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Added April 16, 2008
 amway
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What is the UAB Mesothelioma Clinic?
The UAB Mesothelioma Clinic is a component of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, which provides complete care for mesothelioma patients, including diagnosis, treatment and supportive care services. The Clinic is committed to improving the outlook for mesothelioma patients through novel clinical trials and the education of patients about the disease. The Mesothelioma Clinic Director, Francisco Robert, M.D., is a Medical Oncologist with specific expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma.
What does the Mesothelioma Clinic provide?
Dr. Robert has a team of Cancer Center staff with expertise in surgery, radiation therapy, pathology, radiology, social services, and nursing who are available to provide their special expertise as appropriate. Dr. Robert provides the initial patient assessment and consultation with appropriate review of pathology slides and x-rays, confirmation of the diagnosis, selection of additional studies if needed and recommendations for treatment and supportive care. Depending on the extent of disease and the patient's general health, treatments may include surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. It is important that patients consider participating in a clinical trial, which may make additional treatments available. Supportive care may be an important component in the management of mesothelioma patients.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer in which cells of the mesothelium (the membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs) become abnormal, form tumors and grow without control or order. The disease usually affects the surface of the lung or less commonly the lining of the abdomen. The disease is relatively uncommon, with 2,500 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.
Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?
Yes. During the past five years researchers have gained many new insights about mesothelioma. One promising drug is Alimta (Pemetrexed), an experimental drug that has shown promise in treating advanced mesothelioma. Because mesothelioa is difficult to control, many new treatment strategies are being studied. UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists are examining several different approaches in the laboratory, including: -Developing new drugs that slow the growth and spread of mesothelioma cells. -Creating a vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack mesothelioma tumors. -Exploring gene therapy strategies for treatment. After further study, these approaches will be developed into clinical trails to investigate whether the treatment is safe and effective for patients. The UAB Mesothelioma Clinic and the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center currently have clinical trials for the treatment of mesothelioma. It is important that Cancer Center doctors see patients soon after diagnosis to enable them to develop the best treatment plan.
Are there specific risk factors for developing mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. Approximately 80% of mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure - specifically occupational asbestos exposure. However, the disease has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos
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