Must-Read Book

I just wanted to make mention of a book I found listed in some of the Mesothielioma resources I've managed to find for you.  It looks like it would be a really interesting and informative read, while sharing some of the more personal and human aspects of the disease, which can't be quantified and written about in a purely clinical manner, but might be just what more of the world needs to have shared with them, to increase the world's desire to enlighten all to the horrors of this dread disease, and to lobby governments worldwide to ban the mining, distribution and use in ALL construction, EVERYWHERE, and FOREVER, IMMEDIATELY!


This book represents a couple of threads of an  intricate weaving; a tiny segment of a story of the Baryulgil Asbestos Mine and its catastrophic effects on Bundjalung People and others.

• Title: White Dust Black Death: The Tragedy of Asbestos Mining at Baryulgil
• Author: Peter Webster
• ISBN: 1412050774
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Pub Date: 2006-07-06
.

I can't help but believe that if more people like you and I are made aware of the horrible effects and losses caused by this disease on a more individualized, personalized level, we'll feel more inclined to share what we know with others, and push harder for change, while inciting the others with whom we've shared what we've learned to do the same.  The "domino effect", I suppose.

Please, tell me what you think - if you read it, let me if you would like me to find more similar reading for you.


As always, I welcome your comments, and greatly appreciate them.  Please keep them coming, and do share this information with anyone else who will listen.  Together, even one or two starting out on a mission can become millions, or with the technology of today, at least have the strength and reach of many more!

Blessings,
ninib :)

Mesotheiloma - A Widow's Story

This touching story is from an article published in the United Kingdom.  I thought that I should share it, just for the human aspect.  It's proof positive that as human beings, no matter where we live on this great planet, we're still the same on the inside - same hopes and dreams for a good, healthy and long life for ourselves, our loved ones, and even for those who we most likely will never hear of, let alone meet.  We also seem to share that same innate desire to help those we are able to help, however we are able to help them, and even despite our limitations, we still find a way!

A WORTHING lady whose spouse died from an asbestos-related cancer is raising awareness of the illness in a bid to improve treatment and inform people of the dangers of asbestos.

Peter Mann sadly died from mesothelioma on June 14 of this year, an elderly gentleman of 69, after being diagnosed with the more-and-more-common illness months earlier.

He had, in the mid-1950s, begun his exposure to asbestos when he worked as an neophyte plumber. But, as is familiar with mesothelioma, the illness remained dormant until January of this year when he and his wife, Hazel Mann, received the painful news of his diagnosis.

Hazel, of Limbrick Lane, (UK) mentioned that her spouse “kept fighting until the end” notwithstanding the “horrendous” suffering of his condition. The 63-year-old said: “When he was diagnosed they asked him if he wanted to know how long he had to live and he said ‘no’. “The sunrise before he died, he was  suffering terribly, but he kept trying to get up to walk- it was horrendous."  “He didn’t wish to die and he kept fighting until the end.  My mom had lung cancer and it was bad, but she was not suffering nearly as much as my spouse was. You just can’t suppose what it was like.”

To coincide with Mesothelioma Awareness Day, on Friday, Hazel and her family spent the afternoon near the Bandstand in Worthing, raising donations for "Mesothelioma UK" with a donation bucket, in addition to handing out pamphlets about the disease.  Hazel and her family raised  L3350, that will go to the philanthropic group, "Mesothelioma UK".  Hazel added: “I’d likewise like to express gratitude to all the inexhaustible people who donated. “The number of people with mesothelioma will shortly attain its peak, and it affects around 2,000 people any year. Although there is reduction in the amount of asbestos around, people are still coming into contact with it, and people must be aware that you do not have to work with asbestos to develop mesothelioma. There are people who washed the clothing of an associate who obtain it.” 

This leaves the possibilities much more profound than any of us had previously believed, as well as increasing the circle of those we know and love who are now at risk of that dreaded diagnosis at some point in the future.  With that in mind, please do remain vigilant in observing or watching for any new symptoms, which you can find described on this site, in the article which names and describes this dreaded disease, along with listing the various forms, as well as the symptoms.

Thank you all for reading and sharing this information with all who will listen, so that anyone who may be at risk can also remain watchful.  Thank you also for your kind comments, and kind support, as I greatly appreciate it.

Blessings,
ninib :)

Email to a friend

This year’s Rotterdam Convention was a dissatisfaction for foes of asbestos and mesothelioma : even though the 141 nations involved agreed to add 3 pesticides -  alachlor, aldicarb and endosulfan  to a list of 40 chemicals it considers hazardous, they could not reach an accord on asbestos.

Chrysotile asbestos, up for debate on addition to the list, was not banned.  In general, asbestos is poison in the minds of many illness advocates worldwide, mainly those in developing countries, where environmental regulations are minimal. Several nations including Canada and the Ukraine (two of the largest miners and producers of asbestos ) -opposed adding asbestos to the list.  Following Canada's lead, the only countries that opposed listing asbestos under the convention were Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam. Even India, one of Canada's largest asbestos customers,  and the leader behind efforts at COP 4 against listing, changed its stance.

Canada is the only "enlightened" industrialized country that exports asbestos, and does so predominantly to the developing world where there are few health and safety standards. The Canadian position is, by most other countries, considered hypocritical because the country exports a mineral which is banned in domestic construction, and they also have spent millions ridding parliamentary buildings in Ottawa of the toxic substance, all while lobbying tirelessly  to keep asbestos  unregulated. 

One Canadian mesothelioma widow wrote in to the Vancouver Sun :

“We all feel the tarnish from our government’s refusal to do right in the Rotterdam Convention, which would have warned defenseless workers and the general populations in developing countries that Canadian chrysotile asbestos is an extremely dangerous carcinogen.”

Her largest censure was that not only did Canada inhibit the addition of asbestos to the list of dangerous chemicals, they also refuse to accurately label their products: “Their present labels do not even enter the Canadian workplace's dangerous materials data network standards as to handling of asbestos. There are usually hard-to-read warnings in French and English, and that is unsatisfactory when shipping to developing countries where workers do not speak or read French or English.”

According to the Washington Post , the agreement [Rotterdam Convention] “aims to upgrade the data that is exchanged during general traffic in chemicals that have been criminalized or restricted, so that importers and consumers may be better informed.” By refusing to add asbestos to their list, the Convention did not achieve their goal for this year.

The information in this post was gleaned from a french-published article, so although some of the grammar may seem a bit strange, it is still accurate.  (I'm glad that I studied College-level French for 4 years, and received all As and A+s, in reading, writing and speaking the language)!.

Thank you all very much for reading and sharing, and for your kind comments.  I truly appreciate every one of them, and every one of you! Look forward to seeing you back soon! :)

Blessings,
ninib :)

New Treatment Shows Promise for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

While any information concerning mesothelioma, as deadly as it is, and as common as it is becoming, is very difficult to find, I continue to look for more, and I found a few items of interest, so here is the first bit of news that I thought was important:

Researchers at the University of Paris have detected that a multiple of turn CT-scanning technology and severity modulated deviation care (IMRT), well known as scrolled tomotherapy (HT), is more fitting than other deviation methods when it comes to treating mesothelioma after surgery. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer of the protective lining of the lungs, heart, trunk and belly that is caused by exposure to asbestos.  It develops roughly to one side by enlarged asbestos bearing tumors, and is vey difficult to treat.

Helical tomotherapy offers increased accuracy, and allows oncologists to tailor the deviation sip to the size and shape of the targeted tumor. Mesothelioma tumors tend to be inconsistent in shape and size and expand opposite large sections of the mesothelium, making it extremely difficult for doctors to discharge mesothelioma deviation without destroying large numbers of healthy cells.

The French researchers improved the treatment outcomes of 14 patients with pleural mesothelioma (which especially affects the lungs), who had undergone HT after receiving extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)surgery. Two of the patients developed lung inflammation, well known as deviation pneumonitis, but the HT was well tolerated in most of the patients.

After treatment, the mesothelioma returned at a median of 5.1 months in 6 patients, 3 of whom died soon after relapsing. The other 8 survived longer than expected, as most mesothelioma patients live no longer than about 6 months past diagnosis. The median stay of all the study participants was 18.4 months after diagnosis, and patients treated with dyes after that in the trials tended to improve more satisfactorily than those treated with dyes earlier, an outcome attributed to the optimization of dosing parameters amid the doctors administering the radiation.

Please keep in mind that this study was done in France, so some of their wording will probably seem a bit strange.  Do ask your oncologist/treatment team to check into this for you, if they have not yet heard about it.  Leave no stone unturned - not only will this increase your chances of survival, but it will also help others to receive the most up-to-date treatment options, as well.  Best wishes in your search for the truth.

Blessings,
ninib :)

More Answers about Mesothelioma: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Hello Again, Readers:

This information is from the National Cancer Institute's publication. I felt that it still has some information not yet contained in these pages, meaning that it may be more information which any one of you has not yet found, and it is my pleasure to search it out for you. If I help just one person by doing this, then I have done what I was supposed to do -- for now. I will take this as far as I am able, until I am doing all that I can to help those who have been diagnosed with this dread disease, and their loved ones, who are also deeply affected.

Blessings and prayers, nini3 :)


Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.


What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.


How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.


What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.


Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.


What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.


How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.


How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.


Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.


Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).


Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).


To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.


Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Internet.
# # #

Related NCI materials and Web pages:
National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet 3.21, Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/asbestos)
Clinical Trials Home Page (http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials)
Malignant Mesothelioma Home Page (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma)
Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
(http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/Taking-Part-in-Cancer-Treatment-Research-Studies)
How can we help?

We offer comprehensive research-based information for patients and their families, health professionals, cancer researchers, advocates, and the public.

Call NCI’s Cancer Information Service at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237)
Visit us at http://www.cancer.gov or http://www.cancer.gov/espanol
Chat using LiveHelp, NCI’s instant messaging service, at http://www.cancer.gov/livehelp
E-mail us at cancergovstaff@mail.nih.gov
Order publications at http://www.cancer.gov/publications or by calling 1–800–4–CANCER
Get help with quitting smoking at 1–877–44U–QUIT (1–877–448–7848

A Service of the National Cancer Institute

Information on Statin Trials in Mesothelioma Treatment

Dear Readers:

I found this article, from the National Academy of Sciences Journal, and I couldn't wait to share it with those who may not have yet discovered the information. I wanted to share it because, as I said before, I have followed this issue off and on for years, just out of curiosity and concern for others who have suffered from cancer or mesothelioma cancer. I trust this information, as I have seen evidence for years now, which shows that this is highly likely to work in curing or causing remission of cancers. Many.

I hope that someone will benefit from this information.

New Research Findings Published In National Academy Of Sciences Journal Show Promise Of ONCONASE For Mesothelioma And Lung Cancer Caused By Asbestos

New Research Findings Published In National Academy Of Sciences Journal Show Promise Of ONCONASE For Mesothelioma And Lung Cancer Caused By Asbestos
Article Date: 28 June 2006

Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL) announced today that groundbreaking, independent new research findings show that the elusive molecular mechanism that asbestos uses to provoke lung cancer may have been identified. The research also found that ONCONASE(R) (ranpirnase) may be one of the most effective methods of treatment for mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by this mechanism, and may even reduce the incidence of these cancers in those exposed to asbestos.

These findings were included in the article, 'TNF-Alpha inhibits asbestos induced cytotoxicity via a NF-KappaB dependent pathway, a possible mechanism for asbestos induced oncogenesis,' published in the June 23rd issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the official journal of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Michele Carbone, M.D., Ph.D., authored the article with Dr. Haining Yang from the Thoracic Oncology Program, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University, Chicago, and 10 other leading U.S. cancer researchers. Dr. Carbone is Professor and Director, Thoracic Oncology Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, and serves as Chairman of Alfacell's Thoracic Cancer Advisory Board.

Dr. Carbone and his colleagues found that asbestos triggers the release of TNF-Alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine critical to the functioning of both innate and adaptive immune responses. The release of TNF-Alpha sets in motion a biochemical chain of events that led to the protection of asbestos-damaged cells from death. The cells exposed to asbestos were found to have produced TNF-Alpha. This caused the activation of the NF-KappaB (Nuclear Factor-Kappa B) protein, a transcription factor, found in all cell types, that plays a critical role in regulating immune response. Ineffective regulation of NF-KappaB has been linked to cancer and other diseases. The activation of NF-KappaB protected asbestos-damaged cells against cell death. Because the damaged cells did not die, they could then go on to develop into a cancer.

The authors state that because of this novel understanding of the molecules and mechanisms involved in asbestos toxicity, new methods of prevention and treatment could be developed that specifically target the inflammatory pathway activated by TNF-Alpha and its target NF-KappaB. ONCONASE was one of only two drugs cited in the article as targeting these pathways. As such, the researchers concluded that ONCONASE holds promise to reduce the incidence of mesothelioma and lung cancer in asbestos-exposed cohorts (groups of patients).

"ONCONASE inhibits the same pathways that we have shown lead to mesothelial cell malignant transformation and mesothelioma. Therefore, we hope to test the possible efficacy of this drug to prevent mesothelioma in high risk cohorts. The minimal side effects of ONCONASE make this approach feasible," stated Dr. Carbone.

Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Brander Cancer Research Institute, New York Medical College and a member of Alfacell's Scientific Advisory Board, stated, "The mechanism by which ONCONASE produces these effects appears to involve suppression of induction of the survival genes triggered by anti-tumor agents in cancer cells. Indeed, in preclinical studies, ONCONASE was found to amplify the efficacy of several chemotherapy drugs."

Dr. Darzynkiewicz added, "Many other types of cancer utilize the same pathway as mesothelioma. As such, it is reasonable to expect that ONCONASE will have wide clinical application as an anti-cancer agent, with particular promise as an adjunct in chemotherapy or in radiotherapy in treatment regimens for many different tumor types."

"Eight years ago, we hypothesized on the role of TNF-Alpha and NF-KappaB in ONCONASE's mechanism of action (Deptala et al, International Journal of Oncology, July 1998; Potentiation of tumor necrosis factor induced apoptosis by ONCONASE)," Dr. Darzynkiewicz concluded. "It is exciting to see strong affirmation of that hypothesis today."

About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is a bio-pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for cancer, using its proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology platform. ONCONASE(R) (ranpirnase), Alfacell's lead investigational drug candidate, is currently being evaluated in several studies, including a Phase IIIb trial 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.

This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward- looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the Company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials, the Company's ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

Alfacell Corporation
http://www.alfacell.com

Source: Medical News Today

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, then find out the necessary facts about your legal rights by requesting FREE information.

I will be searching out more information regarding the treatment of mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, but also regarding other common (and not-so-common) health concerns.

Thank you for reading.

Blessings, ninib :)

New Trial Information

Dear Readers:

As promised, I have found some research which I think may be helpful to you, or to your loved ones. I will post this first, and then I also have some information on statin drugs in trials, (something about which I had seen living proof in an Italian Oncologist's videos of treatment and cure of cancer with the statins. It was amazing, and so I'm going to share with you shortly information on some studies which were done. There may be one still recruiting. I will do my best to see if this is so, because this is a treatment in which I have much faith.

All that said, here is some information which I hope will


Overview of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are conducted to collect data regarding the safety and efficacy of new drug and device development. There are several steps and stages of approval in the clinical trials process before a drug or device can be sold in the consumer market, if ever.

Drug and device testing begins with extensive laboratory research which can involve years of experiments in animals and human cells. If the initial laboratory research is successful, researches send the data to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to continue research and testing in humans.

Once approved, human testing of experimental drugs and devices can begin and is typically conducted in four phases. Each phase is considered a separate trial and, after completion of a phase, investigators are required to submit their data for approval from the FDA before continuing to the next phase.

Human Clinical Trial Phases

Phase I studies assess the safety of a drug or device. This initial phase of testing, which can take several months to complete, usually includes a small number of healthy volunteers (20 to 100), who are generally paid for participating in the study. The study is designed to determine the effects of the drug or device on humans including how it is absorbed, metabolized, and excreted. This phase also investigates the side effects that occur as dosage levels are increased. About 70% of experimental drugs pass this phase of testing.

Phase II studies test the efficacy of a drug or device. This second phase of testing can last from several months to two years, and involves up to several hundred patients. Most phase II studies are randomized trials where one group of patients receives the experimental drug, while a second "control" group receives a standard treatment or placebo. Often these studies are "blinded" which means that neither the patients nor the researchers know who has received the experimental drug. This allows investigators to provide the pharmaceutical company and the FDA with comparative information about the relative safety and effectiveness of the new drug. About one-third of experimental drugs successfully complete both Phase I and Phase II studies.

Phase III studies involve randomized and blind testing in several hundred to several thousand patients. This large-scale testing, which can last several years, provides the pharmaceutical company and the FDA with a more thorough understanding of the effectiveness of the drug or device, the benefits and the range of possible adverse reactions. 70% to 90% of drugs that enter Phase III studies successfully complete this phase of testing. Once Phase III is complete, a pharmaceutical company can request FDA approval for marketing the drug.

Phase IV studies, often called Post Marketing Surveillance Trials, are conducted after a drug or device has been approved for consumer sale. Pharmaceutical companies have several objectives at this stage: (1) to compare a drug with other drugs already in the market; (2) to monitor a drug's long-term effectiveness and impact on a patient's quality of life; and (3) to determine the cost-effectiveness of a drug therapy relative to other traditional and new therapies. Phase IV studies can result in a drug or device being taken off the market or restrictions of use could be placed on the product depending on the findings in the study.

Participating in a Clinical Trial

For more detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions about participating in clinical trials, please visit Volunteering for a Clinical Trial.

Funding Clinical Trials

Funding for clinical research comes from the federal government such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, and private industry such as pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical institutions, and foundations.

If you or someone you love has recently been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, then find out the necessary facts about your legal rights by requesting FREE information.

DIET FOR MESOTHELIOMA PATIENTS, AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

Image via Wikipedia

Hello, Readers:

I have had some issues with my own health, but I wanted to share this information with you as soon as I was able.  I have found this information quite interesting and encouraging.  I would urge all who read this - whether you are a patient, healthy or unhealthy, to try to change your diet to match the one described herein.  I have discovered that it does wonders for your body and overall health, possibly even preventing and even reversing disease.



Nutritional Information
For mesothelioma patients, often the biggest challenge is getting enough calories in the body to avoid significant weight losses. As most nutritionists believe, what you eat and how you treat your body can have a very powerful impact on your health and quality of life. Following a healthy diet could impact your cancer survivability. While proper nutrition is not intended as

DETECTION OF MESOTHELIOMA

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How is Mesothelioma detected? The biggest problem with detecting and effectively diagnosing Mesothelioma is the fact that it can be dormant in the system for up to fifty years. Studies show that for this reason, over 75% of today's Mesothelioma patients are men ages 55 and older. By that time, Mesothelioma is in its late stages, which makes any treatment tedious, and sometimes unsuccessful.

Even if one experiences symptoms of Mesothelioma, the most experienced doctor may still have trouble making a diagnosis. This is due to the fact that Mesothelioma shares some symptoms of many more common diseases, including the common cold. There are some tests and studies being run to develop better and faster ways to diagnose and effectively treat Mesothelioma.

Three Types Of Mesothelioma

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What is Mesothelioma?
How do you get Mesothelioma? What are some forms of treatment? There are many,many questions about Mesothelioma. On this blogsite, I will be sharing facts about Mesothelioma to help society to become more aware of Mesothelioma.

The first, and most common type of Mesothelioma is Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma attacks the lungs and chest cavity. The most common symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma include (but are not limited to) shorotness of breath, chest pain, build-up of fluid in the lungs and trouble swallowing. Og course, the shortness of breath and chest pains are caused by this fluid build-up. Other symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma include heavy weitht loss, trouble swallowing and swelling of the face and neck.