Asbestos Cancer

Asbestos Cancer Kills 28-Year-Old British Woman

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:20:00 +0000

Asbestos cancer has claimed the life of Leigh Carlisle, a 28-year-old woman who lived in the United Kingdom. This news is particularly shocking since mesothelioma usually develops many years after asbestos exposure, with death occurring long after a sufferer's prime years.

In all likelihood, Leigh was exposed to asbestos at school when she was a youngster. Back in the 60's, a company that manufactured asbestos products convinced government officials that the continued use of asbestos products in schools was a good idea. Click here to read the full story.

Libby, Montana: The Worst Case of Mass Asbestos Exposure In The USA

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 07:56:00 +0000

Believe it or not, the residents of Libby, Montana had asbestos on their Little League baseball field. They used asbestos in their backyards and gardens. An entire community was poisoned with asbestos, and now residents are fighting to get Superfund site designation so that the mess can get cleaned up.

If you missed the PBS documentary then click here to jump to the dedicated site about Libby.

The Libby mess was the result of the W.R. Grace company's mining of vermiculite ore, which was used to make Zonolite, a popular building material (Zonolite is basically the brand name for vermiculite.) Vermiculite isn't toxic, but the ore was laced with asbestos, which is.

Zonolite was installed in many millions of homes in the United States. The government doesn't recommend its removal, since the final product, expanded vermiculite, doesn't appear to pose any health risks.

So, the question is: if you found out that your home contains expanded vermiculite, would you worry?

NYC Steam Pipe Explosion: Should Residents and Commuters Be Worried About Asbestos Exposure?

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:54:00 +0000

I'm sure you've heard, read or watched video of the huge steam pipe explosion in midtown Manhattan. Here's some stunning video at YouTube in case you missed it.

I've worked at least 3 different, full time jobs in that part of town in the past. I feel for the folks who are going to clean up that mess, just as I felt sympathy for the workers who cleaned up at ground zero. Those old buildings and steam pipes were very likely insulated with at least one form of asbestos. The risks are real, and if anyone tells you different, don't buy it. Remember folks: it only takes a single, tiny fiber of asbestos to eventually cause asbestos-related disease later in life. Yup.

9-Year Asbestos Cancer Survivor Offers Free Teleconference for Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:31:00 +0000

Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, a.k.a asbestos cancer. Most patients don't survive more than a year or two after being diagnosed with the disease.

But Paul Kraus has beaten the odds. Kraus is a 9-year mesothelioma survivor and author of the book Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide.

Kraus invites other asbestos cancer patients and their families to register for a free teleconference, which is set to take place at 8 p.m. on December 14^TH, 2006 (call [619] 261-7922 to register) where he'll discuss treatment options, how he handled his diagnosis and more.

For more details, here's a clip from a recent press release:

"Nine year mesothelioma survivor Paul Kraus is scheduled to provide another inspiring teleconference to mesothelioma patients and their families on December 14 at 8:00 PM ET. Please call 619-261-7922 to register and listen to this extraordinary survivor discuss how he healed his cancer. Register today because there are only two spaces left for this popular teleconference.

In 1997, Paul Kraus was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer called mesothelioma. The cancer was so widespread that doctors told him there was little hope and that he should get his affairs in order. Rather than giving up, Mr. Kraus researched various treatment options and, with the help of his doctors, created his own path to healing. Today, over nine years later, he continues to enjoy a good quality of life. 'Dr. Andrew Weil wrote that any illness can be conquered through radical lifestyle change because our bodies are made with powerful self-healing capacities. It was [very] hard to make such radical changes, but I was determined to see them through,' Paul Kraus said.

Mr. Kraus wrote an acclaimed book about his diagnosis and healing called: 'Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers - A Patient's Guide.' This book, available on Amazon.com, is one of the best-selling mesothelioma books in the world.

Wanting to provide hope, support, and inspiration, Mr. Kraus took the unusual step of hosting free telephone calls so that newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients and their family members would be able to speak directly to him.

During these teleconferences, Mr. Kraus describes how he handled his diagnosis, what he learned about the disease, the steps he took to heal his mesothelioma, and answers questions from patients and their loved ones. Topics usually include: new chemotherapy drugs, surgery, holistic approaches, vitamins and other supplements, clinical trials, anti-angiogenesis therapies, mind-body medicine, and doctor-patient relationships. Mr. Kraus is quick to point out that he is not a doctor and does not provide medical advice, but he inspires patients with his own insights, experience, and story of survival.

If you are a mesothelioma patient or a loved one of a mesothelioma patient and wish to listen-in to this free teleconference with mesothelioma survivor Paul Kraus, please call 619-261-7922 to register. Please register today because there are only two spaces left."

From The UK: House of Lords Ruling in Barker v. Corus Overturned, Which Will Mean Full Compensation for Victims of Asbestos-Related Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 14:08:00 +0000

Victims of asbestos cancer in the UK can look forward to full compensation from employers found to be negligent and liable. On average, 1,900 people in the United Kingdom die from asbestos-related cancer each year.

Further details can be found below in today's press release clip:

"The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer has announced changes to compensation laws which will mean victims of asbestos-related cancer will receive full compensation. The announcement follows the House of Lords ruling in Barker v Corus in May this year that prevented thousands of mesothelioma victims from receiving a full payout. The decision reduced the amount of compensation to which they were entitled when employers and their insurers were unavailable to be sued, as well as making the whole process of claiming compensation longer and more costly. In response The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer and John Hutton, the Work and Pensions Secretary, will amend the Compensation Bill - currently going through Parliament - to reverse the ruling. The amendment will mean that negligent employers will be jointly and severally liable and that claimants will be able to recover full compensation from any one employer.

Peter Williams, a partner in the Asbestos Claims Department at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, said, 'I am delighted the government has promptly indicated their intention to restore the rights of those suffering from mesothelioma to claim full compensation from any one employer.

'Whilst we do need to look at the detail and timing of the legislation we hope to be able to tell our clients and their families we can deal with their cases speedily and that they no longer face the prospect of losing large amounts of compensation through no fault of their own.'

About 1,900 people die in the UK each year from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs or abdomen, which is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is one of the country's leading asbestos disease claims firms. Over twenty-five years Rodney Nelson-Jones and his team have recovered nearly £100M in over 1,750 successful cases.

For more details or comment please contact:
Asbestos Claims Department of Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP.
Peter Williams (020 7861 4825)
Andrew Morgan (020 7861 4036)

info @ ffw.com
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP
35 Vine Street
London
EC3N 2AA
United Kingdom
Tel 020 7861 4000
Fax 020 7488 0084

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP
FFW is a full service law firm based in the City of London. With 91 partners, over 180 other lawyers and over 250 support staff, we assist a wide range of domestic and international clients, with advice across a full range of commercial legal issues. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also houses one of the country's leading personal injury practices."

National Cancer Institute Sponsors Clinical Trial of A Promising New Treatment for Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 17:45:00 +0000

From today's press release, we have good news, and bad news.

First, the bad news: it is expected that 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) will be diagnosed this year in the U.S. alone. This year will also see thousands more new cases diagnosed in other industrialized nations, like Japan, Australia and the UK.

OK, here's the good news: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring a clinical trial of a promising new mesothelioma treatment. A select group of patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma who have failed one prior line of chemotherapy, will be treated with PXD101, a small molecule histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor.

Further details below in the snippet from today's press release:

"CuraGen Corporation and TopoTarget A/S announced today the initiation of patient dosing in a Phase II clinical trial evaluating the activity of PXD101, a small molecule histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, for the treatment of mesothelioma. This trial is being sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under a Clinical Trials Agreement with CuraGen for the clinical development of PXD101.

The Phase II clinical trial is an open-label study being led by Suresh Ramalingam, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, PA. Patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, who have failed one prior line of chemotherapy, will be enrolled and receive PXD101 by intravenous infusion every three weeks. The primary endpoint for the study is response rate, with secondary endpoints evaluating safety and measuring both the time to treatment failure and survival. A total of approximately 37 patients are expected to be enrolled into this study at multiple sites across the United States.

'A significant amount of preclinical research suggests that HDAC inhibitors, including PXD101, alter the regulation of many genes, resulting in growth inhibition of human mesothelioma cells. Given the ability of HDAC inhibitors to down-regulate genes such as BCL-XL and VEGF and up-regulate cell-cycle regulating genes, including p21, we are excited to begin evaluating PXD101 as a potential treatment for this type of cancer,' stated Dr. Ramalingam. 'There are no proven treatment options beyond the first-line chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma, highlighting the importance of evaluating promising therapeutics like PXD101 for this patient population.'

Correlative pharmacodynamic studies will also be conducted to evaluate the potential inhibition of HDACs in mesothelioma tumor cells from patients enrolled in this trial. Evaluation of the genes regulating proliferation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), as well as acetylation of histone and non-histone proteins, will be performed.

About Mesothelioma

As many as 3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2006. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer arising from the cells, known as mesothelium, with the majority of cancers beginning in the chest cavity. The incidence of mesothelioma increases with age and is rarely diagnosed in patients under 55 years old. Although environmental exposure to certain chemicals and radiation are believed to play a role in the development of mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is believed to be the main cause of mesothelioma. The five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is approximately 10%, with an average survival of one to two years following diagnosis.

About PXD101

PXD101 is a promising small molecule HDAC inhibitor being investigated for its role in the treatment of a wide range of solid and hematologic malignancies either as a single-agent, or in combination with other active anti-cancer agents, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), carboplatin, paclitaxel and Velcade® (bortezomib) for Injection. HDAC inhibitors represent a new mechanistic class of anti-cancer therapeutics that target HDAC enzymes and have been shown to: arrest growth of cancer cells (including drug resistant subtypes); induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death; promote differentiation; inhibit angiogenesis; and sensitize cancer cells to overcome drug resistance when used in combination with other anti-cancer agents.

PXD101 is currently being evaluated in multiple clinical trials as a potential treatment for multiple myeloma, T-cell lymphoma, and colorectal and ovarian cancers, either alone or in combination with anti-cancer therapies. In August 2004, CuraGen signed a Clinical Trials Agreement with the NCI under which the NCI will sponsor several clinical trials to investigate PXD101 for the treatment of various cancers, both as a single-agent and in combination chemotherapy regimens. In May 2005, TopoTarget announced the signing of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the NCI to conduct pre-clinical and non-clinical studies on PXD101 in order to better understand its anti-tumor activity and to provide supporting information for clinical trials."

One of The Most Recognizable Faces In Hollywood Succumbs to Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Tue, 30 May 2006 05:42:00 +0000

Actor Paul X. Gleason has died from mesothelioma at age 67. Gleason was easily one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.

He starred in blockbuster movies like Trading Places (one of my favorites from the 80's), Breakfast Club and Die Hard.

For more, click here.

Onconase® Mesothelioma Drug Gets Tested In Turkey

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Fri, 19 May 2006 17:59:00 +0000

The Onconase® (ranpirnase) investigational mesothelioma drug, produced by Alfacell Corporation, will be tested in Turkey in a study that is both notable and pioneering because it will test the ability of the drug to prevent mesothelioma. Full details can be found below in the snippet from yesterday's press release:

"Alfacell Corporation announced today that Dr. Michele Carbone, Chairman of the Company's Thoracic Cancer Advisory Board, will lead a groundbreaking program to evaluate the potential of ONCONASE (ranpirnase) and other medications to prevent mesothelioma. The program will be conducted in Turkey with the full permission and cooperation of Prof. Dr. A. Murat Tuncer, Chairman, Department of Cancer Control, Ministry of Health in Turkey. The Nevsehir region of Turkey, where the high risk of mesothelioma has been well-documented, is the first selected area for the program.

At a recent joint press conference with Professor Tuncer at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Carbone commented on the rationale for including ONCONASE in this program. 'Our hypothesis is that ONCONASE, with its proven affinity for rapidly-dividing cancerous cells, inhibition of protein synthesis and induction of apoptosis, will block the formation of tumors and therefore arrest or eradicate the disease in its early stages without the need for surgery,' stated Dr. Carbone. 'As such, swift identification of at-risk families exposed to asbestos and erionite, which are clearly linked to the onset of mesothelioma, early diagnosis of the disease and treatment with ONCONASE will be among the key cornerstones of this exciting program.'

Under the program, ONCONASE and other drugs will be provided at no cost to patients. Dr. Carbone and his team will then monitor the efficacy of the various agents as preventative treatments. The incidence and prevalence rates of mesothelioma in the selected regions observed during the program are among the other data to be analyzed.

The clinical costs will be paid by the Ministry of Health in Turkey, while the research to identify the gene that causes the mesothelioma epidemic is presently supported by a grant from the American Cancer Society and in the immediate future will be supported by a PO-1 grant awarded by the National Cancer Institute to Dr. Carbone and his research team."

Owens Corning Agrees To Massive $5.2 Billion Asbestos Settlement

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Thu, 11 May 2006 00:20:00 +0000

Owens Corning, the global #1 maker of insulation products, has agreed to an asbestos settlement that is probably the biggest ever. The $5.2 billion deal will protect the company from any and all future legal action related to human illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos, and will allow Owens Corning to emerge from bankruptcy.

Further details can be found below in the snippet from today's press release:

"In what is likely the largest asbestos settlement in history, principles announced today a $5.2 billion dollar agreement to resolve current and future asbestos claims with Owens Corning and permit the world's largest producer of insulation products to emerge from bankruptcy with no further obligations for asbestos liability.

Terms of the agreement will require Owens Corning to make an initial cash payment of approximately $2.9 billion dollars in cash into a trust for asbestos victims. Owens Corning will make further payments to the asbestos victims' trust within ten days of the end of this year's Congressional session in the amount of $1.39 billion dollars. The company will also deliver to the trust 28.6 million shares of equity in the reorganized company. The value of these payments and equity totals in excess of $5.2 billion dollars. 'The path to justice for victims of asbestos cancer and asbestos poisoning by Owens Corning has been a long and difficult one. Although nothing can ever repair the loss of lives that has occurred, today's settlement represents a fair resolution for both the victims and Owens Corning,' said John D. Cooney, of the Chicago law firm of Cooney & Conway. 'Although we are pleased with the outcome of this settlement, it is an appropriate time to remember that countless lives were lost or destroyed as a result of the needless use of asbestos containing products.'

Cooney is the chairman of the official Asbestos Claimants Committee formed by the United States Trustee to represent asbestos plaintiffs after Owens Corning filed for bankruptcy protection in October of 2000. The settlement of this case will resolve all of the asbestos liability of the various divisions of Owens Corning as well as their wholly owned subsidiary, the Fiberboard Corporation.

'Thousands of American men and women exposed to Owens Corning asbestos products have developed mesothelioma (an often fatal asbestos cancer) and other forms of cancer and asbestos disease. Settlement monies paid into this trust will make certain that those victims will always have a place to go to recover for the damage that has been done to them and their families,' said Cooney. 'Unfortunately, people continue to be diagnosed with mesothelioma every week and people are still becoming sick from asbestos exposure. I am hopeful that the monies realized from this settlement will help the victims face a very difficult future,' Cooney added.

'Under the terms of this settlement, Owens Corning will meet their obligations to the people who are injured and dying and also enable the company to reorganize and retain all of their employee workforce and businesses,' said Cooney. 'The terms of this settlement will provide for payment to the pre-petitioned holders of bank debt and bond debt incurred by Owens Corning. Under the terms of the agreement, the bond holders may choose to exercise an option to purchase for cash, certain equity from the trust in exchange for cash payments.'

The terms of the deal could be altered in the event that federal legislation were to be passed by the United States Congress this year. In such an event, the obligations for the payment of the Owens Corning liability of over $5.2 billion dollars would shift from Owens Corning to taxpayers or other companies.

'Now that Owens Corning has acknowledged their liability of over $5 billion dollars and agreed to make payments to those that have been killed and injured, I would hope that our elected representatives would not seek to bail out anyone from that obligation,' said Cooney. 'These families have suffered enough and waited enough and it would be a tragedy to reverse their settlements after all this effort from so many parties,' added Cooney.

John D. Cooney is also the chairman of the USG Asbestos Claimants Committee which announced a similar $4 billion dollar settlement of asbestos liability in February."

Exxon Mobil to Pay Pipe Fitter Suffering from Asbestosis Over $1 Million

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sat, 18 Feb 2006 17:22:00 +0000

Energy giant Exxon Mobil has been ordered to pay a pipe fitter with Asbestosis Over $1 Million. Further details can be found below in the clip from today's press release:

"A jury has awarded $1,083,000 to Merle Sandy, a 60–year–old retired pipe fitter suffering from asbestosis and colon cancer caused by his on–the–job exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis is a painful scarring of the lungs that causes shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity. It is not curable. Mr. Sandy underwent surgery for the colon cancer, but the tumor has spread to his liver and his condition remains serious.

The defendant, Exxon Mobil Corporation, is the former owner and operator of an oil refinery located in Benicia, California, where Merle Sandy did industrial maintenance work. He was exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos while removing insulation and working with asbestos gaskets, packing and welding blankets.

Employed by an independent contractor, Mr. Sandy worked at the Benicia refinery from 1970 through 1974. He also worked at the refinery in 1977 and 1979. Although Exxon Mobil personnel oversaw Mr. Sandy’s work, the company did not disclose that the products he was working with were hazardous, or provide information about the location of asbestos at the refinery, the plaintiff said. Exxon Mobil also did not instruct Mr. Sandy about how to work safely to prevent asbestos exposure or provide him with respiratory protection.

The testimony of Exxon Mobil’s medical officials, as well as internal documents, established that the company was fully aware of the risk of disease posed by asbestos dust at its refinery properties as early as 1937, according to the plaintiff.

Christopher Andreas and Andrew Chew of the Novato, CA office of Brayton Purcell represented Merle Sandy at trial. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Gail Dekreon presided. The case is Merle Sandy v. Exxon Mobil Corporation (San Francisco Superior Court, No. 324212).

About Brayton Purcell:

For over 20 years, Brayton Purcell has helped clients protect their legal rights in the face of devastating losses such as illness, injuries, and harm to family members. The law firm enjoys a national reputation for the high quality of its personal injury and product liability work, particularly in the areas of asbestosis, asbestos colon cancer, asbestos lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.

For more information, call 415-898-1555 or visit our firm web site at http://www.braytonlaw.com. For legal, legislative and medical news about mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers, see our specialty web sites, Asbestos Network at http://www.asbestosnetwork.com and Mesothelioma Network at http://www.mesotheliomasite.com"

The Doctor-Patient Alliance for Responsible Asbestos Policy Calls On The U.S. Senate to Fix The Asbestos Trust Fund Bill (S.852)

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Fri, 10 Feb 2006 00:52:00 +0000

The Doctor-Patient Alliance for Responsible Asbestos Policy wants The U.S. Senate to fix the Asbestos Trust Fund Bill S.852. Further details can be found below in the snippet from today's press release:

"The Doctor-Patient Alliance for Responsible Asbestos Policy today repeated its call on the U.S. Senate to cure fatal flaws in the proposed Asbestos Trust Fund bill (SB 852).

Last July, the nationwide group of 34 doctors who treat mesothelioma patients urged the U.S. Senate to remove the 'one-size-fits-all' cap on awards and install a due process hearing, at which patients could prove their special medical and financial hardship damages and have their award tailored accordingly. The claims review system would be modeled after the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund.

In addition, the Doctor-Patient Alliance asked for assurances that dying mesothelioma patients would be fairly compensated during their shortened life span. The detailed letter was sent to all 100 U.S. Senators.

'We are disappointed that our suggestions were ignored,' said Dr. Harvey Pass, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at New York University Medical School. 'This bill presented an historic opportunity to enact legitimate reforms that would directly benefit present and future meso patients. Regrettably, the bill actually hurts more than helps meso patients.'

'The $1.1 million cap is insufficient to meet the medical, hospital, travel, lodging and other costs of mesothelioma patients who pursue the best treatments, which include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of therapies,' said Dr. Robert Cameron, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at UCLA Medical School. 'The inflexible cap fails to address the ongoing medical costs of patients who survive long enough to outlive the median survival time but who remain disabled and unable to earn a living. The bill ends up discriminating against the early stage, usually younger, patients whose life-long medical costs are certain to exceed their award.

'Mesothelioma must be treated as a chronic disease that requires a lifetime of care and treatment,' said Dr. Cameron. 'The costs of staying alive will far surpass the bill's arbitrary cap. Worse, some patients may decide against expensive novel treatments to stockpile the meager 'compensation' for their family.'

In addition, the Alliance argues that any awards should be made while the money can be effectively invested in life-extending cures. 'I doubt very much that the new bureaucracy will be up and running within my life time,' predicts Dr. Bret Williams, age 52, a two year meso survivor who has incurred over $600,000 in medical bills. 'It will take at least two years for the new federal agency to start paying out claims, while the median survival for mesothelioma patients is about nine months.'

Dr. Williams, who has resolved his third-party civil claim, noted that most states have laws that allow in extremis meso patients to obtain preferential trial settings. For example, in Colorado and California, courts are required to set hardship meso cases for trial within 120 days. 'I don't buy the rhetoric that an untested, under funded and at this point non-existent federal agency will pay out fair compensation faster than the court system,' said Dr. Williams.

The Doctor-Patient Alliance has concerns that the bill will unduly restrict access to the Fund based on industry-friendly exposure criteria. 'The Bill provides only for those with prolonged, occupational exposure. It excludes those with neighborhood exposure, or exposure only in schools or homes or while doing 'shade tree mechanic' work. It completely knocks out the first responders to the World Trade Center collapse,' said Dr. Williams.

'My family would not have been compensated under the Trust Fund, since I was exposed while doing sporadic home repairs and while working with vermiculite potting soil,' noted Dr. Williams.

'The U.S. Senate should correct these serious flaws or start over,' said Dr. Pass. 'Our government must do better when it comes to federal compensation initiatives. Recent studies of similar programs, like the Black Lung fund, make me skeptical that the asbestos trust fund will work. The motives may have been noble, but every federal compensation program to date has been marred by much higher costs, more claims than predicted, serious delays in meeting the demand and long intervals between the date the bill became law and the day the government started writing checks.'

'I have a message for Dr. Frist,' said Dr. Williams. 'We belong to a privileged profession. Years ago, we dedicated ourselves to healing the sick, to caring for people from all occupations. It's been said that politics is 'medicine on a grand scale.' The principles guiding patient care should inform your decisions today. Let's ban asbestos. Let's fund research on effective treatments to stave off the asbestos health crisis. But let's not bail out industry at the expense of victims. Dr. Frist, do no harm'

For more information, see http://www.drpatientalliance.org/."

Some Interesting Facts About The History and Status of Asbestos In The USA

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 01:33:00 +0000

I came across an interesting press release today that contained some fascinating information related to the history and status of asbestos in the United States. For example, in 1989, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned asbestos, but The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the EPA ban in 1990.

And here's another fact that you probably don't hear too often: an estimated 30 million schools, homes, and office buildings are already contaminated with some form of cancer-causing asbestos.

More details can be found below in the snippet from today's press release:

"The February edition of CancerWire focuses on the continued presence of a carcinogen that will stun many Americans – asbestos the well known carcinogenic mineral is still being used in the U.S. and this deadly mineral can be found in over 30 million homes and schools. These revelations and others were provided during a recent interview with Linda Reinstein of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO).

Asbestos Diseases are Incurable
When her husband Alan was diagnosed with a deadly cancer (mesothelioma) which is caused by asbestos, Linda Reinstein decided to take a stand. She turned her anger into action and co-founded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). Today, ADAO is an international organization that has representatives throughout the world and offers support, resources and education for a growing community of patients and caregivers.

Ms. Reinstein wants more Americans to know about asbestos so they can protect themselves and avoid being diagnosed with an incurable disease like her husband. 'Asbestos can cause or contribute to cancers such as mesothelioma, lung, larynx, esophageal, and stomach cancer and many non-malignant diseases such as asbestosis and chronic pulmonary respiratory disease. Ten thousand lives are lost in the U.S. every year to all asbestos-related disease. Each case is incurable and often deadly and every case could have been prevented because the dangers of this mineral were known in the early 1900’s,' Ms. Reinstein explained. This enormous death toll may actually be under-reported because asbestos diseases are usually hard to diagnose. Many victims will die of cardiac failure or pneumonia and are never diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.

No Asbestos Ban?
In 1989, the EPA announced an asbestos ban and phase out. But in 1990, the ban was overturned by a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. 'So we don’t have an actual ban on asbestos, but instead a regulation to reduce exposure,' said Reinstein. 'Asbestos is allowed in certain concentrations. For example, under OSHA, an employee cannot be exposed to more than 0.1 asbestos fibers per cubic centimeter of air for an average eight hour work day. But, this gets confusing because how does a consumer know if a given product fits within those guidelines?' According to Reinstein these regulations may not even matter because the EPA has repeatedly stated that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure.

In addition to having asbestos present in new products and materials, an estimated 30 million homes, schools and offices are already contaminated with the mineral. So construction, repair, or demolition in older structures can lead to exposure as we saw on 9/11 with the World Trade Center. 'One life lost to an asbestos related disease is tragic; hundreds of thousands of lives lost is unconscionable. While we can’t reclaim the lives of our loved ones, we can make the world a better place for those who come after us.' Reinstein concluded.

The entire interview will soon be available at http://www.cancermonthly.com/

For more information about the ADAO go to http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/"

Mesothelioma-Attorney-Case.com Is Officially Against The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act of 2005

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 01:25:00 +0000

The folks at Mesothelioma-Attorney-Case.com are officially against The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act of 2005, also known as The Asbestos Trust Fund Bill (S.852).

Here's a snippet from a Mesothelioma-Attorney-Case.com press release that was issued today:

"Mesothelioma-attorney-case.com joins opposition against Bill S.852 - the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005.

Bill S.852 is being touted by lobbyists as the solution to help ease the burden on our judicial system regarding asbestos litigation.

The true effect of the bill if passed, will be to add several layers of government involvement to an already overburdened legal system.

Increased federal involvement will not produce a decrease in expenses due to asbestos litigation.

Adding another layer of bureaucracy to victims stricken with Mesothelioma is not the answer. Individuals exposed to these harmful agents have the right to be heard on an individual basis.

The Bill has set guidelines regarding the individuals past exposure to asbestos.

To place individuals exposed to asbestos in a 3 level template is unjust.

The Three levels of asbestos exposure are defined in a qualitative and subjective manner based on the length of employment in an asbestos exposure-related job. They are:

Moderate Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in areas immediate to where asbestos-containing products were installed, repaired or removed and involved regular airborne emissions of asbestos. This counts as one year of substantial occupational exposure.

Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person was involved in the direct installation, repair or removal of asbestos-containing products and thus was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. This counts as two years of substantial occupational exposure.

Very Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in primary asbestos manufacturing, a World War II shipyard or the asbestos insulation trades and thus was exposed to asbestos fibers on a regular basis. This counts as four years of substantial occupational exposure.

We feel the proposed bill will severely limit individual’s rights to just compensation in a timely manner. Mesothelioma is a dehumanizing disease caused by asbestos exposure.

For the full results of our findings you can visit Mesothelioma-attorney-case.com/."

Asbestos Victims' Groups Come Together In Opposition to The Asbestos Trust Fund Bill (S.852)

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Thu, 02 Feb 2006 01:50:00 +0000

The list of citizen, professional and legal organizations that are voicing their opposition to The Asbestos Trust Fund Bill (S.852) continues to grow.

Here's a clip from the latest press release related to S.852:

"Today, leaders of the nation's top asbestos victims' organizations reiterated a number of their deepest concerns with the asbestos trust fund bill in an open letter to Congress. U.S. Majority Leader Frist plans to bring up the legislation on February 6, before the many priority issues addressed by the President in his State of the Union Address on Tuesday.

Five victims' leaders wrote Sens. Frist and Reid on behalf of thousands of asbestos victims across the country, outlining a laundry list of concerns they have with the asbestos trust fund bill, S. 852. Signatories include:

Susan Vento, chairperson, Committee to Protect Mesothelioma Victims-CPMV (Washington, DC);

Linda Reinstein, co-founder and executive director, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization-ADAO (Redondo Beach, CA);

Michael Bowker, founder and executive director, Asbestos Victims Organization-AVO; Author, Fatal Deception: The Untold Story of Asbestos: Why It is Still Legal and Why It Is Still Killing Us (Placerville, CA);

Jim Fite, national secretary, White Lung Association-WLA (Baltimore, MD); and

Barbara Zeluck, secretary, White Lung Asbestos Information Center-WLAIC (New York, NY);

The groups raise a number of concerns, including the facts that the bill would: strip asbestos victims of their rights to bring their claims to court; force victims to face long delays in compensation, many of whom do not have long to live; and leave countless victims, including 9/11 and Katrina victims, out in the cold.

Group leaders say in the letter that:

This legislation is not primarily intended, nor is it good, for victims. In fact, in its current form, the legislation would make recovery of compensation dramatically worse for victims. It would deny whole classes of cancer-ridden victims, who, today, are able to recover compensation for their injuries, any ability to be compensated.

Victims' groups have sent many letters to Sen. Specter, and other members of the U.S. Senate, in the past voicing concerns that the bill is grossly under funded, falls far short of the criteria that are needed to address victims' needs and fails to provide enough funding for asbestos research, education, and prevention.

To see a copy of the letter visit:

www.asbestostruth.org/news/2006-02-01_united_letter.pdf

For more information on problems with the trust fund proposal visit: http://www.asbestostruth.org/.

Committee to Protect Mesothelioma Victims

The Committee to Protect Mesothelioma Victims (CPMV) is an organization founded by asbestos victims and their families and friends. CPMV works to raise awareness on national asbestos issues and ensure that victims' rights are properly represented and protected on both a local and national level. For more information visit http://www.asbestostruth.org/.

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families. ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to help ensure that their rights are fairly represented and protected, while raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed by volunteers. For more information visit http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org

Asbestos Victims Organization

AVO is a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to providing assistance to asbestos victims and their families. AVO also provides educational materials on asbestos.

White Lung Association

The White Lung Association (WLA) is an organization made up of people with asbestos-related diseases, where they can find out information about these diseases and political developments."

Alfacell Corporation Has 300 Participants In An International Trail for Their New Mesothelioma Drug Onconase®

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Thu, 19 Jan 2006 18:46:00 +0000

Alfacell Corporation currently has Onconase® (Onconase is the brand name for ranpirnase) in an international, confirmatory Phase IIIb trial. Onconase is being developed as a treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM). More details can be found below in the snippet from today's press release:

"Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL) today announced that over 300 patients are now enrolled in the Company's international, confirmatory Phase IIIb trial evaluating ONCONASE® (ranpirnase), the Company's lead investigational drug candidate, as a treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM). The required number of patients for full enrollment is 316. The Company will continue to provide updates as key developments occur.

'We have been unwavering in our commitment to complete the ONCONASE UMM clinical program," stated Kuslima Shogen, Chief Executive Officer of Alfacell. 'In enrolling more than 300 patients, Alfacell is conducting one of the largest global UMM studies ever undertaken. We now look forward to achieving more milestones on our regulatory path towards bringing ONCONASE to market.'

About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for cancer, using its proprietary RNase technology platform. ONCONASE® (ranpirnase), Alfacell's lead investigational drug candidate, is currently being evaluated in several studies, including a Phase IIIb registration study for malignant mesothelioma (MM) and a Phase I / II trial in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). For more information, please visit http://www.alfacell.com."

AsbestosNews.com Strongly Opposed To Senate Asbestos Bill S.852

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 07:53:00 +0000

AsbestosNews.com has issued a press release detailing why they are opposed to the Senate Abestos Bill S.852. A snippet from yesterday's release can be found below:

"Asbestosnews.com has decided that the proposed asbestos 'trust-fund' bill facing a Senate vote as early as next year is an unfair addition to the legal landscape as well as the United States Justice system. The bill, which has been waiting for a vote since 2003, was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R - TN) in order to save companies from potentially bankrupting lawsuits stemming from asbestos related injuries.

During most of the 20th century, Asbestos was long used in building construction, fireproofing and insulation in residencies and businesses in the United States and the world. Asbestos exposure has been linked to several health problems including the development of a rare and deadly cancer known as mesothelioma. Because the cancer is hard to detect until it is too late, mesothelioma often results in death.

The proposed Asbestos Bill would create a $140 billion trust fund. This would be made up of money from businesses to compensate those who were seeking retribution for their asbestos related injuries. This fund would essentially put a cap on the amount that people would be able to recoup as well as prevent businesses from paying the bulk of the lawsuit money.

Currently, the bill is set up to allow any additional funds over the $140 billion amount to be paid out by the US taxpayers themselves, through government loans. New Hampshire Republican Sen. Judd Gregg and ranking Democrat Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota, have called on Sen. Frist to address the issue of where the money would come from once the fund ran out. The two senators have expressed concern that the governmental contribution to the fund would further increase the country's debt, already at its highest level ever at over $8 trillion.

Asbestosnews.com is joining the others that are concerned about the asbestos bill as it stops the rights of millions of asbestos sufferers from reclaiming their lives and their rights. By creating a capped trust fund bill to be funded largely by the US government, the responsibility is out of the hands of the businesses that long covered up the hazards of asbestos exposure. These businesses stand to resolve their culpability in their direct negligence and potentially illegal business practices. Due to some harsh critics in the Senate and elsewhere, the passing of the bill is unlikely at this juncture, but still has many proponents in both the Democratic and Republican parties."

EMSL Analytical Offers Free "Asbestos In Homes" Poster

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 23:18:00 +0000

If you are a real estate, inspection or environmental professional then you qualify for a free "Asbestos In Homes" poster from EMSL Analytical, Inc; EMSL Analytical is the nation's largest asbestos testing laboratory. The free poster provides information on where asbestos can typically be found in the average home. Further details can be found below in the snippet from today's press release:

"EMSL Analytical, Inc., the nations largest asbestos testing laboratory is proud to announce that they have just recently released their Asbestos in Homes Poster for Real Estate, Inspection and Environmental Professionals. The decorative poster provides information on where asbestos can be found in homes.

Asbestos was applied extensively to buildings from 1935 to the mid 1970's. Chrysotile and Amosite, both separately and in blends were the predominant asbestos types used in building materials. Asbestos was used even by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The word 'asbestos' is derived from the Greek language, meaning 'inextinguishable'. When processed (milled), asbestos separates into very thin fibers. These fibers are stronger than steel making it quite attractive for a wide range of applications.

When material containing asbestos is disturbed, there is a potential of asbestos fibers being released into the air. These fibers, so small that they are typically invisible to the naked eye, can remain airborne for extended periods. When inhaled they pose serious health issues including:

Asbestosis – Disease characterized by pulmonary fibrosis. This is a progressive scarring of the lung tissue. It is associated exclusively by chronic occupational exposure to asbestos. Symptoms are shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue.

Lung Cancer – Malignant tumor of the covering of the bronchi. Early symptom is a persistent

cough such as in bronchitis. Chest X-Rays sometimes show shadows that indicate tumors. The definitive testis a biopsy with microscopic analysis. The latency period is typically 20-30 years.

Mesothelioma – Cancer of the lining of the chest or abdominal wall. Few symptoms early on.

By the time it is diagnosed it is almost always fatal. As with lung cancer the latency period is extended (typically 30-40 years).

Under the Clean Air Act of 1970, the EPA began regulating asbestos containing materials (ACM) which they define as >1% asbestos. Although it's current use in the U.S. is minimal, there is still a strong international market and imported products may therefore contain asbestos.

For a free copy of EMSL's Asbestos in Homes Poster, visit the firms website at www.EMSL.com"

Best Buy Founder Richard Schulze Gives Close To $50 Million To The Mayo Clinic for Mesothelioma Research

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 21:10:00 +0000

Richard Schulze, founder of the Best Buy retail chain, has donated $48.9 million to the famous Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for Mesothelioma Research. Schulze's wife, Sandra Schulze, died from mesothelioma. The money will be used to fund The Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics; the Center will focus on mesothelioma research and research into other cancers that are not so well known to the public.

Click here to read more...

Mesothelioma.com: Asbestos Bill S.852 Is Unfair To America's War Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 23:28:00 +0000

The folks @ Mesothelioma.com have issued another press release related to the US Senate Bill S.852. Here's a snippet from the press release that was issued today:

"Mesothelioma.com has come out in strong opposition of the opposed Asbestos bill it was announced today. After a thorough review of the proposed amendment, along with extensive interviews with Veterans of war, Mesothelioma.com found the bill to be unfair, inequitable, and unconstitutional.

In addition to being unfair to victims of asbestos disease, the Asbestos Bill is similarly bad for veterans. Thousands of veterans across this country do not support this bill.

Veterans, like all Americans, have always had the right to go to court to hold accountable the companies that knowingly poisoned them. Historically, they have been able to receive court-approved compensation to cope with the devastating health and financial consequences of asbestos-related diseases.

Now, asbestos companies, their insurers and some Senators want to take that right away with a bill that shortchanges asbestos victims and rewards companies that poisoned them.

The asbestos bill terminates the legal rights of all current and future asbestos victims and forces them into an untested national trust fund bureaucracy that would be under-funded by at least $40 billion. The bill would delay financial relief to veterans and other asbestos victims by up to nine years - time many dying asbestos victims just don't have.

Under the proposed bill, many veterans with asbestos-related diseases will not qualify for any compensation at all. Very few veterans are likely to meet the five and ten year cumulative exposure requirements under the bill because they will not have been in the service long enough to qualify.

The bill bails out the very asbestos and insurance companies that knowingly exposed veterans to asbestos.

Visit http://www.mesothelioma.com for more information."

Mesothelioma.com: "Asbestos Bill S.852 Is Under-funded, Unworkable, and Unconstitutional"

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sat, 19 Nov 2005 18:43:00 +0000

Plenty of criticism for Senate Asbestos Bill S.852 from the folks @ Mesothelioma.com, and all of it appears to be both rational and valid. In a press release issued today, Mesothelioma.com points out that the United States government has never enjoyed any success with other similar trust fund arrangements in the past, that S.852 is grossly under-funded, and that, at its inception, the fund will be severely backlogged. More details can be found in the following snippet from today's Mesothelioma.com press release:

"Mesothelioma.com today announced its dissenting opinion on the recent asbestos bill soon to come before congress. Mesothelioma.com has reviewed the recent asbestos bill proposed by Sen. Arlen Spector and Sen. Patrick Leahy and has come
out strongly against the proposed bill. We believe the bill is unworkable, under-funded, and unconstitutional.

While legislation proposed in Washington, D.C., by Pennsylvania Senator, Arlen Specter, on its face seems to allay many issues regarding litigation over asbestos-related disease, the Asbestos Bill actually raises impossible hurdles for victims and bails out politically well-connected corporations.

Senator Specter acknowledges that he can’t pass a ‘perfect’ bill, but offers little solace to the mesothelioma victims who’ll die before they see any help from the fundamentally flawed asbestos bailout bill approved by the Judiciary Committee.

Every major asbestos victims’ organization opposes this bill, while being supported by the corporate defendants who knowingly poisoned their workers and the public
with asbestos and would receive billions of dollars in liability relief.

A few of the fundamental problems with the fund include:

The fund is under-funded by at least $16 billion (according to the CBO) and possibly as much as $49 billion (analysis by asbestos claims expert Mark Peterson) or even $100 billion (Environmental Working Group). Bankruptcy of the fund and taxpayer bailout is likely.

Every single similar government trust fund has failed.

In its current form the fund will immediately be mired in litigation from existing asbestos trusts, insurance companies, small businesses, and the thousands of victims unfairly excluded from the fund.

By moving all pending claims into the fund, the fund is guaranteed to have a huge backlog at startup.

Victims with community exposure and 9/11 victims – even firefighters, police, and emergency workers – are barred from receiving any compensation. The disparity between their treatment and the treatment of similar victims in Libby, Montana is likely unconstitutional.

There is no real sunset process for victims to return to the courts when the fund becomes bankrupt.

While treating unfairly or shutting out those poisoned by asbestos, the companies that poisoned them are rewarded with a multi-billion dollar bailout.
Mesothelioma.com plans to inform its readers on the progress of the bill in the senate and the house, throughout the month of January. More information about the bill can be found at www.mesothelioma.com. Call your local Senator or Congressman and let them know you oppose bill S.852."

Alimta Gets The Fast Track in Japan

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 21:19:00 +0000

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has decided to reduce the review period for the mesothelioma drug Alimta (also known as Pemetrexed) to one year. In Japan, the review process for new drugs usually takes about 2 years.

This priority review decision by the Japanese authorities comes as no surprise, as an alarming percentage of Japanese citizens have developed asbestos cancer as a result of asbestos exposure in the workplace.

The Japanese government didn't ban the two most dangerous forms of asbestos until 1995.

Retired Sheet Metal Worker Is Awarded $1,900,000 In A Mesothelioma Case Involving Chrysotile (White Asbestos)

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 17:09:00 +0000

Amosite (or brown asbestos) and crocidolite (or blue asbestos) are the most dangerous forms of asbestos, so when you read about a court case involving asbestos cancer or mesothelioma, amosite or crocidolite are usually at the heart of the case.

Chrysotile (or white asbestos) is not usually implicated in mesothelioma cases, as it is considered to be a benign form of asbestos, but it can sometimes be dangerous, especially when it is broken up into tiny fragments and allowed to become airborne, as is often the case when chrysotile is used in industry.

Chrysotile was at the heart of a recent case involving Genaro Garcia, a 71-year-old retired sheet metal worker who developed peritoneal mesothelioma as a result of long term exposure to chrysotile. Details can be found below, in a snippet from a press release that was issued today:

"A jury awarded over $1.9 million to a 71–year–old retired sheet metal worker, Genaro Garcia, who developed peritoneal mesothelioma from his prior on–the–job exposure to asbestos (Genaro Garcia and Dalia Garcia v. Duro Dyne Corporation, SF Superior Court, #418098). Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that first attacks the membranes lining the stomach. This fatal disease is almost always caused by asbestos exposure.

The defendant, Duro Dyne Corporation, is a former manufacturer and distributor of asbestos–containing flex HVAC duct connectors and duct sealer used for sheet metal duct connections. Mr. Garcia worked with Duro Dyne Corporation's asbestos–containing sheet metal products throughout his 48–year career, but was never advised to wear any form of respiratory protection. Experts testified that he was exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos, and that each exposure was a substantial factor that contributed to his risk of developing an asbestos–related disease.

Mr. Garcia learned that he had peritoneal mesothelioma in late 2002. After over two years of treatment with chemotherapy, including Alimta®, his cancer is currently in a temporary state of remission. Mr. Garcia traveled with his wife by car from Whittier, California, to testify at the San Francisco trial. He was unable to travel by plane due to the severe side effects of his chemotherapy regime.

The verdict against Duro Dyne Corporation consisted of $325,369 for past and future medical expenses, $530,250 for lost earning capacity, and $1.05 million in non-economic damages. Non-economic damages included $300,000 to Mrs. Garcia for loss of consortium.

'We are grateful that the jury rejected the defense claims that chrysotile asbestos does not cause all mesothelioma, including peritoneal, and that Mr. Garcia is somehow cured of this terrible and entirely preventable disease. Only in a courtroom would you hear such things,' said Mr. Garcia’s attorney, Gilbert Purcell, after the verdict.

Gilbert Purcell and Crystal Howard of Brayton Purcell in Novato, California, represented plaintiffs Genaro and Delia Garcia at trial. Duro Dyne Corporation was represented at trial by James Sinunu and Thomas Trapani of Adams Nye Sinunu Bruni Becht LLP of San Francisco, CA."

New Book About Surviving A Terminal Mesothelioma Diagnosis Released

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 12:42:00 +0000

Author Paul Kraus, who was given a few months to live after receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, ended up living 8 years past his diagnosis. Kraus claims to have achieved this miracle by eschewing the conventional methods of combating asbestos cancer, i.e. surgery and chemotherapy, and instead opting for unconventional therapies: radical lifestyle changes and holistic medicine.

Here a snippet from a press release about the book that was issued today:

"Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide is a new book published by Cancer Monthly and written by Paul Kraus. Mr. Kraus survived a deadly cancer called mesothelioma by turning to natural remedies. What is remarkable is not only that Mr. Kraus is alive and well eight years after he was sent home with a few months to live, but that he achieved this after rejecting conventional cancer treatments (surgery and chemotherapy). Instead, he created his own protocol with the help of holistic physicians, a protocol that focused on radical lifestyle changes and provided survival and a good quality of life.

'Dr. Andrew Weil wrote that any illness can be conquered through radical lifestyle change because our bodies are made with powerful self-healing capacities,' explained Mr. Kraus. 'It was hard to make such radical changes, but I was determined to see them through. I realized that to do otherwise meant that my chances of surviving were greatly diminished,' the author stated. The lifestyle changes Mr. Kraus made included reforming his diet, taking oral and intravenous supplements, using experimental therapies, and focusing on mind-body healing.

The book is valuable to all cancers patients, not just those with mesothelioma because the lessons apply to all types of cancer. These lessons include: how to cope with the initial diagnosis, nutrition and diet, selecting conventional and complimentary therapies, and the role of the mind in health and healing. 'Paul Kraus’ book has all the information a cancer patient needs to have in order to learn what survival behavior is about. He has lived the experience, is a native in cancer land and can guide you through the territory,' said Bernie Siegel, M.D. author of Love, Medicine & Miracles and Help Me To Heal.

Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide is the only book in print written by a mesothelioma survivor. To browse the book or for more information about Paul Kraus or mesothelioma visit: http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com"

Summary of This Year's Meso Symposium in Las Vegas: "Progress"

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Thu, 20 Oct 2005 00:08:00 +0000

Here's a piece of a press release issued today:

"Fresh evidence of progress in the diagnosis and treatment of an aggressive asbestos-related cancer was the highlight of the Second International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma last week. Long considered lethal, meso is a tumor that invades the linings of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) organizes the annual symposium, held this year in Las Vegas Nevada, to unite the meso community and focus on curing the disease.

Advances in detection, multimodal treatment, gene therapy, and immunotherapy were among the topics that thrilled the audience. Ann Ferrero, whose mother was diagnosed with meso a year ago, admitted that "Last year my entire family reeled from the shock." The information presented at the symposium, however, left her feeling -- in her own words, "moved, grateful ... and, dare I say ... hopeful!"

The symposium is unique in that it brings together doctors, researchers, advocates, meso patients and families to learn from each other and exchange research results, study findings, and review progress. MARF Director of Communications, and 4 year pleural meso survivor, Klaus Brauch, stated that 'the most important sign of progress for me was that we are now talking about second-line treatments, something of great interest to those of us concerned about recurrences. A few years ago just surviving first-line treatment was an achievement.' MARF, which has awarded over two million dollars of meso research funding, continues to be the only independent non-profit organization actively working to eradicate meso as a life-ending disease.

Attendees were able to meet and ask questions of some of the world's leading meso experts. Ferrero commented that 'the ability to interact with the medical community on such an informal level was unique. I came back with several leads for my mom.' In addition, over thirty meso patients, including numerous long-term survivors, were in attendance. Ferrero found meeting them to be 'uplifting,' and when she met the dedicated staff of MARF she found them to be 'clearly devoted to curing this disease.'

The symposium also featured presentation of the Pioneer Award, an award MARF introduced this year to honor companies that have made substantial contributions to the field of meso research. Alfacell CEO Kuslima Shogen, one of the recipients, stated that 'it is a great honor to receive one of the first MARF Pioneer Awards,' and promised to "continue to work with [MARF] on the mission to find a cure." Other companies recognized with the Pioneer Award were Eli Lilly, Merck, Biogen Idec, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Genentech and Novartis.

MARF also held a poignant tribute ceremony dedicated to the lives and memory of meso patients lost to the cancer. Against the backdrop of a huge memorial wall, the names of the deceased were read by loved ones and candles were lit to commemorate their lives and their presence in spirit with the mission to cure the disease. Break out sessions for care givers, for patients, and for the bereaved allowed each one to focus on the specific needs of their group and exchange concerns in a safe and nurturing environment.

This year's winner of MARF's annual 'Congressman Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award' was none other than the founder of MARF, Roger Worthington, without whose vision and hard work over the last six years neither MARF nor this unique symposium would exist. The awarded was presented by MARF Board of Directors member Susan Vento. Her husband, Minnesota congressman Bruce Vento -- who died from meso in 2000, was beloved for his work to build hope for overlooked communities. Worthington was honored for working, in much the same way, to create hope for the overlooked community of meso patients and those at risk by focusing on the need for effective treatments. The gala reception featured a stirring performance by recording artist Jordan Zevon, whose father, musician and composer Warren Zevon, died of mesothelioma in 2003."

Osteopontin May Help To Detect Mesothelioma In It's Early Stages

noreply@blogger.com (FedPrimeRate.com) — Sat, 15 Oct 2005 01:34:00 +0000

Here a piece of a press release issued today:

"Researchers from several institutions have reported that serum osteopontin levels can be used to identify persons with asbestos exposure who do or do not have mesothelioma. The details of this study appeared in the October 13, 2005, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer caused predominantly by asbestos exposure. There are approximately 2,000-3,000 new cases per year in the United States and the increase in incidence has stimulated recent clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes. In England, the number of annual deaths from mesothelioma is expected to increase from 1,500 in the year 2000 to 3,000 in the year 2020. Because almost all cases are due to chronic asbestos exposure, the peak incidence will not occur until sometime between 2010 and 2020.

Mesothelioma usually presents as pleural nodules or diffuse involvement of the pleura, although up to 10% of all cases occur in the abdomen. The only curative treatment for mesothelioma is surgery. However, more than 70% of cases are advanced at the time of diagnosis and cannot be cured with surgery. The development of a blood test that would allow early diagnosis in patients at risk of mesothelioma, or that would accurately predict a response to treatment, would be a great advance in the management of this malignancy. A recent study suggested that measuring soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMR) would discriminate between mesothelioma and benign conditions in patients exposed to asbestos. The current study evaluated measurement of osteopontin, which is a glycoprotein over-expressed in lung, breast, colorectal, gastric, ovarian cancer and melanoma.

Researchers involved in this study evaluated serum osteopontin levels in 76 patients with pleural mesothelioma and 69 patients with benign asbestos-related disease. They reported that serum levels of osteopontin were elevated in patients with pulmonary plaques and fibrosis but not in those with normal X-rays. They found very high levels of osteopontin in paitents with pleural mesothelioma compared to patients without mesothelioma who were exposed to asbestos. They were able to develop a nomogram which had a sensitivity of 77.5% and a specificity of 85.5%. The same sensitivity and specificity was achieved in patients with stage I mesothelioma, which is the stage one hopes to diagnose."