Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma (or, more precisely, malignant mesothelioma) is a rare form of cancer that develops from transformed cells originating in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The most common anatomical site for the development of mesothelioma is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it can also arise in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), and the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart), or...

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Verastem Inc. to Begin Developing Novel Mesothelioma Drug

Verastem Inc. to Begin Developing Novel Mesothelioma Drug Nothing generates excitement in the cancer community quite like the development of a promising new therapy. Such developments are especially exciting for mesothelioma patients. With only one FDA-approved mesothelioma drug on the market, more options are desperately needed. And while researchers have found ways to make existing drugs more applicable for mesothelioma treatment, nobody...

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Mesothelioma Cancer Patients Hurt by Court Ruling Against Medicinal Marijuana

Mesothelioma cancer patients utilizing marijuana for medicinal purposes were dealt a setback earlier this month when a federal appeals court in Washington D.C. ruled in favor of the government’s long-standing classification of cannabis as a top-tier, dangerous drug. The ruling dismissed a challenge to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s refusal to reclassify marijuana and loosen the restrictions that mostly prohibit the production, sale and...

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Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality --- United States

Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality --- United States, 1999--2005 Malignant mesothelioma is a fatal cancer primarily associated with exposure to asbestos. The latency period between first exposure to asbestos and clinical disease usually is 20--40 years (1). Although asbestos is no longer mined in the United States, the mineral is still imported, and a substantial amount of asbestos remaining in buildings eventually will be removed,...

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