New human malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) models produce excess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

"MPM is closely related to exposure to asbestos, and a rapid increase in the number of MPM patients in Japan is estimated in the years 2010-2050. The purpose of the present study was to establish a clinically relevant animal model that shows human patient-like progression of MPM,"

investigators in Japan report.


"

Here, we demonstrate that a human MPM cell line (EHMES-10) inoculated orthotopically (thoracic cavity) into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice produces highly vascularized thoracic tumors with pleural dissemination and bloody pleural effusions by 5 weeks, suggesting a patient-like progression of this cell line after orthotopic inoculation,"

said E. Nakataki and colleagues, University of Tokushima.


According to study authors,

"EHMES-10 cells overexpressed VEGF, a molecule responsible for malignant effusions, and its receptor. Treatment with cisplatin, but not gemcitabine, significantly inhibited the production of pleural effusions, but it was not effective for thoracic tumors, consistent with chemotherapy refractory characteristics of MPM in patients.

"Our patient-like orthotopic model using EHMES-10 cells overexpressing VEGF and its receptor may be useful for examining the molecular pathogenesis of MPM and may contribute to the development of novel treatment strategies for MPM.".

SOurce: Bio Portfolio

The information provided throughout this website is for your information only, and should NOT take the place of a full medical diagnosis.



What is Mesothelioma?


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks cells, called mesothelial cells, which make up membrane lining in the chest and abdominal cavity. The tissue called mesothelium, which is formed by the mesothelial cells, help protects the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move without irritating nerves.




• Pleural Mesothelioma


Pleural Mesothelioma is a variety of the rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have cancerous growths in the tissues surrounding their lungs. The only known cause of pleural mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and men between ages 50 and 70 are more commonly diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma than any other demographic.


There are generally two categories of pleural mesothelioma, localized and benign, and generalized and malignant.


1. The localized and benign version of pleural mesothelioma is not considered life-threatening and is easily removed through surgery.
2. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that is malignant often have one year or less to live. The early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are often vague: shortness of breath, chest pains, and coughing; many times individuals with pleural mesothelioma never experience early symptoms at all.


The only way for a doctor to identify possible pleural mesothelioma is through an X-Ray or CT scan. Following this procedure, if a potential pleural mesothelioma tumor is located, the doctor generally conducts a thoroscopy, after which a biopsy can identify pleural mesothelioma positively. Treatment will usually commence immediately, in an attempt to act before the pleural mesothelioma has a chance to spread even further. The various treatments available for combating pleural mesothelioma are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In some cases, there is no chance to remove the pleural mesothelioma, and in that case, surgery is usually performed to improve the patient’s quality of life.


Pleural mesothelioma patients suffer from buildup of fluid in the lungs, so the fluid is drained, and pleural mesothelioma patients may also have their tumors reduced in size, through surgery or other treatment.


Pleural mesothelioma is a rare but extremely serious cancer, and the links between asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma may mean that the patient’s employer or another party bears some culpability for the disease. Pleural mesothelioma patients and their families may be entitled to recovery losses associated with pleural mesothelioma, including medical costs, loss of wages, mental hardship, and punitive damages.


For more information about pleural mesothelioma and whether you are legally entitled to financial compensation, Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney familiar with pleural mesothelioma cases.



Source: Asbestos News

The information provided throughout this website is for your information only, and should NOT take the place of a full medical diagnosis.



Mesothelioma Symptoms - Asbestos Exposure


Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily due to the non-specific nature of patient symptoms. The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms are frequently reported by those with mesothelioma, but are also associated with other medical conditions.


The following symptomatic responses MAY BE caused by mesothelioma, or by other less serious medical problems. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to pneumonia. This information is provided for your information only, and should NOT take the place of a full medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, consult your doctor right away.


Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

• Pleural Effusions
One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea", and sometimes pain may occur.


• Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the pleural area of the lungs, and/or the presence of a tumor(s) in the pleural lining. Both conditions can restrict the proper functioning of the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.


• Chest / Back Pain
A buildup of fluid in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% of patients have mesothelioma in both lungs.


• Chronic Hoarseness / Difficulty Swallowing / Coughing up Blood

Chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis) are symptoms that are exhibited in less than 1% of undiagnosed mesothelioma sufferers.


• Swelling of the Face and Arms
The swelling of the face or neck areas can indicate a spreading of the cancer beyond the mesothelium.


• Other reported symptoms include fever, muscle weakness and sensory loss, and nausea.


MESOTHELIOMA & ASBESTOS EXPOSURE INFORMATION

Providing information for victims, workers, family members effected by lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestos exposure.