mesothelioma blog

Andrew Vickers of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has a disturbing essay in the New York Times today. Apparently researchers are relucatant to share their cancer study data. Because of concerns that their studies might be criticized, because it is proprietary business data, and out of concerns for patient privacy. Vickers is a statistician and has encountered personal rejection when asking for information, and he knows enough about the industry to say this is a common practice.

It’s unfortunate that such attitudes exist in the scientific community, especially in the Internet age when communication is easier than ever. For the good of millions of patients, I hope scientists do not horde their data, but instead share it.

There is a report out of Australia today about new findings in control of tumors. Researchers showed a mouse immune system could contain a cancerous growth and prevent the cancer from spreading. The article hails this breakthrough as having the potential to lead to new therapies in the future. No details in the mainstream press article. Will look for the abstract for further details.

Let’s hope this contributes to advances in immunotherapy for mesothelioma.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme might add Alimta to the list of drugs eligible for coverage. Only half of Australians with mesothelioma have been able to get access because of state government subsidy schemes and coverage of the workplace compensation. There has been some controversy because Alimta was more readily available for lung cancer patients than for mesothelioma patients.

Interesting research into the basic of cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, killing more than 50 times as many people as mesothelioma does. Scientists have recently uncovered abnormalities in the genome related to lung cancer, including more than 50 regions that are gained or lost in lung tumors. They found a gene alteration in some lung cancers, and knowing about this alteration could lead to a new target for therapy.

This article from the MIT news office explains more.

There’s a story in the Wall Street Journal today about alternative therapies for cancer, and in particular when patients use these therapies in addition to conventional ones from their doctor. The article says half of Americans have used alternative or complementary techniques. The journal Chest this month addresses these therapies in conjunction with cancer.

Herbal supplements can interfere with chemotherapy or radiation, but at other times, some complementary therapies can help with symptom control. Some drugs work better if patients take vitamin supplements. Chest recommends doctors discuss any therapies patients may be using.

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a trial on alpha-lipoic acid and whether it can precent neurpathy in patients undergoing chemotherapy with platinum agents. Alpha-lipoic acid has received much attention in recent years as a constituent of foods, an antioxidant, and a dietary supplement. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a common problem in cancer patients and researchers feel there is a good chance the ALA can help, as it has been shown to help in neuropathy in diabetes patients. More here.

Massachusetts General Hospital researchers used an anti-angiogenesis agent to reduce the size of brain tumors called glioblastomas.  This is the most malignant form of brain cancer, and this success gives hope for people with this form of cancer and, more broadly, for the cancer research community which has been interested in angiogenesis inhibitors.  Many such drugs are in trials; they work by preventing the growth of blood vessels and thereby preventing tumors from getting larger.

Alfacell applied for orphan drug status for onconase, partly because it may be used to treat mesothelioma.  The drug is currently in Phase III trials.