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Yang receives MARF grant for meso study
26 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News Research scientist Haining Yang, MD, PhD, has been selected to receive a two-year, $100,000 grant from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) to study the mechanism of how asbestos causes mesothelioma. She hopes the research will aid in the development of effective prevention and therapeutic interventions, according to a report in the Honolulu Advertiser. Yang is a scientist at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, in the Thoracic Oncology Program.

Yang was one of five recipients of the MARF grant, and was selected from among 59 applicants in an international competition. Her research project will include an early detection study of mesothelioma in targeted villages in Turkey that show a high incidence of the disease, the paper reports.

In addition to the MARF grant, Yang will recieve $120,000 from the Hawaii Community Foundation Leahi Fund that will help support her research.

According to the Honolulu Advertiser, people in Hawaii are familiar with mesothelioma because it often affects people who worked in the naval shipyards at Pearl Harbor, as a result of exposure to asbestos used in shipbuilding for years.

The Cancer Research Center of Hawaii is a reserach unit of the University of Hawaii. It was established as a freestanding independent institute in 1981. On July 1, 1996, the Center became a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated center, and was awarded the Cancer Center Support Grant. The Center is located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its mission is to “reduce the burden of cancer through research, education, and service with an emphasis on the unique ethnic, cultural and environmental characteristics of Hawaii and the Pacific.”

Tags: asbestos, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, Haining Yang, mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Pearl Harbor, shipyards, Turkey



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Longtime Libby resident Crill captures tragedy through poetry
23 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News, People I recently spoke with Mike Crill, a resident of Libby, Montana for more than 40 years. Mike has been diagnosed with asbestosis as a result of years of asbestos exposure at the W.R. Grace & Co. mine in Libby. He has watched many members of his family suffer from asbestosis and mesothelioma as a result of years of exposure in the workplace and from widespread asbestos contamination throughout the town.

These days, Mike is an outspoken activist who lobbies for more thorough cleanup of Libby and the surrounding countryside, or a quarantine of the town to protect future generations from exposure. I’ll have more about his mission in the next few weeks, but I wanted to introduce you to him through some of his writings.

Following is a poem that Mike created in memory of his father-in-law, Donald M. Kaeding, who was diagnosed with asbestosis in both lungs in 1999, and passed away on January 30, 2002.

Today I’m Told
By Mike Crill

Today I’m told I have asbestosis in both my lungs
and that I am being sent home to die because there is no cure and asbestosis
is my guarantee to death…

Today I am scared to what has become of me.
I no longer can run nor walk very far.
Life’s getting harder every day…

Today I’m saddened by those who love me as they try to hide
the truth and their pain, knowing I shall soon die and that
they will witness my every moment, until I die…

Today I feel so lost because my life depends on a tube that
pumps oxygen into my lungs to keep me alive. Knowing beyond
the end of that hose lies the end of my life…

Today I am mad because I can’t feed myself and someone has to
bathe me, dress me and change my soiled pants. It’s times like
these I wish I were dead…

Today I am in the hospital. I’ve become too much for my loved ones
to endure and I am crying inside because I know when I leave here
I’ll be in Heaven…

Today is the worst, no feelings in my hands and feet, both are
turning blue and non-stop morphine is all that’s left to ease
my pain…

Today I tried my hardest for my last breath, for my last
touch of a hand in mine, as the last words I heard and the last
words I spoke, “I love you…”

Today … I’m in Heaven. No pain for ever more. It’s really
beautiful here. And I shall await for you all to join me in
eternal life and love…God bless and Amen

Tags: asbestos, asbestosis, Libby, mesothelioma, Mike Crill, W.R. Grace & Co.



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Australian asbestos fighter Banton honored
22 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News Bernie Banton, who was the face of the fight against asbestos in Australia, was honored posthumously Jan. 21 with the opening of the Bernie Banton Centre at Sydney’s Concord Hospital. The centre, which is supported by a pledge of $5 million in funding from Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, will study asbestos diseases including mesothelioma.

According to a report in the Herald Sun, the Bernie Banton Centre will be the world’s largest stand-alone asbestos diseases and research institute.

Banton was a leader in the campaign to raise awareness of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in Australia, and a tireless fighter to obtain compensation for workers exposed to asbestos on the job.

The Hills News cites Prime Minister Rudd as saying the death rate among Australians as a result of mesothelioma is increasing, with an estimated 13,000 diagnosed cases expected by 2020. Rudd told the News, “Next year, around 750 Australians will be diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. These are bad figures.”

Bernie Banton passed away as a result of mesothelioma in May 2008, at age 61.

Photo by Andrew Quilty, Sydney Morning Herald

Tags: asbestos, Australia, Bernie Banton, Bernie Banton Centre, mesothelioma, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd



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Alimta inventor Taylor establishes fund for chemistry research
21 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News, People, Research/Treatment Hamilton College alumnus Edward C. Taylor (’46) and his wife Virginia recently donated $1 million to Dr. Taylor’s alma mater for the establishment of an endowed fund for chemistry research at the college. Taylor is the inventor of Alimta, the most successful cancer drug worldwide, and the only cancer drug approved for the treatment of mesothelioma.

Although Hamilton is a liberal arts college, Taylor fell in love with the subject of chemistry in 1942 when he took the class as an elective to fulfill a science requirement. He credits the College’s smaller, more one-on-one class sizes with helping him form a bond with his professor, Dick Sutherland, who he says became his mentor, fostering his inante love of chemistry.

Taylor went on to earn his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Cornell University. While exploring a research topic for his doctorate thesis in organic chemistry, he came upon an article in Science magazine about a fascinating compound isolated from the human liver (now recognized as folic acid) that was shown to be necessary to the growth of microorganims.

Researchers would discover that by modifying the compound, they could create a new compound to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In his research, Taylor applied the compound to inhibit the growth of tumors. He developed a collaboration with drug manufacturer Eli Lilly in 1985 to help fund his studies.

After 12 years of research and development, Taylor’s compound became the cancer drug Alimta.

The Edward and Virginia Taylor Fund for Student/Faculty research in Chemistry will be part of the Hamilton College Excelsior Campaign. The fund will offer students the opportunity to pursue research in organic chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry and other divisions of chemical reserach beginning in the summer of 2009.

Tags: Alimta, Edward C. Taylor, Hamilton College, mesothelioma



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A Q&A with Dr. Vogl about mesothelioma trial
16 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News, People, Research/Treatment I know a lot of people who follow this blog are excited about the wonderful results our friend Debbie Brewer has experienced as a result of her participation in a chemoembolization trial in Germany, with her tumor shrinking 53 percent, and now essentially “dead.” The trial is spearheaded by Dr. Thomas J. Vogl, who is head of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at J.W. Goethe University Hospital at Frankfurt University. He has developed the clinical trial to use chemoembolization to treat mesothelioma.

Because there is so much interest in this clinical trial, even though it is currently only available in Germany, I contacted Dr. Vogl to see if he could provide a little more information about the program.

Q: Explain the basic procedure of chemoembolization / locoregional therapy in the treatment of cancer. How does it work?

A: The basic principle of chemoembolization/locoregional therapy is to achieve a transarterial approach to the tumorous lesion. In the treatment of mesothelioma we have to find the direct supply to the cancer. Then the chemoembolization material can be selectively inserted directly to the lesion. A concentration of cytotoxic drugs of up to 20 times higher can be achieved compared to systemic chemotherapy with reduced adverse events. By cutting off the vascular supply, chemotherapy can be retained in the affected region for several weeks.

Q: How did you learn that this treatment is effective for mesothelioma?

A: During treatment of patients with primary and secondary lung cancer we learned that locoregional therapies are effective for the treatment of mesothelioma.

Q: When did this clinical trial begin? (or how long has it been going on?)

A: The clinical trial started three years ago and will be continued for the next two years.

Q: What are the goals of the clinical trial for this treatment?

A: The goals of the clinical trial are to improve local tumor control, to reduce clinical symptoms like breathing problems and pain, and to increase survival.

Q: How many people with mesothelioma are you currently treating in this clinical trial?

A: Currently we treat 300 to 400 patients with primary and secondary lung cancer per year, and we treat about 20 patients with mesotheliomas.

Q: What are the general / overall results you are seeing in the trials?

A: Clinical symptoms and clinical status of the patients have improved. Local tumor control has improved as well.

Q: What is involved in evaluating a person to see if they are a good candidate for this type of treatment? (What is a good candidate?)

A: Normally we need the following material from the patient before treatment: histology of the cancer, therapy protocols so far obtained, images showing the extension of the tumor. A patient with a localized pleuromesothelioma in one half of the chest is a good candidate.

Q: Explain the procedure for someone receiving this treatment – what happens during a typical treatment visit? How long does it take?

A: After local anesthesia, the femoral vein, which is located in the inguinal region, is punctured. Then a small femoral sheath is usually inserted in the vein through which different catheters can be inserted. After displaying the caval vein, a catheter is pushed forward into the tumor feeding vessels after trespassing the pulmonary arteries. For preventing pain analgetic drugs are administered. Then the chemoembolization as well as the embolizing material are applied. Towards the end of the procedure, the catheters and the sheath system are removed and a compression bandage is applied in order to prevent complications in the inguinal region such as hematoma. After surveillance of 6 to 24 hours, in which complications might be detected and treated, the patient will be discharged. Up to 24 hours after the procedure a CT scan is performed in order to evaluate response to treatment or complications.

Q: How often / frequently does a person receive treatment?

A: The patient normally receives the treatment three up to four times in a 1-month interval.

Q: What are typical side effects of treatment?

A: The typical side effects of the treatment are very low. Normally the patient suffers from fatigue. Nausea and an increasing shortness of breathing are also rarely observed.

Q: How would someone apply to participate in this clinical trial? (Is it still open to receive new patients?)

A: If you send me material (medical reports, MR images, CT scans) I can check it and provide a treatment plan thereafter.

If you are interested in learning more about chemoembolization, or being evaluated for possible inclusion in the clinical trial, you can contact Dr. Vogl here:

Prof. Dr. Th. J. Vogl
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
University Hospital
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
D-60596 Frankfurt

Email: T.Vogl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Contact telephone number: 0049-69-6301-7277

Tags: chemoembolization, clinical trials, Debbie Brewer, Dr. Thomas J. Vogl, Germany, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt, mesothelioma



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Michigan firefighter Wilson loses battle with mesothelioma
14 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News, People In June we brought you the story of Michigan firefighter Brad Wilson, who faced a diagnosis of mesothelioma. His brothers at the firehouse rallied around the 25-year veteran of the Portage Fire Department, working his shifts so that he could obtain long-term disability leave, and helping raise money for him to travel to Houston for treatment.

Sadly, the Kalamazoo Gazette reports that Brad has lost his fight. He passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2008, at age 56, from health issues compounded by mesothelioma, the paper reported.

The newspaper quotes Jim Kelecava, a fellow firefighter, as saying, “When you’re in this profession, there’s a brotherhood you feel with your co-workers, and that’s the same strong bond we all felt with Brad.” They say his willingness to put others first will be his legacy.

Wilson was laid to rest on Saturday, Jan. 3.

We are saddened to learn of Wilson’s passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Tags: Brad Wilson, mesothelioma, Michigan, Portage Fire Department



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Meso survivor Debbie campaigns for groundbreaking meso trial in UK
7 Jan 2009 by Wendi Lewis under News A young woman suffering from breast cancer, which later spread to her liver and vertebrae, has been inspired by our friend Debbie Brewer’s success with the groundbreaking chemoembolization trial in the treatment of mesothelioma, and hopes to travel to Germany for similar treatments.

Our readers will remember that Debbie recently announced that her tumor has shrunk 53 percent following the chemoembolization treatments, which she received as a part of a clinical trial under the care of Dr. Thomas Vogl, who is pioneering the procedure at the University Clinic, Frankfurt. Debbie began the treatments in May 2008.

A report in the Plymouth Herald says Stephanie Chouette hopes to raise about £12,000 for a three-month course of chemotherapy with Dr. Vogl. Stephanie would undergo “local chemoperfusion,” which the report says is similar to chemoembolization. Her friends and loved ones are hosting a fund raiser Jan. 23 at the Derriford Hospital leisure centre’s function room.

Following her successful treatments, Debbie has begun spearheading a campaign to bring a chemoembolization trial to the UK. She is asking supporters to sign an online petition asking the Prime Minister to support the initiative, which would “ensure that all Mesothelioma patients get treatment in the UK,” so they do not have to travel abroad for healing.

You must be a British citizen or resident to sign the petition. Deadline to sign is July 6, 2009.

Tags: chemoembolization, Debbie Brewer, Dr. Thomas J. Vogl, mesothelioma, petition



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Illegal dumping raises concerns about asbestos exposure
31 Dec 2008 by Wendi Lewis under News Councillors in the town of Hunmanby, located in Scarborough, UK, are concerned about illegal dumping after an upsurge in the practice may have exposed residents to asbestos. A recent report in the Filey & Hunmanby Mercury says a recent increase in flytipping in and around the area included an abandoned pile of asbestos sheeting, which will have to be professionally removed by an asbestos abatement company. Exposure to asbestos fibers can result in the development of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

The Hunmanby Parish Council is asking residents of the area to be on the lookout for illegal dumping to help them catch the guilty party or parties. Usually, the council is paid to remove and dispose of items left on roadsides.

The asbestos materials were left on Sheepdyke Lane and discovered by a local farmer, who suspected it was asbestos and called the authorities for safe removal of the material.

The Council requests residents report flytipping in the area by calling the Scarborough Council at (01723) 232323 or the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline at 0800 807060. Reports also can be sent to the Scarborough Council web site.

Tags: asbestos, flytipping, mesothelioma, UK



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UK residents affected by meso encouraged to complete online survey
30 Dec 2008 by Wendi Lewis under Events, News, Organizations, Research/Treatment The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is asking residents of the United Kingdom affected by mesothelioma to complete an online survey to help them gather data about the numbers of people affected by the asbestos-related cancer. They hope the data will help them lobby for new legislation to help mesothelioma victims and their families, and to secure funds for research and treatment.

According to a report in the Sheilds Gazette, Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the BLF, is particularly encouraging residents of South Tyneside to participate in the survey. She said the area has been identified as one of the “top 10 hot spots for mesothelioma in the UK.”

The reserach survey is supported by the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Reserach Fund. Readers of this site are familiar with this organization, which seeks to raise awareness about mesothelioma as well as money for research. The Gazette quotes Anne Craig, an official with the Knighton fund whose husband, David, died of mesothelioma, as saying, “I would encourage people to complete the BLF survey as soon as they can.”

Visit the BLF web site to COMPLETE THE SURVEY. It should only take about 10 minutes to complete. Or, call the BLF helpline at 08458 50 50 20.

Tags: asbestos, British Lung Foundation, mesothelioma, Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, UK



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Meso survivor delivers ‘miracle baby’ in time for Christmas
29 Dec 2008 by Wendi Lewis under News, People About this time last year, Melbourne, Australia, resident Anita Steiner was facing the prospect of terminal cancer. At 45 years old, she had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Her doctor estimated she would have between six and 12 months to live. But after undergoing surgery that removed part of her right lung and its lining, along with one rib, Anita was focused on surviving. That was in May 2007. One year later, in May 2008, she was stunned to learn that she and her partner Patrick Lemmens were expecting a baby. She delivered a healthy baby girl on December 4, 2008, just in time for Christmas.

It is believed that Anita was exposed to asbestos more than 30 years ago, when she watched her father dismantle a shed covered with asbestos.

Even before her cancer diagnosis, Anita had struggled to have a baby, undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) but receiving only about a 1 percent chance to conceive naturally. After the diagnosis of mesothelioma, she had to stop IVF and relinquished her dream of motherhood. After radical surgery and six months of chemotherapy, the notion that she might become pregnant never entered her mind, she writes in her blog, anitalive.com.

It seems Anita is destined to beat the odds in life.

Her oncologist, Ian Haines, who practices at Cabrini Hospital, says Anita is in remission, according to a story in the The Age. He says the news of her pregnancy was “a surprise, to say the least,” and that after all her cancer treatments for Anita “…to become pregnant naturally and then give birth to this perfect baby was an absolute miracle.”

As of Christmas Day, the couple had not yet named the baby.

Anita’s story was recently featured on the news in Australia. Watch it here:



What a joy and an inspiration! God bless you, Anita, and your family!

Tags: Anita Steiner, asbestos, Australia, mesothelioma



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Sara Yorke This is mirracle and i thanks to God for helping you Anita. And praying for you and your baby.
Meso survivor delivers ‘miracle baby’ in time for Christmas · 29 minutes ago

Steiner Dear Anita, at frist: I wish you and your baby many luck!! It may be, that you can help me. My uncle stephan steiner and his wife lissy go 1951 from germany/bavaria to australia. since 1955/56/57?...
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Kirstin Some would be greatly appreciated.
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Healer I hope more and more people affected by mesothelioma will participate in this ... as I have seen many denieing their disease ...
UK residents affected by meso encouraged to complete online survey · 1 week ago

Healer lung cancer if an awfull disease ... more and more people are dieing because of it ...
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