SUFFERERS of the asbestos-linked disease mesothelioma will have access to cheap treatment from today, after a long campaign to secure federal government subsidy paid off.
The government says the chemotherapy agent Alimta - the only treatment available specifically for the killer cancer of the lung or stomach lining - will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from today.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the listing of Alimta was an important announcement that followed the "tireless campaigning" of Bernie Banton, who died, aged 61, in November from the disease.
"Bernie was a great Australian hero and it is due to his efforts that many people will understand the significance of this decision," she said.
About 600 Australians are diagnosed annually with mesothelioma, but the long lag time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms means its prevalence is tipped to rise in the future.
Medical studies have estimated 18,000 people will have become victims of the disease by 2020.
Alimta, which can increase survival time and improve a sufferer's quality of life, has been out of reach for many patients at $20,000 or more for six treatments.
From today, sufferers will pay a maximum of $31.30 for each prescription. Eligible concession-patients will pay $5 for each prescription.
The subsidy will cost the government about $26 million annually and is expected to benefit about 300 people a year.
The listing of the drug became an election issue after Mr Banton criticised then health minister Tony Abbott for failing to personally receive a 17,000-signature petition brought to his Sydney electoral office in October.
Mr Abbott was forced into an embarrassing apology after questioning whether the dying campaigner's motives for speaking out were "pure of heart".
A week later, a government-appointed board recommended the drug be added to the PBS after three times rejecting its listing since 2004.
Mr Abbott bypassed the normal process of cabinet approval by immediately announcing the drug's listing.
Until now, only about half of Australians suffering mesothelioma were getting easy access to the palliative care drug through state government subsidy and workplace compensation schemes.
Source
Does a company have responsibility for people — other than its own employees — who are exposed to harmful agents from its facilities? That is the question the Tennessee Supreme Court tried to get its arms around Tuesday in Knoxville.
In late 2003, Maryville resident Amanda Satterfield, who was 23 years old at the time, filed a lawsuit against ALCOA Inc. and Breeding Insulation Co. in Blount County Circuit Court.
In her suit, Satterfield charged that she “was exposed to harmful asbestos dust and fibers from the day of her birth from her father’s use of asbestos products and inadvertent introduction of dust and fibers into their home and personal environments.” Satterfield had mesothelioma, a rare cancer directly associated with asbestos exposure.
On Jan. 1, 2005, at the age of 25, Satterfield lost her battle with cancer.
Doug Satterfield, Amanda’s father and the representative of her estate, continued with the suit after her death. With his 18-year-old daughter Amelia at his side, Doug Satterfield cried throughout the hearing in the Tennessee Supreme Court Building in downtown Knoxville.
Doug Satterfield hauled asbestos for ALCOA, starting his career with the company in 1973. He served in the military from 1975 to 1978 and then returned to work at ALCOA. His lawyers have maintained that Doug Satterfield was exposed to asbestos at ALCOA Tennessee Operations and that he brought home harmful dust and fibers on his clothes, resulting in Amanda contracting mesothelioma.
The lawsuit sought $10 million in compensatory and $10 million in punitive damages — although Satterfield has said the case is about justice and doing the right thing, not money.
ALCOA, represented by attorney John Lucas of Knoxville, argued that the ramifications of what the court is considering go far beyond this case, and could possibly create “an infinite universe of potential plaintiffs.”
Lucas referred to Satterfield’s allegations as the “conduit theory” — stating that, by assigning responsibility to companies for third-party contact with harmful agents, the court would define Doug Satterfield as the “vehicle” that transmitted asbestos into his home.
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice William Koch Jr. asked Lucas how that differed from an employee who drove an ALCOA truck into a neighborhood and exposed residents to asbestos.
“How is it negligent for ALCOA to let asbestos fly out of a truck and not negligent for ALCOA to allow employees to go home with asbestos dust on their clothing?” Koch asked.
ALCOA made a similar arguments during a coal tar pitch-related lawsuit in Knox County Chancery Court last year, charging that it would open the “floodgates of litigation” and that Tennessee would become a “plaintiff’s Mecca.” That case is now proceeding with a class action certification hearing following the conclusion of discovery depositions.
Knoxville attorney Greg Coleman, who represents Satterfield, said the real question was “what did ALCOA know, when did they know it, and what did they do about it?
“Public policy should at least extend to the home,” Coleman said. “ALCOA may not have known if an employee would stop at the Waffle House on his way home from work — but they did know that the employee would eventually end up at his home.”
Satterfield’s case has been in the legal system for more than four years. Originally heard — and dismissed — in Blount County Circuit Court Judge W. Dale Young’s court, the Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed Young’s decision, reinstated the lawsuit and charged ALCOA with the cost of the appeal in April 2007.
The Tennessee Supreme Court Justices are expected to issue a written opinion on the case within three months. They can either return the case to Blount County Circuit Court, where it will proceed, or dismiss it entirely.
After the hearing, Doug Satterfield told The Daily Times, “It seems like ALCOA is trying to change the law to protect itself.
“It’s unthinkable that public policy shouldn’t protect the children of workers.”
Amelia Satterfield, Amanda’s younger sister, said she believed the hearing went well, but said her family was nervous about the court appearance.
Coleman said: “ALCOA is trying to reverse what the law should be. They’re saying the greater the magnitude of the harm and the higher the mortality rate, the less responsibility they should have. Where I come from in Ducktown, Tennessee, that’s called bologna.”
The Tennessee Supreme Court should issue its written opinion by early April.
In late 2003, Maryville resident Amanda Satterfield, who was 23 years old at the time, filed a lawsuit against ALCOA Inc. and Breeding Insulation Co. in Blount County Circuit Court.
In her suit, Satterfield charged that she “was exposed to harmful asbestos dust and fibers from the day of her birth from her father’s use of asbestos products and inadvertent introduction of dust and fibers into their home and personal environments.” Satterfield had mesothelioma, a rare cancer directly associated with asbestos exposure.
On Jan. 1, 2005, at the age of 25, Satterfield lost her battle with cancer.
Doug Satterfield, Amanda’s father and the representative of her estate, continued with the suit after her death. With his 18-year-old daughter Amelia at his side, Doug Satterfield cried throughout the hearing in the Tennessee Supreme Court Building in downtown Knoxville.
Doug Satterfield hauled asbestos for ALCOA, starting his career with the company in 1973. He served in the military from 1975 to 1978 and then returned to work at ALCOA. His lawyers have maintained that Doug Satterfield was exposed to asbestos at ALCOA Tennessee Operations and that he brought home harmful dust and fibers on his clothes, resulting in Amanda contracting mesothelioma.
The lawsuit sought $10 million in compensatory and $10 million in punitive damages — although Satterfield has said the case is about justice and doing the right thing, not money.
ALCOA, represented by attorney John Lucas of Knoxville, argued that the ramifications of what the court is considering go far beyond this case, and could possibly create “an infinite universe of potential plaintiffs.”
Lucas referred to Satterfield’s allegations as the “conduit theory” — stating that, by assigning responsibility to companies for third-party contact with harmful agents, the court would define Doug Satterfield as the “vehicle” that transmitted asbestos into his home.
Tennessee Supreme Court Justice William Koch Jr. asked Lucas how that differed from an employee who drove an ALCOA truck into a neighborhood and exposed residents to asbestos.
“How is it negligent for ALCOA to let asbestos fly out of a truck and not negligent for ALCOA to allow employees to go home with asbestos dust on their clothing?” Koch asked.
ALCOA made a similar arguments during a coal tar pitch-related lawsuit in Knox County Chancery Court last year, charging that it would open the “floodgates of litigation” and that Tennessee would become a “plaintiff’s Mecca.” That case is now proceeding with a class action certification hearing following the conclusion of discovery depositions.
Knoxville attorney Greg Coleman, who represents Satterfield, said the real question was “what did ALCOA know, when did they know it, and what did they do about it?
“Public policy should at least extend to the home,” Coleman said. “ALCOA may not have known if an employee would stop at the Waffle House on his way home from work — but they did know that the employee would eventually end up at his home.”
Satterfield’s case has been in the legal system for more than four years. Originally heard — and dismissed — in Blount County Circuit Court Judge W. Dale Young’s court, the Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed Young’s decision, reinstated the lawsuit and charged ALCOA with the cost of the appeal in April 2007.
The Tennessee Supreme Court Justices are expected to issue a written opinion on the case within three months. They can either return the case to Blount County Circuit Court, where it will proceed, or dismiss it entirely.
After the hearing, Doug Satterfield told The Daily Times, “It seems like ALCOA is trying to change the law to protect itself.
“It’s unthinkable that public policy shouldn’t protect the children of workers.”
Amelia Satterfield, Amanda’s younger sister, said she believed the hearing went well, but said her family was nervous about the court appearance.
Coleman said: “ALCOA is trying to reverse what the law should be. They’re saying the greater the magnitude of the harm and the higher the mortality rate, the less responsibility they should have. Where I come from in Ducktown, Tennessee, that’s called bologna.”
The Tennessee Supreme Court should issue its written opinion by early April.
Alfacell Corp. licensed U.S. commercialization rights for the Phase III cancer drug Onconase (ranpirnase) to Strativa Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth up to $225 million.
Just $5 million will change hands up front, but both Alfacell and Strativa stand to gain much more if their gamble in choosing each other as partners pays off. Specifically, Alfacell could get $30 million for FDA approval of Onconase in unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM) and up to $190 million for milestones tied to Onconase sales as well as development and commercialization of the drug in additional indications. Alfacell also would receive double-digit royalties and retains a co-promotion option.
For Alfacell, the gamble lies in choosing Strativa, the recently-launched specialty pharmaceutical division of Par Pharmaceutical Cos. Inc. So far, Strativa markets just one product: Megace ES for anorexia, cachexia and unexplained weight loss in HIV patients. Although the company has deals in place for three additional late-stage products, all three are for HIV or cancer supportive care, and Onconase would be Strativa's first true oncology therapeutic.
Lawrence Kenyon, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Alfacell, told BioWorld Today that Onconase has been the subject of "bids from multiple companies for a number of years." Strativa was selected because it had the hunger of a start-up looking to build an oncology business focused on niche products, combined with the resources and infrastructure of Par Pharmaceuticals, he said.
For Strativa, the gamble lies in Onconase's somewhat checkered development history. The drug, a natural ribonuclease isolated from frog eggs, failed a Phase III trial in pancreatic cancer and its first Phase III trial in UMM.
In the pancreatic cancer trial, a preliminary analysis showed that Onconase plus tamoxifen failed to improve survival compared to 5-fluorouracil. Kenyon said part of the problem was an inability to recruit sufficiently healthy patients into the trial, and the pancreatic cancer program subsequently was discontinued. (See BioWorld Today, July 16, 1998.)
The first Phase III UMM trial compared Onconase as a monotherapy to doxorubicin. Again, there was no survival difference in the overall population, but Kenyon said a retrospective analysis showed that the sickest patients had been disproportionately weighted to the Onconase group. Backing them out of the analysis resulted in a two-month survival difference.
Onconase is now being studied in a Phase IIIb trial designed to confirm the positive data seen in the Phase III subset analysis. The trial, which was designed in coordination with the FDA, compares Onconase plus doxorubicin to doxorubicin alone in the less-severe groups of UMM patients. Enrollment of 428 patients is complete, and Kenyon said the company is "very close" to obtaining the number of clinical events needed to analyze the data.
Under the deal with Strativa, Alfacell will continue to fund development, manufacturing and regulatory work with Onconase, including the ongoing Phase IIIb trial. Strativa will fund U.S. commercialization.
Previous deals with US Pharmacia affiliate USP Pharma Spolka Z.O.O. and Genesis Pharma SA cover Onconase commercialization in Eastern Europe and certain Southeast European countries, respectively.
As of Oct. 31, Alfacell reported $5.4 million in cash and equivalents, most of which was earmarked to support the Onconase trial and new drug application filing. Once the filing is submitted, Alfacell intends to work with Strativa on additional indications for Onconase, including the possibility of moving a non-small-cell lung cancer program into Phase II.
Kenyon said the money from Strativa also will allow Alfacell to "ramp up" its preclinical work on AC 03-636 for glioma and antiviral indications, AC CJ-001 for glioma, and AC CJ-002 for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Shares of Somerset, N.J.-based Alfacell (NASDAQ:ACEL) rose 25 cents, or 14.3 percent, to close at $2 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, shares of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.-based Par Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:PRX) rose 52 cents to close at $21.49.
Just $5 million will change hands up front, but both Alfacell and Strativa stand to gain much more if their gamble in choosing each other as partners pays off. Specifically, Alfacell could get $30 million for FDA approval of Onconase in unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM) and up to $190 million for milestones tied to Onconase sales as well as development and commercialization of the drug in additional indications. Alfacell also would receive double-digit royalties and retains a co-promotion option.
For Alfacell, the gamble lies in choosing Strativa, the recently-launched specialty pharmaceutical division of Par Pharmaceutical Cos. Inc. So far, Strativa markets just one product: Megace ES for anorexia, cachexia and unexplained weight loss in HIV patients. Although the company has deals in place for three additional late-stage products, all three are for HIV or cancer supportive care, and Onconase would be Strativa's first true oncology therapeutic.
Lawrence Kenyon, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Alfacell, told BioWorld Today that Onconase has been the subject of "bids from multiple companies for a number of years." Strativa was selected because it had the hunger of a start-up looking to build an oncology business focused on niche products, combined with the resources and infrastructure of Par Pharmaceuticals, he said.
For Strativa, the gamble lies in Onconase's somewhat checkered development history. The drug, a natural ribonuclease isolated from frog eggs, failed a Phase III trial in pancreatic cancer and its first Phase III trial in UMM.
In the pancreatic cancer trial, a preliminary analysis showed that Onconase plus tamoxifen failed to improve survival compared to 5-fluorouracil. Kenyon said part of the problem was an inability to recruit sufficiently healthy patients into the trial, and the pancreatic cancer program subsequently was discontinued. (See BioWorld Today, July 16, 1998.)
The first Phase III UMM trial compared Onconase as a monotherapy to doxorubicin. Again, there was no survival difference in the overall population, but Kenyon said a retrospective analysis showed that the sickest patients had been disproportionately weighted to the Onconase group. Backing them out of the analysis resulted in a two-month survival difference.
Onconase is now being studied in a Phase IIIb trial designed to confirm the positive data seen in the Phase III subset analysis. The trial, which was designed in coordination with the FDA, compares Onconase plus doxorubicin to doxorubicin alone in the less-severe groups of UMM patients. Enrollment of 428 patients is complete, and Kenyon said the company is "very close" to obtaining the number of clinical events needed to analyze the data.
Under the deal with Strativa, Alfacell will continue to fund development, manufacturing and regulatory work with Onconase, including the ongoing Phase IIIb trial. Strativa will fund U.S. commercialization.
Previous deals with US Pharmacia affiliate USP Pharma Spolka Z.O.O. and Genesis Pharma SA cover Onconase commercialization in Eastern Europe and certain Southeast European countries, respectively.
As of Oct. 31, Alfacell reported $5.4 million in cash and equivalents, most of which was earmarked to support the Onconase trial and new drug application filing. Once the filing is submitted, Alfacell intends to work with Strativa on additional indications for Onconase, including the possibility of moving a non-small-cell lung cancer program into Phase II.
Kenyon said the money from Strativa also will allow Alfacell to "ramp up" its preclinical work on AC 03-636 for glioma and antiviral indications, AC CJ-001 for glioma, and AC CJ-002 for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Shares of Somerset, N.J.-based Alfacell (NASDAQ:ACEL) rose 25 cents, or 14.3 percent, to close at $2 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, shares of Woodcliff Lake, N.J.-based Par Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:PRX) rose 52 cents to close at $21.49.
Vermont Mesothelioma Lawyer Shepard helping Mesothelioma Victims in Rhode Island, Boston, New York, New Hampshire
Posted on
6/14/2010 |
0
Comment
The Mesothelioma Lawyer expresses his concern over the student’s health risks as asbestos that was used in these old school buildings as the primary insulation and fireproofing construction material is now projecting from the school building sites due to poor maintenance. It is contaminating the schools environment posing students, teachers and the staff to mesothelioma cancer and asbestos related respiratory diseases.
The school going students and the staff working in these schools are exposed to the risk of asbestos related respirator diseases thus laying the foundation for mesothelioma. This fact is also reviled by the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Centers report. The school buildings in New York have now grown old and need maintenance. Due to lack of maintenance in the old building the asbestos which had been used in construction is now exposed. It is polluting the environment endangering the lives of students, teachers and staff exposing them to the risk of contracting asbestos related respiratory diseases and mesothelioma cancer.
During an emergency inspection in NY schools which was carried as a NY City School was blamed for an incident of asbestos exposure. It was reveled during the inspection that 80% of the building built prior to 1980 used asbestos as insulation and fire proof material during the construction phase. Now due to the poor maintenance the risk of exposure of asbestos has increased manifolds posing risk of health to all the occupants of the school buildings. The report by the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Centers Report also state that in 2004 one Brooklyn School was forced to open late as they had to ensure the safety of the school building, staff and the students.
Even a small amount of asbestos exposure contaminates the environment, increases the possibility of inhalation of asbestos particles thus marking a start of respiratory disorders leading to mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma lawyer Shepard studies all such cases, takes the path of law to bring relief to the injured who had not known about the risks of being exposed to asbestos. At present Shepard Law Firm is assisting Mesothelioma victims in:
Boston
New Hampshire
Vermont
Rhode Island
However, due to large network Shepard Law firm enjoys, cases from other areas such as Dallas, New York, Houston and other areas where school buildings are getting old and may be of concern resulting in asbestos exposure can contact: The Shepard Law Firm at http://www.shepardlawfirm.com
To learn more about Mesothelioma / Asbestos Risks visit Mesothelioma Cancer Resource
for free informaation
The school going students and the staff working in these schools are exposed to the risk of asbestos related respirator diseases thus laying the foundation for mesothelioma. This fact is also reviled by the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Centers report. The school buildings in New York have now grown old and need maintenance. Due to lack of maintenance in the old building the asbestos which had been used in construction is now exposed. It is polluting the environment endangering the lives of students, teachers and staff exposing them to the risk of contracting asbestos related respiratory diseases and mesothelioma cancer.
During an emergency inspection in NY schools which was carried as a NY City School was blamed for an incident of asbestos exposure. It was reveled during the inspection that 80% of the building built prior to 1980 used asbestos as insulation and fire proof material during the construction phase. Now due to the poor maintenance the risk of exposure of asbestos has increased manifolds posing risk of health to all the occupants of the school buildings. The report by the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Centers Report also state that in 2004 one Brooklyn School was forced to open late as they had to ensure the safety of the school building, staff and the students.
Even a small amount of asbestos exposure contaminates the environment, increases the possibility of inhalation of asbestos particles thus marking a start of respiratory disorders leading to mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma lawyer Shepard studies all such cases, takes the path of law to bring relief to the injured who had not known about the risks of being exposed to asbestos. At present Shepard Law Firm is assisting Mesothelioma victims in:
Boston
New Hampshire
Vermont
Rhode Island
However, due to large network Shepard Law firm enjoys, cases from other areas such as Dallas, New York, Houston and other areas where school buildings are getting old and may be of concern resulting in asbestos exposure can contact: The Shepard Law Firm at http://www.shepardlawfirm.com
To learn more about Mesothelioma / Asbestos Risks visit Mesothelioma Cancer Resource
for free informaation
Alfacell Signs Onconase Purchase And Supply Deal With Scientific Protein Labs [ACEL]
Posted on
6/13/2010 |
0
Comment
(ACEL) announced that it has entered into a purchase and supply agreement with Scientific Protein Laboratories LLC or SPL for the commercial production of Onconase or ranpirnase.
Onconase, the company's lead drug candidate, is currently being evaluated as a treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma or UMM in a confirmatory Phase IIIb clinical trial.
Kuslima Shogen, chief executive officer of Alfacell, said, “We have been pleased with the superb performance of the extremely well qualified team at SPL for many years and are confident that the commercial production of ONCONASE is in the right hands. This agreement is another step forward for Alfacell as we plan for the commercialization of ONCONASE.”
Onconase is a first-in-class product candidate from Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease or RNase technology.
In addition to an ongoing Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell is conducting a Phase I/II trial of Onconase in non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC and other solid tumors.
ACEL is currently trading at $2.40, up 16 cents or 6.95%.
Onconase, the company's lead drug candidate, is currently being evaluated as a treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma or UMM in a confirmatory Phase IIIb clinical trial.
Kuslima Shogen, chief executive officer of Alfacell, said, “We have been pleased with the superb performance of the extremely well qualified team at SPL for many years and are confident that the commercial production of ONCONASE is in the right hands. This agreement is another step forward for Alfacell as we plan for the commercialization of ONCONASE.”
Onconase is a first-in-class product candidate from Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease or RNase technology.
In addition to an ongoing Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell is conducting a Phase I/II trial of Onconase in non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC and other solid tumors.
ACEL is currently trading at $2.40, up 16 cents or 6.95%.
VICTIMS of York's asbestos timebomb have been given a major boost after a medicine rationing organisation ruled they are entitled to a vital drug.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has decided the drug Alimta should be made available to patients with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
The York Asbestos Support Group today hailed the decision, saying that while the drug was not a cure, it could both extend life and alleviate symptoms for patients and was the only treatment available.
"The NICE decision brings to a conclusion an approval process which started almost three years ago and which led to one of the worst examples of the health postcode lottery," said the group's delighted founder Kim Daniells.
"Hundreds of patients across the UK were refused treatment with this drug whilst those in Scotland, the North West and North East of England could access treatment."
She said NICE had rejected an appeal against an original decision to approve the use of the drug for the treatment of the condition, which was a fatal tumour of the lung pleura caused by exposure to asbestos.
"In the last three years, many hundreds of patients have been diagnosed with the condition and gone on to die without ever being able to access the treatment. Hopefully this situation will now come to an end."
She said NICE's guidance meant primary care trusts would now be obliged to provide uniform treatment.
They would be given the option of a 90-day lead-in period following the official announcement, but she hoped the guidance would result in mesothelioma sufferers gaining prompt access to the treatment they needed and deserved.
The decision could benefit former York Carriageworks employees who fall victim in future to mesothelioma.
Staff were widely exposed to deadly asbestos dust fibres during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and even in the 1980s after some measures had been brought in to provide protection to staff.
Scores of ex-workers have died from the devastating cancer.
A NICE spokesman said Alimta was being recommended as a possible treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma in people with advanced disease, and whose cancer was not suitable for surgical removal and who met certain other conditions.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has decided the drug Alimta should be made available to patients with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
The York Asbestos Support Group today hailed the decision, saying that while the drug was not a cure, it could both extend life and alleviate symptoms for patients and was the only treatment available.
"The NICE decision brings to a conclusion an approval process which started almost three years ago and which led to one of the worst examples of the health postcode lottery," said the group's delighted founder Kim Daniells.
"Hundreds of patients across the UK were refused treatment with this drug whilst those in Scotland, the North West and North East of England could access treatment."
She said NICE had rejected an appeal against an original decision to approve the use of the drug for the treatment of the condition, which was a fatal tumour of the lung pleura caused by exposure to asbestos.
"In the last three years, many hundreds of patients have been diagnosed with the condition and gone on to die without ever being able to access the treatment. Hopefully this situation will now come to an end."
She said NICE's guidance meant primary care trusts would now be obliged to provide uniform treatment.
They would be given the option of a 90-day lead-in period following the official announcement, but she hoped the guidance would result in mesothelioma sufferers gaining prompt access to the treatment they needed and deserved.
The decision could benefit former York Carriageworks employees who fall victim in future to mesothelioma.
Staff were widely exposed to deadly asbestos dust fibres during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and even in the 1980s after some measures had been brought in to provide protection to staff.
Scores of ex-workers have died from the devastating cancer.
A NICE spokesman said Alimta was being recommended as a possible treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma in people with advanced disease, and whose cancer was not suitable for surgical removal and who met certain other conditions.
Modern life is becoming faster and faster. Every day we have to solve different problems and meet many people just because you do not want to leg behind the pace of life or just earn money for a living.
Of course we like our job but one day your boss can give you the most difficult task which you will not be able to complete at once and as a result you can be so depressed to do anything at all. And of course, you will need depression help but it is not very easy. Some people start drinking a lot of alcohol or even use drugs. But it is not a way out because it can only make the situation worse. Only specialists can help because a depressed person already is in a situation where he does not see solutions of his problems. In this case guided meditation can become a useful tool because a specialist can teach a person to overcome all his problems himself. This effect is achieved with the help of meditation using special words and of course special music. This method is very effective and was used for a long time and proved to be very effective.
Of course we like our job but one day your boss can give you the most difficult task which you will not be able to complete at once and as a result you can be so depressed to do anything at all. And of course, you will need depression help but it is not very easy. Some people start drinking a lot of alcohol or even use drugs. But it is not a way out because it can only make the situation worse. Only specialists can help because a depressed person already is in a situation where he does not see solutions of his problems. In this case guided meditation can become a useful tool because a specialist can teach a person to overcome all his problems himself. This effect is achieved with the help of meditation using special words and of course special music. This method is very effective and was used for a long time and proved to be very effective.
Boston Lawyer Michael Shepard Taking Mesothelioma, Personal Injury, Asbestos Cases
Posted on
6/07/2010 |
0
Comment
Seeking compensation for injury caused by asbestos exposure is now easy. A mesothelioma lawyer who started with his mesothelioma cancer law practice in Boston now brings his services to Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. People who are suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries that have affected their health and wellbeing can rely on Michael Shepard to fight for their rights and help them in claiming compensation.
Michael Shepard has an established reputation of being a compassionate attorney who, along with mesothelioma and asbestos related injuries, also helps people in their pain and suffering arising out of injuries inflicted to them due to the faults of others. If people are injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, product defects, nursing home negligence, silica, talc, welding fumes automotive or aviation accidents, they should contact the attorneys office to seek guidance for obtaining compensation for the injury caused.
In his website, the mesothelioma cancer lawyer acknowledges that the time of the injured is precious and says “We know our clients want the freedom to see family and friends whenever they choose. We also know that because of their condition, they don’t want to be bogged down in legal matters. Through years of experience in this field, we have developed a streamlined approach to handling asbestos-related litigation that lessens the amount of time our clients spend dealing with lawyers and the courts. After a client’s brief, free, one-on-one consultation with us, we take the matter into our own hands, independently investigating the specific facts of the case, collecting crucial evidence and confronting the people who are responsible for your illness or injury. We make every effort to transform our clients’ “good” case into a “great” case that may secure the maximum compensation deserved.”
Whether the injured is in Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire or Rhode Island, Boston Mesothelioma cancer lawyers are ready to look into the case and assess the maximum compensation during the first free one to one consultation.
Michael Shepard has an established reputation of being a compassionate attorney who, along with mesothelioma and asbestos related injuries, also helps people in their pain and suffering arising out of injuries inflicted to them due to the faults of others. If people are injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, product defects, nursing home negligence, silica, talc, welding fumes automotive or aviation accidents, they should contact the attorneys office to seek guidance for obtaining compensation for the injury caused.
In his website, the mesothelioma cancer lawyer acknowledges that the time of the injured is precious and says “We know our clients want the freedom to see family and friends whenever they choose. We also know that because of their condition, they don’t want to be bogged down in legal matters. Through years of experience in this field, we have developed a streamlined approach to handling asbestos-related litigation that lessens the amount of time our clients spend dealing with lawyers and the courts. After a client’s brief, free, one-on-one consultation with us, we take the matter into our own hands, independently investigating the specific facts of the case, collecting crucial evidence and confronting the people who are responsible for your illness or injury. We make every effort to transform our clients’ “good” case into a “great” case that may secure the maximum compensation deserved.”
Whether the injured is in Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire or Rhode Island, Boston Mesothelioma cancer lawyers are ready to look into the case and assess the maximum compensation during the first free one to one consultation.
$1M NOTICE OF CLAIM: Columbia Street residence, called 'the cat house,' was torn down after fire Nov. 12
The man who owns a home on Columbia Street that was referred to as "the cat house" by neighbors has filed a notice of claim for $1 million against the city of Watertown for razing its remains after a fire last year.
A notice of claim is a precursor to filing a lawsuit against a municipality.
Oliver J. Wisner is seeking compensation for the "arbitrary, capricious and malicious charging and billing for outrageous unnecessary work on the cleanup of ashes and debris" the claim states.
The Watertown lawyer owns the property at 1205-07 Columbia St., which burned down Nov. 12, forcing neighbors to evacuate their homes during the early morning hours. The heat from the blaze damaged nearby homes, one of which is still uninhabitable.
The city requested that Mr. Wisner remove the remaining debris from the duplex immediately following the blaze. In late December, the city hired Independent Commercial Contractors Inc., Lorraine, for $28,600 to clean the site and remove asbestos. Mr. Wisner was then billed for the job.
Mr. Wisner bought the home June 21, despite the previous owner not allowing him to completely inspect it beforehand, the notice states.
Once the purchase was complete, Mr. Wisner hired cleaners to clear debris from the home.
"The cleaners discovered more than 10 bodies of long-dead cats in the building," the notice states. "The odor from the house and the Dumpsters brought numerous complaints from neighbors."
In June, the city Code Enforcement Office found that an upstairs bathtub in 1205 Columbia St. was filled with cat feces, and cat skeletons were found throughout the apartment.The property was condemned and the tenant, Michael J. Sias, was removed.
Mr. Sias, 58, now of 536 Emerson St., Apt. 103, is facing an animal-cruelty charge on allegations that between June 25 and July 3 he deprived seven cats of necessary sustenance in his former home, "permitting unjustifiable physical pain, suffering and death," according to a city police document. He was charged Tuesday and faces prosecution in City Court.
Some live cats were taken from the home by the SPCA, others were euthanized and six frozen bodies that were found in an operating freezer were sent to Cornell University, Ithaca, for a forensics examination.
Mr. Wisner claims that "it was a matter of public knowledge that persons in the city of Watertown, New York, had called for the burning of the duplex." Throughout the notice, he maintains that an arsonist started the fire and that police did not properly follow leads.
The cause of the fire was never determined and police never made an arrest.
"My position is that there was no emergency and the demolition charges were unlawful and unreasonable and should be reviewed by a court and disallowed as an unlawful taking of private property," the notice states.
Mr. Wisner is asking for $100,000 for the loss of the house and $900,000 for "harassment causing great mental stress and depression." He plans to retain an attorney, the notice states.
City Attorney Robert J. Slye said he did not want to comment about the notice when contacted Friday afternoon.
"We'll certainly wait to see what Mr. Wisner has to say and if he files a suit," he said.
Times staff writer David C. Shampine contributed to this report.
The man who owns a home on Columbia Street that was referred to as "the cat house" by neighbors has filed a notice of claim for $1 million against the city of Watertown for razing its remains after a fire last year.
A notice of claim is a precursor to filing a lawsuit against a municipality.
Oliver J. Wisner is seeking compensation for the "arbitrary, capricious and malicious charging and billing for outrageous unnecessary work on the cleanup of ashes and debris" the claim states.
The Watertown lawyer owns the property at 1205-07 Columbia St., which burned down Nov. 12, forcing neighbors to evacuate their homes during the early morning hours. The heat from the blaze damaged nearby homes, one of which is still uninhabitable.
The city requested that Mr. Wisner remove the remaining debris from the duplex immediately following the blaze. In late December, the city hired Independent Commercial Contractors Inc., Lorraine, for $28,600 to clean the site and remove asbestos. Mr. Wisner was then billed for the job.
Mr. Wisner bought the home June 21, despite the previous owner not allowing him to completely inspect it beforehand, the notice states.
Once the purchase was complete, Mr. Wisner hired cleaners to clear debris from the home.
"The cleaners discovered more than 10 bodies of long-dead cats in the building," the notice states. "The odor from the house and the Dumpsters brought numerous complaints from neighbors."
In June, the city Code Enforcement Office found that an upstairs bathtub in 1205 Columbia St. was filled with cat feces, and cat skeletons were found throughout the apartment.The property was condemned and the tenant, Michael J. Sias, was removed.
Mr. Sias, 58, now of 536 Emerson St., Apt. 103, is facing an animal-cruelty charge on allegations that between June 25 and July 3 he deprived seven cats of necessary sustenance in his former home, "permitting unjustifiable physical pain, suffering and death," according to a city police document. He was charged Tuesday and faces prosecution in City Court.
Some live cats were taken from the home by the SPCA, others were euthanized and six frozen bodies that were found in an operating freezer were sent to Cornell University, Ithaca, for a forensics examination.
Mr. Wisner claims that "it was a matter of public knowledge that persons in the city of Watertown, New York, had called for the burning of the duplex." Throughout the notice, he maintains that an arsonist started the fire and that police did not properly follow leads.
The cause of the fire was never determined and police never made an arrest.
"My position is that there was no emergency and the demolition charges were unlawful and unreasonable and should be reviewed by a court and disallowed as an unlawful taking of private property," the notice states.
Mr. Wisner is asking for $100,000 for the loss of the house and $900,000 for "harassment causing great mental stress and depression." He plans to retain an attorney, the notice states.
City Attorney Robert J. Slye said he did not want to comment about the notice when contacted Friday afternoon.
"We'll certainly wait to see what Mr. Wisner has to say and if he files a suit," he said.
Times staff writer David C. Shampine contributed to this report.
The 2009 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma will be held Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. The event is organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and will feature international mesothelioma experts, patients, advocates and caregivers.
The specialists participating in the three-day symposium will update attendees on the latest developments in treatment, research and clinical trials and each day covers a different topic.
Day one focuses on advocacy, noting the importance of communicating with federal leaders about the need for funding for mesothelioma research and the banning of asbestos use. The topic for day two is “Renewing the Spirit,” and will address support issues. The day also includes a series of roundtable discussions about a variety of topics ranging from nutrition to pain management. Day three will cover treatment.
The Celebration of Hope gala dinner will be held Friday evening to honor patients living with mesothelioma. Three annual awards will be given acknowledging a political leader, contributions made by a research company toward new mesothelioma treatment options and volunteer efforts by mesothelioma community members.
A tribute ceremony will be held the morning of the dinner to remember those who have passed away from mesothelioma. Attendees may submit a photograph and the name of a lost loved one for use on a tribute wall and in a picture collage during the ceremony.
“This conference is for everyone – patients, caregivers and family members, those who have lost a loved one, volunteers, advocates, and medical and scientific experts. Everyone struggling with this disease and everyone who cares about the mission to cure it will gain valuable medical information, coping skills, support, new friendships, and opportunities to make a real impact in the mission,” said the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s welcome letter for the symposium.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma through funding research, providing patient support services and participating in federal mesothelioma advocacy. Registration for the symposium may be completed at www.curemeso.org.
The specialists participating in the three-day symposium will update attendees on the latest developments in treatment, research and clinical trials and each day covers a different topic.
Day one focuses on advocacy, noting the importance of communicating with federal leaders about the need for funding for mesothelioma research and the banning of asbestos use. The topic for day two is “Renewing the Spirit,” and will address support issues. The day also includes a series of roundtable discussions about a variety of topics ranging from nutrition to pain management. Day three will cover treatment.
The Celebration of Hope gala dinner will be held Friday evening to honor patients living with mesothelioma. Three annual awards will be given acknowledging a political leader, contributions made by a research company toward new mesothelioma treatment options and volunteer efforts by mesothelioma community members.
A tribute ceremony will be held the morning of the dinner to remember those who have passed away from mesothelioma. Attendees may submit a photograph and the name of a lost loved one for use on a tribute wall and in a picture collage during the ceremony.
“This conference is for everyone – patients, caregivers and family members, those who have lost a loved one, volunteers, advocates, and medical and scientific experts. Everyone struggling with this disease and everyone who cares about the mission to cure it will gain valuable medical information, coping skills, support, new friendships, and opportunities to make a real impact in the mission,” said the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s welcome letter for the symposium.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma through funding research, providing patient support services and participating in federal mesothelioma advocacy. Registration for the symposium may be completed at www.curemeso.org.
The 2009 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma has now been scheduled for the end of June. The event, which is organised by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) is set to be held in Washington DC from the 25th June until 27th June.
The event will be an interesting one that will involve raising awareness about asbestos related disease as well as looking at research and discussing the latest findings. A number of industry experts will be attending the event to provide details on various clinical trials, treatment, and research.
In addition to this many others will also be at the event, including sufferers of the asbestos related cancer, campaigners, advocates, and those that provide care for sufferers of mesothelioma. The event will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, in Washington, DC.
Following the event the foundation will honor those that are living with the disease, and will also give out the three annual awards that it gives for political support, research contributions, and community support.
The event will be an interesting one that will involve raising awareness about asbestos related disease as well as looking at research and discussing the latest findings. A number of industry experts will be attending the event to provide details on various clinical trials, treatment, and research.
In addition to this many others will also be at the event, including sufferers of the asbestos related cancer, campaigners, advocates, and those that provide care for sufferers of mesothelioma. The event will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, in Washington, DC.
Following the event the foundation will honor those that are living with the disease, and will also give out the three annual awards that it gives for political support, research contributions, and community support.
Malignant mesothelioma risk increased after radiation treatment for HL
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6/02/2010 |
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Patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma who have been treated with radiation may be at an increased risk for malignant mesothelioma.
Although malignant mesothelioma is relatively uncommon, previous research indicated it may be associated with radiation exposure.
Results of several recent epidemiological studies showed that radiation for lymphoma may be linked with an increased risk for malignant mesothelioma. However, these studies involved only a small number of patients and the results needed to be confirmed in larger studies.
For this study, the researchers examined risk for malignant mesothelioma in 2,567 patients who had reached at least five-year survival after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Patients included in the study had been treated with radiation alone, chemotherapy alone or a combination of both.
Median follow-up period was 18.1 years. At this time, 13 patients had malignant mesothelioma at least five years after being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Five-year survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma were about 26 times more likely than the general population to develop malignant mesothelioma, according to the results. Those treated with radiation alone were about 30 times more likely to develop malignant mesothelioma.
There were no cases of the disease among the 232 patients treated with chemotherapy alone, but patients treated with both radiation and chemotherapy were almost 44 times more likely to develop malignant mesothelioma.
Although malignant mesothelioma is relatively uncommon, previous research indicated it may be associated with radiation exposure.
Results of several recent epidemiological studies showed that radiation for lymphoma may be linked with an increased risk for malignant mesothelioma. However, these studies involved only a small number of patients and the results needed to be confirmed in larger studies.
For this study, the researchers examined risk for malignant mesothelioma in 2,567 patients who had reached at least five-year survival after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Patients included in the study had been treated with radiation alone, chemotherapy alone or a combination of both.
Median follow-up period was 18.1 years. At this time, 13 patients had malignant mesothelioma at least five years after being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Five-year survivors of Hodgkin’s lymphoma were about 26 times more likely than the general population to develop malignant mesothelioma, according to the results. Those treated with radiation alone were about 30 times more likely to develop malignant mesothelioma.
There were no cases of the disease among the 232 patients treated with chemotherapy alone, but patients treated with both radiation and chemotherapy were almost 44 times more likely to develop malignant mesothelioma.
When people with similar claims join forces to seek monetary compensation through litigation, we talk about a class action lawsuit.
This process can be highly time and cost efficient, for both, the claimants and the courts. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease, and along with asbestosis and certain kinds of lung cancer, is caused by exposure to asbestos particles. A cure is yet to be found and even though the available treatments can help to improve a patient's quality of life, they are very expensive. I am a cancer patient, too, and so is my wife. Therefore, we know that our unwanted 'hobby' cancer can leave a person with a huge bill. But Mesothelioma treatments are on the extreme side and for that reason, filing for a compensation claim might result in the needed financial funding to keep up with the medical expenses. Of course, a mesothelioma patient needs to have the legal grounds before he is eligible to file a claim.
Mesothelioma class action lawsuits are complex and may therefore go on for a long time. Quite frequently we see a whole group of asbestos lawyers or a law firm taking on the litigation for the claimants. Finding the best legal representatives is imperative. They can make sure that the filing process will be handled quickly plus they can help you with the entire administrative burden. If you ever had to deal with completing any kind of legal paper-work, you probably know what I'm talking about. A mesothelioma class action lawsuit needs to be authorized by a judge, who will evaluate the claim, taking into consideration the number of claimants, the scope of the claim and the similarity of the individual cases to validate that everything can be handled in one bundled lawsuit.
Mesothelioma class action lawsuits are not always the best option for an asbestos victim who seeks to get compensated for his pain and suffering. Strategically, it might make more sense to pursue legal action individually as opposed to a group approach. It all depends on the circumstances and this is why the advice of a reputable and accredited mesothelioma lawyer is absolutely crucial. The single most important aspect is to consult with a legal expert as soon as the diagnosis is conclusive, since the statue of limitations sets forth a timeframe in which a claimant has to file his case. Rules and regulations may vary from state to state and jurisdiction.
The first lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers go back to the 1960s. Former workers in the shipbuilding, mining and construction industries, who got sick because their employers either failed to warn or adequately protect them from asbestos exposure, decided to gather their efforts and file one combined class action lawsuit.
Since then, nearly 800,000 asbestos lawsuits have been filed, either through mesothelioma class actions or individual claims.
This process can be highly time and cost efficient, for both, the claimants and the courts. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease, and along with asbestosis and certain kinds of lung cancer, is caused by exposure to asbestos particles. A cure is yet to be found and even though the available treatments can help to improve a patient's quality of life, they are very expensive. I am a cancer patient, too, and so is my wife. Therefore, we know that our unwanted 'hobby' cancer can leave a person with a huge bill. But Mesothelioma treatments are on the extreme side and for that reason, filing for a compensation claim might result in the needed financial funding to keep up with the medical expenses. Of course, a mesothelioma patient needs to have the legal grounds before he is eligible to file a claim.
Mesothelioma class action lawsuits are complex and may therefore go on for a long time. Quite frequently we see a whole group of asbestos lawyers or a law firm taking on the litigation for the claimants. Finding the best legal representatives is imperative. They can make sure that the filing process will be handled quickly plus they can help you with the entire administrative burden. If you ever had to deal with completing any kind of legal paper-work, you probably know what I'm talking about. A mesothelioma class action lawsuit needs to be authorized by a judge, who will evaluate the claim, taking into consideration the number of claimants, the scope of the claim and the similarity of the individual cases to validate that everything can be handled in one bundled lawsuit.
Mesothelioma class action lawsuits are not always the best option for an asbestos victim who seeks to get compensated for his pain and suffering. Strategically, it might make more sense to pursue legal action individually as opposed to a group approach. It all depends on the circumstances and this is why the advice of a reputable and accredited mesothelioma lawyer is absolutely crucial. The single most important aspect is to consult with a legal expert as soon as the diagnosis is conclusive, since the statue of limitations sets forth a timeframe in which a claimant has to file his case. Rules and regulations may vary from state to state and jurisdiction.
The first lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers go back to the 1960s. Former workers in the shipbuilding, mining and construction industries, who got sick because their employers either failed to warn or adequately protect them from asbestos exposure, decided to gather their efforts and file one combined class action lawsuit.
Since then, nearly 800,000 asbestos lawsuits have been filed, either through mesothelioma class actions or individual claims.
The mining and use of asbestos started in the latter 1800's. It has been used to make cement stronger, as roofing, insulation, fireproofing, and to soundproof. In shipbuilding they use it for insulation of hot water pipes, steam pipes, and boilers. It is used in brake shoes and clutch pads. This building material has been used in homes, factories, and public buildings.
Asbestos cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, which are fibrous minerals. For a long time it was considered safe. But it is a carcinogen and being around it causes lung cancer and colorectal cancer amongst others. Close to ten thousand people in the United States die from its carcinogenic effect each year.
Mesothelioma is rare and is not usually cured. It's the most typical kind of cancer caused by being close to asbestos. As many as thirty percent of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma had no clue that they had been exposed to the carcinogen. This illness attacks the mesothelium; this is the gossamer lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
It causes two kind of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Eighty percent of this form of lung cancer is non-small cell. The symptoms of this disease normally occur years beyond the time of exposure like mesothelioma and other types of asbestos cancer.
Asbestosis is a lung illness caused by exposure to asbestos. It damages and scars the lungs and later the lungs can't expand and contract correctly. It is a kind of pulmonary fibrosis and it takes up to thirty years to show up. If the exposure to the asbestos is stopped the fibrosis discontinues. Though asbestosis has similar symptoms to other breathing disorders it develops differently over extended periods of time.
The symptoms of asbestosis are:
· Shortness of breath if exerted and later at rest
· Tolerance for exercise or physical activity decreases
· Chest hurts
· Chest is tight
· Sometimes finger clubbing
There are other factors to consider when calculating the risk of developing an asbestos cancer or asbestosis. If someone smokes this can increase his risk of getting an asbestos related illness. Development of an associated illness like non-malignant, pleural lung diseases caused by asbestos can help induce lung cancer and smoking plus the asbestos factor are a combination that increases the chances of developing lung cancer more than either carcinogen alone.
These are the symptoms of asbestos induced illnesses:
· Hoarseness
· Wheezing
· Persistent cough
· Blood in liquid coughed from lungs
· Chest pain or it gets tight
· Hard to swallow
· Face and neck swells
· Lose appetite
· Lose weight
· Anemic
· Headaches
· Fatigue
The asbestos still used for commercial purposes is known to cause cancer including gastrointestinal and other forms of lung disease. The statistics for asbestos related diseases have risen in the last twenty years. It is thought that it has now slowed down because of more awareness of the danger. There is still disagreement as to whether there is a threshold level of exposure that causes illness from asbestos; some think any level is dangerous.
Asbestos cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, which are fibrous minerals. For a long time it was considered safe. But it is a carcinogen and being around it causes lung cancer and colorectal cancer amongst others. Close to ten thousand people in the United States die from its carcinogenic effect each year.
Mesothelioma is rare and is not usually cured. It's the most typical kind of cancer caused by being close to asbestos. As many as thirty percent of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma had no clue that they had been exposed to the carcinogen. This illness attacks the mesothelium; this is the gossamer lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
It causes two kind of lung cancer: small cell and non-small cell. Eighty percent of this form of lung cancer is non-small cell. The symptoms of this disease normally occur years beyond the time of exposure like mesothelioma and other types of asbestos cancer.
Asbestosis is a lung illness caused by exposure to asbestos. It damages and scars the lungs and later the lungs can't expand and contract correctly. It is a kind of pulmonary fibrosis and it takes up to thirty years to show up. If the exposure to the asbestos is stopped the fibrosis discontinues. Though asbestosis has similar symptoms to other breathing disorders it develops differently over extended periods of time.
The symptoms of asbestosis are:
· Shortness of breath if exerted and later at rest
· Tolerance for exercise or physical activity decreases
· Chest hurts
· Chest is tight
· Sometimes finger clubbing
There are other factors to consider when calculating the risk of developing an asbestos cancer or asbestosis. If someone smokes this can increase his risk of getting an asbestos related illness. Development of an associated illness like non-malignant, pleural lung diseases caused by asbestos can help induce lung cancer and smoking plus the asbestos factor are a combination that increases the chances of developing lung cancer more than either carcinogen alone.
These are the symptoms of asbestos induced illnesses:
· Hoarseness
· Wheezing
· Persistent cough
· Blood in liquid coughed from lungs
· Chest pain or it gets tight
· Hard to swallow
· Face and neck swells
· Lose appetite
· Lose weight
· Anemic
· Headaches
· Fatigue
The asbestos still used for commercial purposes is known to cause cancer including gastrointestinal and other forms of lung disease. The statistics for asbestos related diseases have risen in the last twenty years. It is thought that it has now slowed down because of more awareness of the danger. There is still disagreement as to whether there is a threshold level of exposure that causes illness from asbestos; some think any level is dangerous.
Mesothelioma is a particularly devastating form of cancer. This cancer is generally attributed to asbestos exposure in the workplace. Airborne asbestos particles mixed with dust are inhaled by the worker, and this can lead to the cancer. It is also thought that some cases of mesothelioma have been associated with workers bringing asbestos particles home on their clothing and shoes and those particles being breathed by family members. The problem with mesothelioma is the fact that it takes a long period of time to show up in the body.
Symptoms may not occur for 20 to 40 years. Also, the symptoms may be hard to detect. A patient may exhibit related signs in the form of a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or weight loss to name just a few. Once symptoms do materialize the cancer has usually progressed to an advanced stage, which means that there is no hope of successful treatment.
Mesothelioma claims have drastically increased in recent years as people have sought compensation from manufacturers of asbestos. For individuals having been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to seek compensation as soon as possible. Depending on their state law, mesothelioma cancer claims must be submitted within a certain timeframe of the diagnosis. Most states require the claims be made within 1 to 2 years; however, it is up to the individual to check their own state or country laws.
There are attorneys and law firms who specialize in mesothelioma claims. No doubt you have seen countless advertisements on television and on the internet for law firms advertising their services. These firms work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your lawsuit. Generally, these firms will work on a percentage of what they get. This typically falls in the range of 30 to 40% of the settlement.
In the event of a successful claim the settlement will be paid in one of two ways. The first would be a lower amount offered as a lump sum. The other option could be a structured settlement. This means the company or insurance company would offer a larger amount, but they would pay the amount distributed over several years instead of one lump sum. There are calculators available online that will help you weigh the pros and cons against taking a lump sum or structured settlement.
Mesothelioma claims are intended to help cover medical expenses and other obligations of the patient. Because of the severity of the disease it is also intended to provide financial security for dependents upon the eventual death of the individual.
Symptoms may not occur for 20 to 40 years. Also, the symptoms may be hard to detect. A patient may exhibit related signs in the form of a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or weight loss to name just a few. Once symptoms do materialize the cancer has usually progressed to an advanced stage, which means that there is no hope of successful treatment.
Mesothelioma claims have drastically increased in recent years as people have sought compensation from manufacturers of asbestos. For individuals having been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to seek compensation as soon as possible. Depending on their state law, mesothelioma cancer claims must be submitted within a certain timeframe of the diagnosis. Most states require the claims be made within 1 to 2 years; however, it is up to the individual to check their own state or country laws.
There are attorneys and law firms who specialize in mesothelioma claims. No doubt you have seen countless advertisements on television and on the internet for law firms advertising their services. These firms work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your lawsuit. Generally, these firms will work on a percentage of what they get. This typically falls in the range of 30 to 40% of the settlement.
In the event of a successful claim the settlement will be paid in one of two ways. The first would be a lower amount offered as a lump sum. The other option could be a structured settlement. This means the company or insurance company would offer a larger amount, but they would pay the amount distributed over several years instead of one lump sum. There are calculators available online that will help you weigh the pros and cons against taking a lump sum or structured settlement.
Mesothelioma claims are intended to help cover medical expenses and other obligations of the patient. Because of the severity of the disease it is also intended to provide financial security for dependents upon the eventual death of the individual.
sing computed tomography scans to screen former asbestos workers can detect both early and late-stage lung cancer and late-stage mesothelioma, according to a study in the May Journal of Thoracic Oncology. However, it’s still not clear whether screening for these cancers might improve patients’ prognoses.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is a known risk factor for lung cancer and the cause of mesothelioma. Although asbestos is still not completely banned in the U.S., it was phased out of American industry to a large degree beginning in the 1970s. However because asbestos-related diseases can take 20 to 40 years to emerge after people have been exposed, former asbestos workers and those exposed to products containing this carcinogen continue to be diagnosed with asbestos caused cancers.
As researchers search for better treatments and even a cure for these diseases, they are also focusing on new diagnostic methods that might identify the cancers earlier. Early diagnosis is particularly crucial with mesothelioma, because many patients survive only one year after they first start to show signs, and symptoms are often difficult to distinguish from those of other lung diseases.
One potential screening method uses low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) to evaluate the lungs and their lining (pleura). LDCT can locate plaques in the lungs, which are a sign of asbestos exposure and have been linked to an increased cancer risk.
Currently, there are no recommendations about using LDCT or any other method to screen people who have been exposed to asbestos, and screening isn’t routinely done. “There are currently no methods for the early detection of mesothelioma available,” says lead author Heidi Roberts, MD, Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Toronto. “This is why we are doing the research.”
To determine the effectiveness of LDCT as a screening tool for asbestos-related lung cancers, Dr. Roberts and her colleagues recruited 516 people (most of them men) who had been exposed to asbestos at least 20 years before, or who had known plaques. Participants were given LDCT scans of the chest. Patients who had abnormal scans were given follow-up tests. Those with normal test results were invited to have an annual LDCT scan.
Of the 516 participants, 357 had evidence of plaques. Based on the results of the first scan and annual scans, six of the patients were diagnosed with lung cancers and four were diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Although LDCT was able to detect advanced mesothelioma, as well as early- and late-stage lung cancers, it was not able to diagnose early mesothelioma. The study authors say they need to continue screening patients to help them get a better idea of what early mesothelioma looks like. Also, they say adding biomarkers (substances in the blood that indicate the presence of cancer) to the screening process may provide greater sensitivity to help diagnose those at very high risk for mesothelioma.
Even as techniques are fine-tuned, screening is just one step of a three-tiered effort to combat these cancers, according to Dr. Roberts. “The second step is the parallel development of biomarkers, and the third step is the parallel development of treatment strategies,” she says. “These have to be developed hand-in-hand in order to make this a useful and meaningful tool.”
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