Victims of malignant mesothelioma -- an aggressive form of cancer typically linked to asbestos exposure -- have few effective treatment options available today. In fact, while overall survival periods have increased in recent years due to the introduction of chemotherapy treatments, some estimates still put the average survival at only 14.5 months. Even worse, the response rate to chemotherapy when it comes to malignant mesothelioma is only roughly 40 percent. However, researchers in Slovenia have developed a model that will hopefully improve these numbers. Specifically, they recently studied whether genetic biomarkers can be used to create individualized treatment options for mesothelioma victims, which they hope will improve the response rate to chemotherapy.
More cesarean sections don't add up to safer deliveries
Many of our readers may be surprised to learn that the most-frequently-performed type of major surgery in our country is a cesarean section. About one in every three babies are delivered via C-section. There are some circumstances in which a C-section is necessary or at least preferable for the safety of the mother and/or child. Women who are older, overweight, diabetic or have high blood pressure, for example, may be safer having a C-section. There are other situations, such as when the baby isn't positioned properly for a vaginal birth, where a C-section is necessary.
Will drug trial help in the fight against mesothelioma?
For years, researchers have known of the link between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma — a deadly form of cancer that affects the membrane protecting the body’s major internal organs. In fact, virtually every new case mesothelioma can be tied to asbestos exposure in one way or another.
Fiat recalls over a million pickup trucks after crashes, fatality
As more and more of the functions of our vehicles are controlled by software, vehicle recalls increasingly involve software errors rather than the defect or malfunction of a part. That's the case with a recently-announced recall by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV of over a million of its Ram pickup trucks.
Will proposed bill keep asbestos legal?
Despite some estimates that asbestos continues to claim as many as 15,000 lives every year, it still hasn’t been completely banned in the United States. In addition, the Senate is now considering new legislation that many believe will, if passed, make it much more difficult for federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban this dangerous material in the future.
Wrongful death lawsuits might be possible after death on-the-job
Losing a loved one in any circumstance is hard. When you find out that your loved one died because of a medical condition caused by something he or she encountered on-the-job, your grief might turn to outright anger.
'Bathroom upgrade' was actually asbestos removal, residents claim
After being asked to leave their Massachusetts apartment complex for 10 days for supposed bathroom upgrades, many residents began to worry when they were still unable to move back nearly a month later. Why the delay? Residents found out that asbestos was actually being removed from their building.
How can I identify asbestos in my house?
Last week, we told you about the various do's and don'ts homeowners should follow if they believe certain materials and products in their home may contain asbestos. This week, we are offering tips on how you can go about identifying whether the questionable material is actually asbestos or not.
Asbestos 1 of first 10 substances under review by government
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has classified asbestos as a known carcinogen. People who have had exposure to significant amounts of this chemical can develop mesothelioma. This type of cancer can impact the tissue that covers the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos can also lead to lung cancer.
Think your home may contain asbestos? Homeowner do's and don'ts.
If your home was built prior to 1980, there is a good chance that it once contained asbestos — and it may still be there today. In fact, many building materials used to contain significant amounts of asbestos, including various types of insulation, roofing and siding shingles, ceiling/floor/vinyl tiles, cement board and pipe wrap, just to name a few.
Why diagnosing mesothelioma in its early stages makes a difference
When mesothelioma is diagnosed in its early stages, the life expectancy of the patient is generally longer than if it's not caught until the later stages. When people are still in stage 1 or 2 of the cancer, it often responds well to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Early-stage mesothelioma patients are also more likely to qualify for clinical trials than later-stage ones.
