Asbestos Exposure Symptoms: June Newsletter from Asbestos.com

JUNE 2011 NEWSLETTER

Spice Extract May Induce Death of Mesothelioma Cells

Curcumin, a derivative of the spice turmeric, has come into the medical spotlight as a potential agent in treating mesothelioma. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the turmeric-based compound's ability to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Curcumin has also been studied in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs to measure its affect on the impact of chemotherapeutic treatment.

Malignant mesothelioma, which develops in the linings of certain internal organs, frequently alters cell cycles and apoptosis pathways. This makes the cells very difficult to kill via chemotherapy or radiation therapy. As a result, strategies to make the cells more responsive to treatment are a major focus of mesothelioma research.

After observing biological and molecular responses by malignant pleural mesothelioma cells, researchers found that mesothelioma cells from laboratory mice and humans can be suppressed by exposure to the curcumin. Oral administration of curcumin was able to suppress cell growth in levels that were directly related to the dose of the compound.

Additionally, pretreatment with curcumin made mesothelioma cells more....

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Mesothelioma Treatment Including Phytodynamic Therapy After a Lung-Sparing Operation Improves Survival

While surgery is one of the most common treatments for pleural mesothelioma, the cancer may not always be completely surgically removed. Some surgical treatment plans for mesothelioma are followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Phytodynamic therapy, which uses light energy to destroy cancerous cells, may also be considered as a post-surgical option.

Study Shows Improved Peritoneal Mesothelioma Prognosis After Chemotherapy and Surgery

Chemotherapy is one of three commonly used treatments for mesothelioma. Typically used in conjunction with debulking surgery and/or radiation therapy, chemotherapy can increase the likelihood that all cancerous cells have been destroyed.

Clinical Trial to Test Internet-Based Support Group for Mesothelioma Patients

While health care may be one of the primary concerns for mesothelioma patients, a number of psychosocial needs also arise after a person receives a mesothelioma diagnosis. Some patients experience denial, anger, depression and confusion, and a number turn to support groups to help process these emotions as they work towards acceptance.

Biopersistant Nanotubes and Asbestos May Cause Comparable Internal Damage

As a highly biopersistant fiber, asbestos can cause severe internal damage once inhaled. Research has shown that carbon nanotubes possess properties that are comparable to asbestos fibers, and a recent report comparing the two substances indicated that pristine carbon nanotubes may be able to elicit similar responses in the body.

Asbestos Removal a Concern for Survivors of Alabama Tornadoes

The lack of oversight - or governmental regulation to require it - has created a growing concern in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, over the continued cleanup in the aftermath of the most deadly and destructive tornadoes in state history. The biggest concern now is asbestos, a well-known carcinogen once widely used in commercial and residential construction.

Asbestos Mine Comes Under Scrutiny

The Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos, Quebec, has come under recent scrutiny after the Canadian government proposed a $58 million grant to reopen the mine. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart sent an investigative reporter to speak with town officials about the state of the mine and their current feelings towards chrysotile asbestos.

In Memoriam: Mesothelioma Claims Life of Young High School Football Star Austin Lacy

Karen Rogers will be filled with a mother's pride when she goes to graduation ceremonies later this month at Pasadena (Calif.) High School. She also will be filled with tears - sad ones. Instead of going to watch her son walk across the stage and accept his diploma, she'll be doing the walk in his honor.