Testing for PD-L1 expression in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma may offer insight into whether patients of this rare cancer are candidates for immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibition. Immunotherapy has proven beneficial in other types of mesothelioma. A new study examines it as a possible treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma patients as well. What Is PD-L1…
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Women’s History Month: Notable Women in the Mesothelioma World
Women’s History Month was established in 1987 to celebrate and commemorate the contributions and accomplishments of women in history. Remembering the struggles, the sacrifices, and the victories of women in the mesothelioma community is an important part of moving treatment and activism forward. Although mesothelioma is rare in women, they make up an important part…
Lesser-Known Asbestos-Related Diseases: Know Your Risk
Diseases caused by asbestos can be difficult to identify because symptoms may not show up for decades. This means it can be tough to establish a link between exposure and lesser-known asbestos-related diseases. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), asbestos-related diseases can be found in individuals with only brief exposure. The best defense is…
Asbestos in Apartments and Rental Properties: Information for Tenants
Many people jump into a lease before reading the small print, but as we become more and more aware of the potential asbestos-related risks in older buildings, what are our rights when it comes to asbestos in apartments and rental units? Is There Asbestos in My Rental Property? Before the 1980s, asbestos was extremely prevalent…
New Mesothelioma Treatment Called a “Game-Changer”
The CONFIRM mesothelioma clinical trial showed that the immunotherapy drug, nivolumab, could be a useful treatment for people whose mesothelioma has returned after chemotherapy. A patient who participated in the study reports: “I can go out and walk my dogs, I split logs for my wood burner, and I do my garden… I just get…
Mesothelioma Medical Terminology Breakdown
Mesothelioma terminology can be complex and difficult to understand. This can make it harder for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones to get the most out of their care. A mesothelioma medical terminology breakdown can help patients understand this disease and its treatment options. Breaking Down Mesothelioma Medical Terminology Those who are newly diagnosed with…
How Can You Tell if Popcorn Ceiling Has Asbestos?
Popcorn ceilings were extremely popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. Before the dangers of asbestos were widely known, most popcorn ceilings were made from this deadly material. If you have popcorn ceilings in your home, they’re likely safe if left undisturbed. That said, it’s still a good idea to find out if they contain…
Can Asbestos Cause Immediate Symptoms?
There are no known short-term side effects of asbestos exposure. This means that even breathing in high amounts of asbestos does not cause immediate symptoms. The long-term health effects of asbestos exposure take years or even decades to develop, with the earliest sign usually being shortness of breath. If you think you were exposed to…
Can Mesothelioma Be Inherited?
In very rare cases, mesothelioma can be inherited through a mutation of the BAP1 gene, which can make mesothelioma development more likely. That said, the most common way of developing mesothelioma is through asbestos exposure. If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos at work, home, school, or in the military, talk to…
