Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Trust

Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Trust & Exposure

Firm History

The Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Trust was established to aid sufferers of asbestos direct exposure and also mesothelioma obtain payment. Pittsburgh Corning was established in 1937 following a merger of 2 established glass making business, Corning Glass Functions as well as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. Up until 1947, the newly established Pittsburgh Corning focused on the production of glass blocks which were sold for installment in residential, commercial as well as commercial structures.

In 1947 Pittsburgh Corning changed focus to the manufacturing of FOAMGLAS; a type of insulation primarily utilized in building and construction. Unlike the majority of its counterparts at the time, FOAMGLAS did not have asbestos.

In 1962 Pittsburgh Corning became part of a new purchase arrangement with a firm named UNARCO Industries. The arrangement admitted to a brand-new line of insulation products which included Amosite asbestos, a form of asbestos imported from South Africa. The purchase agreement offered Pittsburgh Corning possession to the manufacturing plants, manufacturing formula, product types, products, name (Unibestos) and also client listings.

The freshly mined all-natural asbestos was partially damaged down right into fiber kind at the mines. This kind got to the factory in a specifically damaging kind. When employees handled the freshly gotten here asbestos fibers conveniently became airborne. Upon arrival, the asbestos remained to be fiberized and after that bound to nonorganic binders and fillers.

Unibestos was manufactured first in a plant in Tyler, Texas and after that production was broadened to Port Alleghany, Pennsylvania.

From 1964-1971 a design specialist was worked with to check conditions at both plants. The professional notified the firm to hazardously high dangers of asbestos direct exposure and also made numerous suggestions to minimize these dangers. Regrettably, these suggestions were largely neglected. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist you with getting compensation from the Pittsburgh Corning asbestos trust fund.

Products Containing Asbestos

That duration had actually verified to be a prominent of industrial development. The Unibestos items that contained asbestos consisted of:

• Asbestos molded sheet as well as block insulation
• Asbestos packing and gaskets
• Asbestos fabrics
• Blocks of cement as well as surfaces
• Metal mesh blankets to fit insulation
• Pipe coverings
• Pipeline insulation for heats

These items were dispersed to numerous industries including:

• chemical plants
• oil refineries
• powerhouses
• steel mills

Professions Revealed to Asbestos

It was not until 1972 that Pittsburgh Corning quit the circulation and production of Unibestos products. Nonetheless, direct exposure had actually commonly swept through both Pittsburgh Corning employees and employees in the markets that had actually obtained the Unibestos items. Workers from outside industries were additionally at risk of direct exposure.

Occupations most likely exposed to asbestos include:

• Building and construction employees
• Area service professionals
• Hefty device operators
• Insulation employees
• Machinists
• Upkeep employees
• Pipefitters
• Refinery specialists
• Repair employees

Families of workers were also in danger of secondary direct exposure. Asbestos fibers or dirt can get in homes from the garments, hair, or skin of workers.

Litigations as well as Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Trust Fund

1977 noted the start of the top-notch activity lawsuits. By 2000 Pittsburgh Corning applied for insolvency defense with a plan of reconstruction as well as developing an insolvency depend on. In 2013, the plan was verified by the Personal bankruptcy Court for the Western Area of Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Injury Negotiation Trust was created as part of an asbestos insurance claim’s negotiation with over 3 billion dollars reserved. The depend on payment percent is 37%. To make certain also distribution among complaintants the percent paid to individuals with malignant as well as non-malignant diseases is 60% for deadly and 40% for non-malignant. Mesothelioma cases prevail with this trust fund.

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Company Regulations of Talcum Powder in Cosmetic Products

It can be easy to overlook the ingredients of everyday coveted cosmetic products, despite the importance each one may have with skin and health. This could be in part of general knowledge that its presence in-store assures for safe ingredients approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although this may be true, there still is no absolute guarantee that every product put on the shelf is completely unharmful.

Talcum powder, or talc for short, is a mineral that absorbs moisture and acts as a softening, anti-caking agent. It has been used in a variety of cosmetic products – including blush, eye shadow, face powder, foundation lipstick, mascara, and even children’s makeup. Under poor regulation conditions, products that contain cosmetic-grade talcum powder can become contaminated with asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral that is the only known cause of the mesothelioma – a rare and deadly disease. A mesothelioma prognosis is typically very poor. One of the most common forms is epithelioid mesothelioma which also has a poor mesothelioma life expectancy. For this reason, the regulation of talc, specifically in terms of cosmetics, is extremely important. 

Does the FDA regulate talc?

The simple answer is, they don’t. Nonetheless, the FDA is aware of the dangers of talc when traced with asbestos. The last test on talc products conducted by the FDA was in 2010. Although the results showed the talc being clean and asbestos free, they had only been provided raw talc for four (out of nine) suppliers and tested a total for 34 commercial products – all of which were purchased from stores in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Despite the direct link to asbestos in past talcum powder products, the FDA monitors potential safety issues with cosmetic products on the market and acts to protect public health “when necessary”. In fact, according to the FDA “…cosmetic products and ingredients, with the exception of color additives, do not have to undergo FDA review or approval before they go on the market” so, unfortunately, the FDA does not consistently regulate products containing talc. Therefore, a cosmetic must be directly contaminated with asbestos before the FDA will act, which, unfortunately, by this point, it is likely for consumers to have already bought or even used such products.

Company Regulations with Talcum Powders

So, if people know about the danger’s talc powder could have in means of asbestos, why are they still used in? Despite many companies switching over to alternative ingredients (such as silk powders, cornstarch, and finely milled oats), others still continue to utilize talc. Although the FDA may not be the leading group which tests the safety of products, companies nonetheless act into their own hands to ensure the safest possible product by carefully testing their ingredients, labeling their products, working with self-regulatory groups, and recalling products when needed.

Tests

To ensure consumer safety, companies claim to perform regular tests to confirm their talc is pure and asbestos-free. These tests are particularly important as the FDA expects cosmetics companies to test their products for asbestos before they hit shelves. There are a variety of tests, including:

• PCM:  Phase Contrast (light) Microscopy
• PLM: Polarizing Light Microscopy
• SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy
• TEM: Transmission Electron Microscopy
• XRD*: X-ray Diffraction

According to the Talc Expert Panel, which advises the FDA, the recommended tests are the PLM and TEM methods.

The company Johnson & Johnson is widely known for its use of talc in their famous baby powders. On the company’s site, they state “Thousands of tests repeatedly confirm that our consumer talc products do not contain asbestos…Not only do we and our suppliers routinely test to ensure our talc does not contain asbestos, our talc has also been tested and confirmed to be asbestos-free by a range of independent laboratories and universities, including the FDA, Harvard School of Public Health, and Mount Sinai Hospital”. Though the company claims to have clean product ingredients, they still continue to face lawsuits from consumers as a result of previous asbestos liabilities linking back to the 1970’s.

Labeling

Although the FDA leaves testing talc-products to the company, they do require proper labeling on products as well as those products to be safe for consumer use under labeled or customary conditions of use. So, what should you look for on the label of a product that could contain talc? When labeled properly, products will typically state talcum powder or cosmetic talc

Self-Regulatory Groups

To better regulate products, some companies have turned to self-regulatory groups. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review (CIR), for instance, was established and is fully funded by the nation’s leading cosmetics trade association (the Personal Care Products Council). It is supervised by top executives, and although this has no formal regulatory role, they have the support of the FDA and CFA. The CIR offers safety assessments of the ingredients in cosmetic products and publish their results.

The Personal Care Products Council represents about 600 cosmetics companies – which is roughly 90% of the industry. In 1976, the council declared that all products containing talc should be asbestos free – however, the council had no way to fully enforce this standard. Nonetheless, the company continues to be an advocate of safe-consumer products.

FDA Recalls

Circumstances of company products having a harmful effect on consumers make recalls extremely important – especially when those products have already entered a consumer’s home. Although the FD&C Act does not authorize the FDA to order a personal care product recall, the FDA plays a critical role. Here is a simple breakdown of the FDA’s recall process:

• The request of a recall by the FDA may be proposed. If such action is elected, a recall procedure strategy for the cosmetic product is outlined.
• The FDA will monitor the progress of a recall through a review of the manufacturer’s mandated progress reports and/or periodic inspections at retail sites to ensure the effectiveness of a recall.
• The level of hazard that a recalled product poses to the public is classified by the FDA – rating it as Class I (most severe), Class II, or Class III (least dangerous).
• If the FDA determines that there is a need for public notification, they can ensure that the manufacturer of the product makes the correct notification. If a beauty manufacturer refuses to do so, the FDA may issue one on their behalf.
• The FDA ensures that the affected product is appropriately destroyed.

Companies regulate their products and ingredients to ensure the safety of consumers, it does not guarantee that every product put out on the market is completely safe. Therefore, it is extremely important to be aware of recalls, as they should not be overlooked.

Recently, the FDA announced a recall on two cosmetic products sold at Claire’s – one of which was an exclusive product by Jojo Siwa, a 16-year-old Youtuber. The company’s target customer are girls between the ages of 3-18 with a particular focus on girls between the ages of 10-14. This is not the first time Claire’s has had an issue with their cosmetics containing asbestos. In fact, this is the second time in three months that the store has issued a voluntary recall over asbestos contamination concerns within cosmetic products despite moving to talc-free cosmetic manufacturing. The company continues to face scrutiny regarding asbestos since 2017. Although no company wants a mass recall in their products, ultimately, the consumer’s health must come first.

The bottom line regarding talcum cosmetic regulations

As a consumer, it is truly hard to see what goes on behind the scenes of a company.

Companies that utilize talcum, a mineral that when traced with asbestos could lead to mesothelioma – a rare, and life-threatening disease, must take heavy precautions in order to keep consumers safe. Such precautions may include testing within the talcum mines or talcum powder itself, proper labeling, involvement to engage with regulatory groups, and awareness of current & future recalls. Although regulations can provide a better sense of reassurance for ingredient safety, additional research on your favorite brands and products can be beneficial to the health of you or a loved one. 

The Asbestos Cancer Organization

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we can help you. Those with stage 4 mesothelioma can get the most value from working with us. We have a team of dedicated specialists trained to assist you with mesothelioma information. We are also sponsored by the nations leading mesothelioma law firm. We know a mesothelioma diagnosis can be a shock, and that is why we are here to help.

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The 5 Vital Facts You Need To Know About Mesothelioma Biopsies

The moment you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, the lives of the people involved alter forever. The news is unsettling for family, friends and the patient themselves. Cancer can cause emotional tears along with the physical burden of extensive medical appointments. Mesothelioma is cancer that has recently been transformed through research over the past decade. With the new research comes new facts that can help make treatments and diagnosis easier than ever. Here are 5 crucial facts that can help patients navigate through their options when it comes to diagnosing their mesothelioma through biopsies and the meaning of their diagnosis!

1. It all starts with a simple biopsy – To properly identify mesothelioma in a patient, a biopsy is crucial for detection. As with all cancers, a biopsy can clarify if a troubled area is cancerous or not. This test involves a medical professional taking a sample of the fluid or tissue of concern from the patient and then having a pathologist study the cells of the sample under a microscope. This pathologist can identify if the sample is positive or negative for cancer. The biopsy is ultimately a patient’s pathway to understanding their possible outcomes and outlooks.
2. Mesothelioma biopsies work differently due to the similarity to other illnesses and cancers – Mesothelioma is a unique disease as it too often overlooked as a benign illness. The symptoms and cells for mesothelioma often mimic other cancers, making it difficult to identify mesothelioma without the proper biopsy performed. Like all cancer biopsies, the suspicious area is examined and extracted, but unlike normal biopsies, the specimen is extracted through testing of either Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) or Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA). VATS is the most commonly used biopsy to diagnose mesothelioma. However, the choice of biopsy that is performed is dependent on many factors including which of the three primary cancerous cells that are detected, the location of the tumor, and type of tumor. With the proper diagnosis from a medical professional that is well versed in asbestos, cancers will help aid the accuracy of the actions taken.
3. VATS works uniquely to be as minimally invasive as possible! – When a patient is at risk of pleural mesothelioma, a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is often used to determine if the cells taken for a sample are cancerous. Doctors and surgeons often perform this procedure to take a look inside the patient. This minimally invasive surgery is the preferred biopsy for patients due to its short recovery time and a smaller chance of complications. During this procedure, surgeons will examine the area with a thin, tubular instrument. This instrument often has a camera, light, and tool to extract a sample from the area within it. This instrument is called an endoscope. The endoscope requires very minor incision for insertion into the body. If VATS is utilized and mesothelioma is detected, the next step is to determine what stage the cancer is currently at.
4. A Thoracoscopy is the most accurate endoscopic procedure to be performed for diagnosis! – To correlate with specific regions of the body, there are different forms of endoscopic procedures that may be performed. Three of the most common are thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, and mediastinoscopy.  Thoracoscopy, however, is the primary procedure for mesothelioma as it focuses on the chest cavity of a patient. A sample of the fluid from this region is extracted and sent to pathology to determine if the fluid contains cancerous cells. This procedure helps the patient and medical provider understand if the area is benign or malignant. The thoracoscopy procedure has the highest accuracy percentage amongst the other two procedures with 95% proven accuracy upon diagnosis. Alongside the thoracoscopy, often a pleurodesis procedure is performed. This procedure is injected with the endoscope that is provided for the thoracoscopy and causes the area to inflame. When the area inflames, the cavity is then protected from the collecting cancerous fluid near the lungs.
5. There are actually 4 stages of pleural mesothelioma – Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed in Americans. With a large number of patients with pleural mesothelioma, it is important to understand how they all differ–and that is through stages.  There are four different stages within the Pleural Mesothelioma. These stages can be differentiated by medical professionals who are experienced with asbestos type cancers. Determining the stage of the cancer is crucial to diagnosis for treatment. With the proper stage designated, the chances of curing the area are higher through proper treatment.
   • Stage One – Within this stage, the cancer cells are isolated in one area. No other organs or body systems are infected including lymph nodes. Surgery for this stage can ultimately remove the tumor and therefore, cancer, from the patient.
   • Stage Two – This stage means that cancer growth is larger and can possibly have infected the organs around the area. This can often include the diaphragm, surrounding lymph nodes and even lungs. If this is the case, surgery is possible but may not be feasible due to the growth.
   • Stage Three – During stage 3 mesothelioma, the cancerous cells have now infected an entire area. Often times, the esophagus, diaphragm, lymph nodes, and lungs are affected, With this stage, surgery is very rarely an option, but various options may cause curable results.
   • Stage Four – Stage 4 Mesothelioma is the final stage, all efforts for treatment are to cure discomfort and pain. Cancer has usually spread to other regions throughout the body. The mesothelioma has spread through the body and is no longer able to be cured.

These five facts can aid with a better diagnostic experience for the patient during this critical time in their lives. With proper diagnosis processes, it is easier for medical professionals to correlate a correct treatment for the patient. Understanding the importance of a biopsy, the stages of pleural mesothelioma, usage of a thoracoscopy procedure, the lack of discomfort during a VATs procedure, and the difference in a mesothelioma biopsy over other cancer biopsies can help a patient feel more comfortable about the choices they will have to make in front of medical professionals when the time is right.

 

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The “Breath Biopsy” Being Tested to Detect Malignant Mesothelioma by UK Scientists

The “Breath Biopsy” Tested to Detect Malignant Mesothelioma by UK Scientists

Identifying malignant mesothelioma prior to diagnosis can be difficult – especially due to the amount of time it takes the diseases’ symptoms to become apparent. To better aid with detecting the asbestos-related disease, a UK-based medical manufacturer has announced the start of clinical trials for their new disease breathalyzer – the Owlstone’s Breath Biopsy®. In both Canada and the United States, the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW), whose members are knowingly at risk for the malignant mesothelioma, has partnered with the Cambridge based Owlstone Medical for such trials.

President of the Insulators Union, James McCourt, stated, “The population of those who have been exposed to asbestos and are at risk of having an existing early-stage disease or developing malignant mesothelioma later in their lives includes a substantial portion of our membership. The long-term health of our members is of primary importance to the IAHFIAW, and we are confident that our partnership with Owlstone Medical will provide significant advances in the early diagnosis of this disease”. The optimism McCourt shared could provide many others with new hope in the future of early-diagnosis for the rare disease.

lA study carried out with the assistance of trade union members

According to a company-issued press release, the test will utilize the device to analyze the different chemicals found on IAHFIAW members who have documented exposure to the carcinogenic material and have been confirmed (through both histological and radiological testing) of having malignant mesothelioma. The breathalyzer will be used to identify volatile compounds found in the breath of participants. Once completed, a blind study to determine whether having those biomarkers present is predictive for the disease will be conducted. The study, which is predicted to last for three years, is partially funded by an asbestos non-profit group.

An earlier diagnosis may lead to improved prognosis

Many of the challenges faced throughout mesothelioma is a factor of late-stage diagnosis. The study’s ultimate goal is to come up with a way to test those who are a known risk of malignant mesothelioma as a result of previous asbestos exposure, as well as to gain the capability of diagnosing patients at a much earlier stage in their disease progression. By doing so, this can provide more effective treatment and a longer life expectancy.

Why an Early Diagnosis is Critical?

An early mesothelioma diagnosis is essential to patients in many ways. The first, it allows physicians to get a clear understanding of the stage of the disease. Stage 4 mesothelioma is the latest stage of mesothelioma and therefore is the most commonly diagnosed version of this disease. However, the beauty of this new form of biopsy is that a breath biopsy is a non-invasive way to detect cancer at a much earlier stage than a conventional biopsy.

In terms of how to diagnose mesothelioma, a biopsy is one of the most accurate methods to accomplish this.  It is the most typical diagnostic procedure and is used to determine the nature of a concerning lesion to see if it is cancerous or not.  The beauty behind biopsies is they quickly allow physicians to determine different forms of cancers with a high level of accuracy.

The process of a biopsy revolves around a tissue or fluid sample from an area of concern being removed by a surgeon. A pathologist then removes the sample for a deeper analysis. A microscope is then used by the pathologist to observe the cells and establish whether or not cancer is present within the patient.

Why the Breath Biopsy is Important

A Breath biopsy is a critical new development as it allows a means for cancer patients to be diagnosed at a much earlier stage without any form of invasive procedure being done to take the test.

Let us run down a quick study to give a better example of why the new Breath Biopsy idea is good for patients. The new Breath Biopsy was recently used in a study by UHSM on 14 GP practices that decided to participate. University Hospital of South Manchester Trust (UHSM) gave a concentrated group of ex-and-current smokers between the ages of 55-74 a ‘Lung Health Check’. Each participating patient was given a spirometry test, the goal of a spirometry test is to observe how well a patients lung’s function. This along with a brief conversation with a nurse to discuss symptoms each patient was experiencing was included in the “Lung Health Check”. A low dose CT scan was offered to patients who were shown to be high risk.

The “Lung Health Check” test was administered to around 2,500 people. After all, was said and done 42 patients showed incidences of lung cancer. The beauty behind this study was that typically, this form of cancer is usually only diagnosed at stage 4, usually around 50%. However, around 90% of lung cancer diagnoses are made in this study were done at an early stage which allows a better hope for curative treatment for patients.

New partnerships and breakthroughs are constantly being developed. Patients diagnosed with epithelioid mesothelioma may be interested in alternative treatments like homeopathy for mesothelioma. Contact the Asbestos Cancer Organization for more information regarding the latest findings of this rare asbestos-related disease at AsbestosCancer.org today at 1-800-799-2234.

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Johnson & Johnson’s Claim A Woman’s Mesothelioma Diagnosis Was Spontaneous

A carcinogenic mineral was found in many industrial work environments. A significant amount of the mineral was found near some deposits of talc as well. Malignant mesothelioma is known to be caused by exposure to asbestos. The talc-based products used in Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder caused the company many issues. The attorneys of Patricia Schmitz accused the company of selling the talc-based products contaminated with asbestos. The company’s attorneys claimed that Patricia’s mesothelioma cancer was caused by other factors. If the diagnosis was spontaneous, it contradicts where the disease originated.

California Woman Accuses Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder Of Causing Her Fatal Disease

Over the course of a seven-week trial, Patricia Schmitz provided evidence to support her case. The company was aware their products contained an exceeding amount of asbestos. The 61-year-old woman used their products for almost 40 years. The company failed to warn the public about what the talc powder may cause. Mrs.Schmitz won the lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Colgate Palmolive. Her doctors claimed that it was very unlikely for Patricia to survive the next few months. Malignant mesothelioma can cause an immense amount of pain. She was compensated for all of her medical costs and suffering.

More Than 14,000 people claim Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powders Were Contaminated

There have been several previous cases of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. Across the country, many people have made accusations against Johnson & Johnson’s products. In New York, a woman was compensated $325 million for her pain, medical costs, and suffering. Ovarian cancer lawsuits were filed against the company as well. An award of over $4 billion was given to a group of 22 women that were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Although, there are still 14,000 lawsuits in similar cases filed against this company. Johnson & Johnson’s denied a vast majority of the claims filed. The evidence presented documents within the company that showed proof of asbestos in their products. The company argued against expert witnesses that revealed concerns of the asbestos in the products. The company stated that people who have filed claims of their malignant mesothelioma cancer have been spontaneously diagnosed.

It can be difficult to determine where your asbestos exposure came from. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we will provide you with the information you need. Malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma, we can help. For more information of malignant mesothelioma, contact The Asbestos Cancer Organization at Asbestoscancer.org or call 1-800-799-2234. Being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer can be devastating for you and your family. Many patients may be interested in alternative treatments like Homeopathy for mesothelioma, which we have a full page about on our website. We will provide you with the latest information on mesothelioma options. 

 

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Survival Extended with Radiotherapy Prior to Mesothelioma Surgery as Shown by Studies

Researchers often trace back through years’ worth of the medical records and professional studies of patients with malignant mesothelioma – regardless of whether such treatment methods have or have not benefitted patients. The purpose of this is associated with the continuous search for effective treatments for rare and serious disease. Scientists have learned more about adjuvant radiotherapy (also known as pre-operative radiation) and its impact on extending a patient’s survival through what was described as one of the largest retrospective studies ever conducted. If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma, the patient advocates at the Asbestos Cancer Organization may be able to help you.

The impact of adjuvant radiotherapy as examined by the retrospective study

The study was a collaborative effort by scientists from both Baylor College of Medicine and Weil Cornell Medical College which focalized on patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma through the National Cancer Database. Patients who had been treated between 2004 and 2013 had been broken down into three separate groups:

• Those who had not gone through treatment
• Those who have had surgery alone
• Those who had radiation therapy prior to surgery with the intention of shrinking tumors and preventing further cell division within any remaining mesothelioma cells

Lead author of the study, Gary Lewis, MD, wrote, “Overall, the surgery plus radiotherapy group had a higher median survival (21.4 months) compared with surgery alone (16.59 months)”. Therefore, a clear advantage in survival was depicted from the group that had undergone the adjuvant radiotherapy through this study.

Frequent usage of radiotherapy for aggressive surgery

The use of radiotherapy in relation to mesothelioma patient treatment studies were not always common. In fact, it was most commonly used for patients with the most aggressive type of mesothelioma surgery: extrapleural pneumonectomy – which involves a large removal of tissue and organs, including the affected lung. Despite the less frequent use of such radiation therapy for patients undergoing the lung-sparing pleural decortication the results of this study could change future practices. Nonetheless, further research and studies are planned by researchers.

How We Can Help

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma it is extremely important to be optimistic as further research and discovers can bring new hope of a cure. Our website is packed full of highly informative mesothelioma and asbestos exposure-related information. We make sure to keep our content up to date on the latest mesothelioma information. The goal of any organization like our own is to ensure transparency when it comes to data published about mesothelioma. We do not, under any circumstances, provide medical advice nor do we ever make any suggestions regarding what forms of treatment a patient should decide to undertake. We simply publish information that we deem as useful and fit for our website to enlighten readers and patients alike. Stay informed with The Asbestos Cancer Organization for more information regarding the latest findings of this rare asbestos-related disease at AsbestosCancer.org or call us today at 1-800-799-2234.

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Patient’s who Undergo Post-Operative Radiation Lack Clinical Benefits via UK Study’s

In relation to malignant mesothelioma treatments, radiation therapy is commonly scrutinized due to beliefs regarding its effectiveness. The treatment’s primary purpose is to not only shrink the tumor’s size but also to disrupt the cell’s DNA in order to decrease its ability to divide. Radiation therapy performed prior to surgical resection of malignant tumors has been deemed beneficial through recent studies, however, a new study has depicted little to no impact on a patient’s long-term survival or prognosis following a chest wall procedure. Some mesothelioma patients may be interested in alternative treatments like homeopathy for mesothelioma if they do not wish to follow the conventional routes of treatment like radiation therapy. However, we will delve further into this study throughout this article.

Almost 400 patients share such results

Within the United Kingdom, an upward of 400 patients were included in this malignant mesothelioma study during their time of treatment throughout more than 50 hospitals. Although each of the selected patients for the study had undergone a chest wall procedure, only a few had been randomly selected to receive prophylactic radiotherapy within a month-and-a-half of the surgery. Such provided treatment was delivered through a single electron field that provided coverage from the skin surface through the pleura for three consecutive days at a dose of 21 Gy daily. 

Minimal benefits and significant side effects depicted by Post-Surgical Radiation

In comparison to the results for patients with malignant mesothelioma who were treated with radiation from those who had not, researchers found little statistical differences. Following six months of radiation, 6 out of 186 radiation recipients showed signs of metastasizing their disease – in those who had not received radiation, the same was true of 10 out of 186. 

The difference in outcomes over a 24-month period were similarly slim, providing a strong indication that the protocol did not provide any significant clinical benefit. Additionally, patients were exposed to further risks of skin toxicity and dermatitis that stem from radiation.

Oncologists that treat patients with malignant mesothelioma have moved away from the use of post-surgical radiation therapy based on the findings of both UK researchers as well as similar findings here in the United States.

Radiation Therapy For Mesothelioma

Radiation therapy is a very common form of cancer treatment regardless of disease form. With this being said, it brings critical relevance as to why studies like this are so important in the on-going effort to eradicate mesothelioma. A full write up radiation therapy for mesothelioma can be found on our radiation therapy treatment page here on our website. Regardless of how effective radiation therapy may seem, there are still a large number of patients who undergo this form of treatment for various other forms of illnesses like Breast cancer.

The Asbestos Cancer Organization

Here at The Asbestos Cancer Organization, we are dedicated to providing mesothelioma patients with only the latest and greatest when it comes to information regarding mesothelioma. We are sponsored by the nation’s leader in asbestos litigation, the law firm of Goldberg, Persky & White P.C. who has fought on behalf of victims of asbestos exposure for over forty years. The goal of any organization like ours is to ensure that patients who read our website or blog posts have the latest information. We do not provide medical advice or suggestions. Clinical studies like the one discussed in this blog post can be found in our blog feed and will be updated as time goes on to the best of our abilities.

Contact the Asbestos Cancer Organization for more information regarding the latest findings of this rare asbestos-related disease at AsbestosCancer.org today at 1-800-799-2234.

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