Possible Bloodtest for Mesothelioma

A recent article suggests that it might be possible to develop a bloodtest to detect those in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma, although it is not currently known if early detection could lead to better treatments and improved long term survival rates.

Mesothelioma Research Funding Cut

Senator Arlen Spector recently removed language that would provide additional funding for mesothelioma research at the National Institutes of Health from the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Act (S. 852).

Natural Asbestos Can Increase Risks

A new study has shown some evidence that naturally occuring deposits of asbestos can lead to increased risks of being affected by mesothelioma.

New Mesothelioma Website

The International Mesothelioma Program (IMP) has recently launched a new website. The International Mesothelioma Program at the Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA is both a clinical and research program geared toward developing more advanced treatment strategies for mesothelioma patients.

New Therapy Shows Promise Against Mesothelioma

"Immunotherapy with tumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) effectively control mesothelioma outgrowth, Dutch scientists report in the May 15th American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine."

Read the full article.

ABB Working on Asbestos Litigation Plan

A recent update at Forbes indicates that the Swiss/Swedish engineering firm ABB Ltd will be slightly late submitting an asbestos litigation settlement plan to a Pittsburgh bankruptcy court.

Asbestos Litigation Bill Showing Slow Progress

U.S. Senators are still arguing over the Asbestos Litigation Bill, S. 852. From the quotes in the article, the Senate will probably not take up the bill before the Independence Day recess.