Mesothelioma Researcher Receives Honorary Princeton Degree
A retired Princeton researcher who has worked to improve the lives of thousands of people with mesothelioma has been awarded an honorary degree from Princeton University.
Edward Taylor, PhD, has been a part of the Princeton faculty since 1954 and has authored more than 450 scientific papers and served as editor of several respected science journals. Named a Hero of Chemistry by the American Chemical Society, Dr. Taylor is the inventor of the anti-cancer drug Alimta, the first drug to be approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma strikes as many as 3000 Americans annually and is caused almost exclusively by workplace exposure to fibers of the mineral asbestos. Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer, attacking the lining around the lungs and causing the normally pliable tissue there to stiffen and restrict the expansion of the lungs during breathing. The diagnosis carries a grim prognosis; life expectancy after diagnosis is usually between 12 and 18 months.
When it was approved by the FDA in 2004, Alimta (the brand name for a chemotherapy agent called pemetrexed disodium) was the first and only drug designed to target mesothelioma tumors. It has since been approved to treat other types of cancers, as well. Alimta is often used in combination with the standard chemotherapy agent ciplatin and works by blocking certain enzymes necessary for the growth of cancer cells. Alimta has become part of the standard treatment for mesothelioma patients who are not candidates for surgery. Although it does not cure mesothelioma, research suggests that in some patients it may help prolong life and improve lung function.
Newer studies are underway to test Alimta's effectiveness when paired with anti-angiogenesis drugs such as bevacizumab, also known as Avastin. Drugs in this class may help fight against aggressive cancers like mesothelioma by preventing the formation of blood vessels (angiogenesis) which feed the tumor. Another relatively new type of chemotherapy agent for mesothelioma is Onconase, a protein that inhibits cellular growth and initiates cellular death by speeding up RNA damage. Studies suggest that Onconase may enhance the anti-cancer effect of other drugs. The newest type of drug therapy being tested for mesothelioma is known as immunotherapy and involves triggering the body's own immune response to fight tumor cells.
Edward Taylor conceived the idea for Alimta while studying chemical compounds known as heterocyclic compounds found in liver, yeast, spinach and the iridescent wings of butterflies. Taylor worked with drug company Eli Lilly to develop Alimta for clinical use. Taylor's honorary degree was awarded during Princeton's commencement ceremonies.
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mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, cancer of the mesothelium, is a rare cancer taking too many lives today.
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer and it originates in mesothelium.
Mesothelioma lawyers are available to discuss the potential compensation for mesothelioma cases.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma can change the entire life of patients and their families in a moment. A cure for mesothelioma has not yet been discovered.
Mesothelioma is a serious disease that is caused by exposure to asbestos and a very rare form of cancer.
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Orbs are actually a lumpectomy or quadrantectomy combined with rotating the breast tissue or mobilize the flap into the cavity of the surgery time fill is removed. It also includes the comparative change in shape and size is doing in relation to breast and moved if necessary, does not affect the conversion of the breast. The deferred plan the reconstruction is not part of endoplasmic techniques. Both procedures are performed by specific thoracic surgeons.
What every woman fears for is losing her self confidence , losing hope and losing her personality. The term "Breast Cancer" is a very negative word and that it creates negative vibrations in her heart. So, to make her comfortable with the basics of breast cancer and to make her means any woman understand that this type of cancer is the least dangerous than all cancers and that if it is detected early then you will fight with it successfully. Causes, Symptoms, treatment, discussed in detail.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that originates in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma occurs when the mesothelium cells start to divide uncontrollably.
Chemotherapy is a treatment for killing cancerous cells which is given intravenous or extra-venous to the cancer patient. Even breast cancer patients have to go through the treatment. This treatment mainly focuses on the cancerous cells that are spread in the blood stream in the whole body . If any cancerous cells are there then they are killed by the chemotherapy medicine. The medicine is very costly and it has to be taken for one or two days continuously for every 21 days .
Asbestos fibers are microscopic, though they are also quite durable. For this reason, asbestos was used in a number of different industrial compounds to enhance strength and resistance to temperature extremes- two properties at which the mineral is highly adept.
It has long been known that smoking is hazardous to one's health, causing a marked increase in instances of mesothelioma lung cancer among those who smoke regularly.
Exposure to asbestos particles is one of the principal causes of mesothelioma cancer, also known as asbestos cancer. As a naturally occurring mineral with useful commercial applications, asbestos is found in plumbing, insulation and other building materials and products.
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Information – Basics Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is usually caused by previous exposure to asbestos.
