign. The plug is just one of many examples of how Major League Baseball (MLB) has dedicated itself to supporting Americans who are fighting against malignant diseases, including Kazan, McClain, Satterley, Lyons, Greenwood & Oberman proudly represent.

Taking a stand for years

Professional athletes often find themselves in very privileged positions. Not only do they represent their teams’ respective cities, but they also earn the attention and admiration of adoring fans. This may be why so many baseball players decide to use their celebrity for a good cause.

For years, MLB athletes have supported cancer charities. Efforts have been localized to individual teams, such as the bowling and golf tournaments hosted by the Minnesota Twins to benefit a treatment center. There have also been projects supported by the entire league, like the Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer project.

But the real game changer happened in 2008, when baseball commissioner Bud Selig, a skin cancer survivor, announced that MLB would contribute $10 million to SU2C. This made MLB the first major sponsor to support the organization, which works to advance cancer research.

Boosting visibility in 2012

After that initial contribution in 2008, MLB has shown a real commitment to promoting the work of SU2C. During Game 1 of the 2012 World Series between the Giants and Tigers, there was a moment at AT&T Park where players on both teams, joined by more than 40,000 fans, held up a placard inscribed with the name of a loved one who had fought a battle with cancer. Among those taking a stand was Giants first base coach Kelley, whose placard bore Nelson’s name. The dedication was broadcast live to baseball fans all over the world, reminding them of the importance of supporting the research of such malignant diseases.

But the generosity of the MLB didn’t end after the World Series. During early December, the league and all 30 ball clubs participated in a charity auction to raise money for SU2C. Prizes included breakfast with Giants outfielder Hunter Pence, a private baseball lesson with San Diego Padre first base coach Dave Roberts and a Washington Nationals Draft day experience.

At closing, the auction raised more than $150,000. Since 2012, MLB’s efforts brought SU2C more than $30 million.

Other partners join MLB

Nearly all people will be touched by cancer at some point in their lives. Even if a person never develops a form of the disease, odds are he or she will know someone who is affected by malignant mesothelioma, breast cancer, leukemia and other conditions.

This may be why SU2C has no shortage of corporate partners who want to help, including Safeway, Mastercard and the Island Def Jam Music Group, which includes artists such as Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Ethridge, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood.

At Kazan Law, we also believe in standing up with our clients and their loved ones. This is why we have contributed funds to the work of prestigious scientists around the world who are developing new approaches to mesothelioma.

mesothelioma treatment

New Device may Assist Diagnosis of Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure

Shocking Discoveries on Researchers Downplaying Side Effects of Drugs for Mesothelioma and Other Cancers

Clinical Trials Continue to Support Multimodal Therapy for Mesothelioma

Understanding Metastasis and Mesothelioma

What is metastasis?

Metastasis can affect mesothelioma patients

Scientists are taking a closer look

Latency Periods for Mesothelioma

Hyperthermia may be a Treatment Option for Mesothelioma Patients

Warning: Even Light Smoking Poses Health Hazards

New Device May Diagnose Mesothelioma and Other Cancers Early

Tumor Boards May Not Impact Care for mesothelioma or Other Diseases

Major League Baseball Remains Dedicated to Eradication of Mesothelioma and other Cancers

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