Cancer Resources

Mesothelioma is a notoriously difficult asbestos related cancer to treat. Most chemotherapy drugs that have been used to treat this type of asbestos cancer have not had appreciable success in the treatment of this deadly cancer.

Among recently approved medications, Alimta stands out as having the most promise in prolonging the life of mesothelioma patients, as well as improving their quality of life.

Alimta, also known as Pemetrexed is a newer chemotherapy medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2005. Most times it used in combination with Cisplatin ,and Alimta is the first medication that is specifically approved for the treatment of mesothelioma and is considered to be the most effective chemotherapy treatment for pleural mesothelioma patients especially those that have advanced cancer that are not candidates for surgery. Continue reading ‘Mesothelioma Chemotherapy-What is the Role of Alimta?’ »

THURSDAY, Jan. 20 (HealthDay News) — Having both breast cancer and diabetes greatly increases the chances of dying, new research shows.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis, or pooled analysis, of previously published studies that looked at how breast cancer patients with diabetes fared.

Six of seven studies found pre-existing diabetes was associated with significantly higher long-term, all-cause mortality. Specifically, the studies showed breast cancer patients with diabetes were nearly 50 percent more likely to die than those who didn’t have diabetes.

But much remains unknown, the study authors said, noting that it was premature to conclude that diabetes prevention or improved blood glucose control would lead to a better prognosis. The data didn’t look at the specific causes of death, nor does the research establish whether having diabetes actually caused more breast cancer deaths. Continue reading ‘Breast Cancer Patients With Diabetes May Fare Worse’ »