Archive for category Research

Distribution plan for miRview meso test (Mesothelioma diagnosis test)

Rosetta Genomics (the developer of the test) and Warnex Medical Laboratories (a life science company that provides services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries) announced an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta’s diagnostic tests.  One of these tests is the miRview meso test which uses microRNA molecular technology to differentiate mesothelioma from other cancers in the lung.  The use of this new test could mean more accurate diagnosis and more efficient  treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

As a provider, I find myself hopeful when reading about new research and diagnostic tools for mesothelioma and other cancers.  I feel we are getting closer to better diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, higher quality of life, and my clients living longer.  I look forward to hearing more about this new test and the implications for the mesothelioma community.

Read more:  Rosetta Genomics and Warnex Medical Laboratories Announce Exclusive Distribution Agreement for Rosetta’s microRNA-based Assays in Canada

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Tests May Predict Success of Drugs with Lung Cancer Patients

Reuters published an article today about tests that may help medical providers determine which lung cancer treatments would be most effective for specific patients. The article was based on two studies published this week. If the findings prove to be valid it could mean better treatment options and decreased costs for lung cancer patients.

Read the full article: Tests help lung cancer drugs reach right patients

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New Lung Cancer Vaccines

One of the recent research developments in the area of mesothelioma and lung cancer is the possibility of a new vaccine.  My clients and their loved ones are looking at new ways to fight these aggressive cancers.  Vaccinations may be one part of a multimodal treatment plan.  We are hopeful that vaccines may be one of the advancements we have been waiting for.

Researchers are predicting that a new therapeutic vaccine for non-small cell lung cancer could be available in one to three years.  These vaccines are now in late phase clinical trails.  The vaccines may be used with other traditional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.  Using the vaccines in combination with other modes of treatment may increase a patients’ quality of life, may increase life expectancy, and could decrease side effects and amounts of chemotherapy or radiation needed.  These findings were reported by ECRI Institute (an independent, non-profit organization that researches methods for improvements in patient care).

This research is important to the mesothelioma and lung cancer community because patients suffering from these diseases often have limited treatment options and poor prognosis (depending on stage of disease).  Research in the area of mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease is poorly funded and needs more attention.  This new research could mean increased advancements in treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers.

More information at www.medicalnewstoday.com.  Also check out this interesting article about research funding from a mesothelioma victim’s trust fund:  June Hancock: Ray of hope in cancer treatment.

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Erlotinib Clinical Trial Shows Promising Results

Clinical Trials play an important role in many mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer client treatments.  This is the recent update on Erlotinib (Tarceva) and improved survival rates in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer when treated with this drug after standard chemotherapy.  Read about it at http://www.curetoday.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/news.showNewsArticle/id/13/news_id/1531.

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Blood Test May Diagnose Lung Cancer

I read an interesting article about a simple blood test which may be able to diagnose lung cancer.  This could have widespread implications for all lung cancer patients.  I’m wondering how it could affect the lives of my asbestos-related lung cancer clients (and possibly mesothelioma clients).  It’s too soon to tell, but I’ll be watching for future information about this test.

Read the article here: “Blood Test May Diagnose Lung Cancer, Company Says”

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