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Researchers in Vienna, Austria recently found a protein that could help treat mesothelioma patients. Researchers found the oncoprotein YB-1 which, when targeted, could make pleural mesothelioma more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The results of the study were published in the medical journal “Cancer Letters.” The study builds on earlier research that found that the…
Three teachers recently filed a lawsuit over their first amendment right to publicly demand answers about asbestos inside classrooms. They claim their rights were violated when they were punished for protesting in 2021. As part of a protest, they worked outside during teacher only workdays to protest their risks of asbestos exposure. Administrators told staff…
Now that the final reporting from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxic Substances Control Act is completed, asbestos manufacturers and processors are under stricter regulations. This is all due to the EPA mandating the reporting and record-keeping of uses of asbestos by companies that manufacture, import, or process asbestos or asbestos containing products. The EPA…
Results from a phase 3 clinical trial were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showing that a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for mesothelioma improves patients’ survival more than chemotherapy alone. Researchers combined Keytruda, or pembrolizumab, with platinum and pemetrexed chemotherapy. The overall response rate for patients receiving chemotherapy and Keytruda was 63…
Researchers are trying to determine if a breath test can detect malignant pleural mesothelioma in patients exposed to asbestos. Early results are promising, but more research is needed to see what can be done for patients. The study, which is known as MESOBREATH 5, uses a test to detect volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath.…
Extended pleurectomy decortication surgery combined with chemotherapy is associated with worse outcomes compared to just chemotherapy alone. Researchers looked at extended pleurectomy and decortication surgery alongside chemotherapy and found that there are worse survival outcomes, a higher chance of serious adverse events, and a diminished quality of life compared to just giving patients platinum and…
The Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby, Montana recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The center, known as CARD, had to pay $6 million because it submitted 337 false asbestos claims. The lawsuit revealing this information was filed by the BNSF Railway under the Federal False Claims Act. Private companies can sue on…
A new study is showing that running genetic tests on mesothelioma patients could be useful. The study was conducted at the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin. While the main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos, genetic mutations can also influence people getting mesothelioma. Doctors do not usually test mesothelioma patients’ genes, but researchers believe…
Researchers from Türkiye believe that biomarkers in the blood can help determine if patients are responding well to their treatment. Biomarkers are molecules that can let doctors know what is happening in the body. Even a small number of biomarkers could potentially help point doctors to progress being made in a patient. The researchers were…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its final rule requiring comprehensive reporting of asbestos. The rule requires that importers and manufacturers of asbestos related products report information including use and exposure information from the past four years. The new rule was issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The reporting rule is due to the…
