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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