Mesothelioma Lawyers - Important Information for Patients

By Michael Horwin, MA, JD*

Deciding to pursue legal recourse and selecting an attorney to represent you in a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit are important decisions that should be made carefully. I have seen some families receive $500,000 and others be awarded nearly $30 million. I have seen some lawyers reject a case only to have another firm accept it and make a big success of it. And I have seen some families wait nearly three years to receive their first check while others received large checks within three months of filing a claim. The main reasons for these differences are the facts of the patient's situation and the law firm chosen.

The Facts of Your Situation

Some mesothelioma patients know they worked around asbestos, but many do not know how they were exposed or how often. In fact, many people are not sure if they were ever near this carcinogen. Unfortunately, there have been thousands of products that contained asbestos - cigarette filters, hair dryers, brakes, basement and roof materials, pipes, boilers, insulation, and many other products found throughout the home and at work. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma it is more than likely that you were exposed to asbestos multiple times in your life and that this happened decades before your diagnosis.

In general, the value of your case depends on how many asbestos containing products you were exposed to, the number of identifiable defendants that still exist (many have declared bankruptcy), your age and earning capacity. And the speed of your case can depend on a number of variables including the state where you worked and lived when you were exposed to asbestos.

The Law Firm You Choose

When you have been given the news about this terrible disease, you may not feel that you have the time to deal with the legal questions - Should I talk to a lawyer? Should I file a claim? However, you should not wait too long to learn about your legal rights for at least three reasons:

1. Statutes of Limitations - There are statute of limitations which means you only have a limited time to file your case after diagnosis. The statute of limitations time period is set by individual states and varies. The clock usually starts ticking on the day of diagnosis.
   
   
2. Financial Pressure - A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring financial stress, less income, more expenses, and treatments that are not covered by insurance. Knowing that money may be on the way from filing a claim can bring financial relief.
   
   
3. Lawyers Can be Excellent Resources - The more experienced mesothelioma lawyers and law firms can often be excellent sources of information about various doctors and treatment options available for this disease.

But, picking a lawyer is serious business and you should not use TV ads as the reason to hire an attorney. Actual credentials are what counts. For example, what type of accomplishments has the law firm achieved? How committed are they to mesothelioma/asbestos cases? Are these cases a substantial part of their practice or just a small piece? How many other cases like yours have they handled?

Also, make sure you understand the fees being charges. Contingency is the term that means that the lawyer gets paid only after they collect money for you. The amount of the contingency fee that your lawyer can charge varies and is usually between 33% and 40%. It is important to discuss fees openly, ask what services they cover, how they are calculated, and whether there will be any extra charges.

Finally, for something as important as a mesothelioma lawsuit, your attorney should not only be experienced, skilled, and dedicated, but also a trusted partner who understands that your health needs always take precedence. The best lawyers are those that are not only expert at what they do, but are also caring, supportive, thoughtful and compassionate.

Below are two mesothelioma law firms that have impressed us with their accomplishments, successes and testimonials. If you are in another state, call us at 1-619-599-3112 and we can share with you the names of reputable mesothelioma law firms in your region.

New York and New Jersey

Levy Phillips & Konigsberg LLP ("LPK") If you or someone you know has mesothelioma and has ever lived (or performed any work) in NY or NJ, call LPK for a free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (1-800-637-6529) or visit their website. LPK has over three decades of experience, including many top mesothelioma jury awards in NY and NJ.

Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania or Tennessee

The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. If you or someone you know has mesothelioma and has ever lived or performed work in Md., De., D.C., Pa. or Tn. please call or email the The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. for a free consultation, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-556- 5522, www.angeloslaw.com. The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. has specialized in asbestos litigation since the early 1980's.

* Michael Horwin, MA, JD does not provide legal advice, only general information and the provision of such general information does not create an attorney-client relationship with Michael Horwin.

Mesothelioma Doctors List

This is a list of doctors who reportedly treat mesothelioma patients. Their appearance on this website is not a recommendation. You should treat these doctors as you would any unknown physician and ask many questions about their experience with other mesothelioma patients.

Arizona

Linda Garland, M.D.
Arizona Cancer Center - Hematology/Oncology
Tucson, Arizona
Tel. 520-694-CURE (2873)

Dr. Garland is an oncologist and the Director of the Arizona Cancer Center Clinical Lung Program where one of her specialties includes Mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Helen J. Ross, M.D.
Mayo Clinic, Hematology/Oncology
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tel. 1-800-446-2279

Dr. Ross is a Thoracic Oncologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. For more information, click here.

California

Robert B. Cameron, M.D.
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Tel. 310-794-7333

Dr. Cameron is the Director of Thoracic Oncology at UCLA Medical Center. He is board-certified in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. His research interests include lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

David Jablons, M.D.
UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center
San Francisco, California
Tel. 1-800-888-8664 or 415-885-7777

Dr. Jablons is the Professor and Chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery at UCSF. He is Board Certified in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. For more information, click here.

Theirry Jahan, M.D.
UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center
San Francisco, California
Tel. 415-567-5581

Dr. Jahan is an associate clinical professor of medicine at UCSF. He specializes in the treatment of lung cancer, mesothelioma, sarcomas and endocrine tumors and the use of multiple treatments. For more information, click here.

Connecticut

Graeme L. Hammond, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery
New Haven, Connecticut
Tel. 203-785-2704

Dr. Hammond is a professor with the Department of Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. He is board-certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. For more information, click here.

Florida

Lary A. Robinson, M.D.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute at The University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Tel. 813-745-8412

Dr. Robinson is the Director of the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. For more information, click here.

Massachusetts

Raphael Bueno, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Boston, Massachusetts
Tel. 617-732-6824

Dr. Bueno is the Associate Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery for Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is board certified in Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Thoracic Surgery. His clinical interests include tracheal surgery, lung cancer and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Boston, Massachusetts
Tel. 617-732-6824

Dr. Sugarbaker is Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Malignant pleural mesothelioma has been a central focus of Dr. Sugarbaker's clinical and laboratory research. For more information, click here.

Scott J. Swanson, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts
Tel. 617-732-6824

Dr. Swanson is board certified in Surgery and Thoracic Oncology and Thoracic Surgery. For more information, click here.

Nebraska

Dr. Brian Loggie
Creighton University School of Medicine
Omaha, Nebraska
Tel. 402-280-3273

Dr. Loggie is a Professor of Surgery, Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology, and Director of the Cancer Biology Program at Creighton University School of Medicine. His special interest include: Peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignant ascites, and peritoneal mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

New York

Manjit Bains, M.D., F.A.C.S
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York
Tel. 212-639-7450

Dr. Bains is board certified in Surgery and Thoracic Surgery and has clinical expertise in mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Lee M. Krug, M.D.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York
Tel. 212-639-8420

Dr. Krug is a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of thoracic cancers. He is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. His research is focused primarily on small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Valerie Rusch, M.D., F.A.C.S
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York
Phone: 212-639-5873

Dr. Rusch is a surgeon who treats patients with cancers of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall, including those with mesothelioma. She is board certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. For more information, click here.

Harvey I. Pass, M.D.
New York University Medical Center
New York, New York
Tel. 212-731-5414

Dr. Harvey Pass is the Director of the New York University Medical Center Division of Thoracic Surgery and is Chief of Thoracic Oncology. He is one of the world's leading authorities on mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Robert N. Taub, M.D.
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia
New York, New York
Tel. 212-659-6815

Dr. Taub is Board Certified in Hematology, Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine and Oncology. Dr. Taub is involved in developing combined chemotherapeutic and surgical techniques to combat mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

North Carolina

David H. Harpole, Jr., M.D.
Duke University Health System
Durham, North Carolina
Tel. 919-668-8413

Dr. Harpole is Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs and a member of the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Surgery of the Duke University Health System. His clinical interests include thoracic oncology, and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Pennsylvania

Daniel Sterman, M.D.
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283
Tel. 215-614-0984

Dr. Sterman is Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine in Surgery, Director of Interventional Pulmonology, and Clinical Director, Thoracic Oncology Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. He is involved in various studies involving mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Texas

W. Roy Smythe, M.D.
Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center
Temple, Texas
Tel. 254-724-2595

Dr. Smythe is involved in the surgical diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma patients at the Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center. For more information, click here.

Washington, D.C.

Paul H. Sugarbaker, M.D.
Washington Cancer Institute
Washington DC
Tel. 202-877-3627

Dr. Sugarbaker is the Director of the Program in Peritoneal Surface Malignancy at the Washington Cancer Institute. His clinical interests include mesothelioma. For more information, click here.

Washington State

Eric Vallieres, M.D.
Swedish Medical Center
Seattle, Washington
Tel. 206-215-6800

Dr. Vallieres is a thoracic surgeon with the Swedish Medical Center. He is board-certified in general surgery and thoracic surgery. His areas of interest and expertise include mesothelioma and pleural diseases. For more information, click here.

Mesothelioma Basics

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs.

What is the mesothelium? The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart.

What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

How common is mesothelioma? Over 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. See statistics for more details.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma? Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in the majority of cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. Click here to learn more about asbestos

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma? Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. An increased risk of developing mesothelioma was originally found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other trades people. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

There is evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma? Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed? Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful.

A biopsy confirms a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. (See Pathology Diagnosis to learn why some patients request a second opinion.)

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

What is the conventional approach to treating mesothelioma? Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. Standard treatment for all but localized mesothelioma is generally not curative. ¹ (See survival rates for median survival rates with different treatments.)

Surgery - Extrapleural pneumonectomy in selected patients with early stage disease may improve recurrence-free survival, but its impact on overall survival is unknown. Pleurectomy and decortication can provide palliative relief from symptomatic effusions, discomfort caused by tumor burden, and pain caused by invasive tumor. Operative mortality from pleurectomy/decortication is <2%,>2

Radiation/Chemotherapy - The use of radiation therapy in pleural mesothelioma has been shown to alleviate pain in the majority of patients treated; however, the duration of symptom control is short-lived. Single-agent and combination chemotherapy have been evaluated in single and combined modality studies. The most studied agent is doxorubicin, which has produced partial responses in approximately 15% to 20% of patients studied. Some combination chemotherapy regimens have been reported to have higher response rates in small phase II trials; however, the toxic effects reported are also higher, and there is no evidence that combination regimens result in longer survival or longer control of symptoms. ³

Alimta - The only FDA approved chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma (in combination with cisplatin) is pemetrexed (Alimta). In the key clinical trial that led to its approval, Alimta was combined with another chemotherapy drug (cisplatin) and compared with cisplatin alone. The patients who received the two drugs (Alimta and cisplatin) had their cancers progress (grow/spread) in 5.7 months (median). The patients who only received cisplatin had their tumors progress in 3.9 months (median). The median survival for the patients who received both drugs was 12.1 months versus 9.3 months for cisplatin only. ⁴

For some physicians, these therapeutic gains are not impressive. For example, some have written, "For the treatment of mesothelioma, there is little evidence that current therapies (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) provide significant benefit for survival or quality of life.[R]adical treatments, occupying the 3 months after diagnosis, can take up the best 3 months that the patient might have had.Malignant mesothelioma has largely defeated treatment..."⁵

Sources:
Unless otherwise indicated by an endnote, the above material was adapted from National Cancer Institute Cancer Facts - Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers 5/13/2002.

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¹ National Cancer Institute Malignant Mesothelioma (PDQ®): Treatment; Health Professional Version - Treatment Option Overview available here on September 30 , 2005.

² Id.

³ Id.

⁴ Vogelzang NJ, et al., Phase III study of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma . J Clin Oncol. 2003 Jul 15;21(14):2636-44.

⁵ Treasure T, Sedrakyan A., Pleural mesothelioma: little evidence, still time to do trials . Lancet. 2004 Sep 25-Oct 1;364(9440):1183-5.

Asbestos

There are different kinds of asbestos. The most common forms are:

• "White" asbestos or Chrysotile which is obtained from serpentine rocks. Chrysotile is the type most often used in industry. It is more flexible than other types of asbestos and can be spun and woven into fabric. This is the kind of asbestos used in theatre curtains and firefighters' suits.
  
  
• "Brown" asbestos or Amosite is a trade name for the amphiboles belonging to the Cummingtonite - Grunerite solid solution series, commonly from Africa.
  
  
• "Blue" asbestos or Riebeckite is also known under the name of Crocidolite. Blue asbestos is commonly thought of as the most dangerous type of asbestos.

In the United States, chrysotile has been the most commonly used type of asbestos. Chrysotile was often present in a wide variety of materials, including but not limited to:

• sheetrock taping
• mud and texture coats
• vinyl floor tiles, sheeting, adhesives and ceiling tiles
• plasters and stuccos
• roofing tars, felts, siding, and shingles
• "transite" panels, siding, countertops, and pipes
• acoustical ceilings
• fireproofing
• putty
• caulk
• gaskets
• brake pads and shoes
• clutch plates
• stage curtains
• fire blankets
• interior fire doors
• fireproof clothing for firefighters
• refractory cements and papers

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In 1989 the EPA passed the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Rule which was subsequently overturned in the case of Corrosion Proof Fittings v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991. This ruling leaves many consumer products that can still legally contain trace amounts of asbestos.

Although it is clear that health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.

Statistics

This chart shows the steadily increasing incidence rate of mesothelioma in the U.S., independent of the increasing population
Data Source: NCI SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2002 Mesotheliomas (Invasive) Age Adjusted SEER Cancer Incidence Rates 1979-2002; Rates are per 100,000 and age adjusted to 2000 U.S. Population and normalized to population of 281,421,906. Paired years averaged.

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This chart shows the increasing incidence rate of mesothelioma in the U.S. by age for Whites, African-Americans, and Hispanic Men

Data Source: CDC National Program of Cancer Registries; 2001 Mesothelioma by age and race; Rates are per 100,000 persons and are age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population.

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This chart compares the incidence rates of mesothelioma in the U.S. for men and women Data Source: NCI SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2002 Mesotheliomas (Invasive) Age Adjusted SEER Cancer Incidence Rates 1979-2002; Rates are per 100,000 and age adjusted to 2000 U.S. Population. Paired years averaged.

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This chart shows the 5-year relative survival rates: These statistics suggest there has been little improvement in survival in 27 years with traditional therapies

Data Source: NCI SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2002 Mesotheliomas (Invasive) Survival Rates by Race, Sex, Diagnosis, Year, Stage and Age - Three year periods averaged.

James Rhio O'Connor

In October 2001, sixty-one year old James Rhio O'Connor ("Rhio") was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma caused by his exposure to asbestos when he was younger. His prognosis was less than a year to live. Surgery was not possible because of the position of the tumor near his spine and chemotherapy would decrease his quality of life and not significantly improve his length of life. His oncologist suggested that he get his affairs in order. To soften this message, the doctor also recommended that Rhio take his wife on a cruise and then start hospice care upon his return. Rhio rejected the idea. He was determined to survive this cancer. Working with professional clinicians, he formulated a regimen of over 100 supplements a day, changed his diet, practiced mind-body medicine, and relied on his own discipline to see him through the difficult times ahead. Rhio survived for 7 ½ more years through his determination, knowledge, inexorable spirit, belief in something greater than himself, and the ability to make tough choices -qualities that spell success in any endeavor. Rhio passed away on July 11, 2009. He was 69 years old.

Rhio was often asked how he was able to manage his mesothelioma or "Mr. Meso" as he called it. To answer these questions and help and inspire others, Rhio wrote a book called "They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor's Story." In this book Rhio discusses what he did to live his life with "Mr. Meso" and much of the science behind his decisions. In his book he cites nearly one hundred medical articles that support the concept of using nutrition to help manage a chronic disease like cancer. Rhio's inspirational life and book reminds us that there may be other ways to manage cancer and extend life beyond chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Below is the Table of Contents of Rhio's book. If you would like to read excerpts and learn how to purchase a copy please click here.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Self Sufficiency
2. Diet & Health
3. My Supplements
4. Nutrition & Mesothelioma: The Vitamin A Example
5. Cancer, Nutrition and the Scientific Evidence
6. Case Studies
7. Mind Body Medicine
8. Making Treatment Decisions

Appendices
One - Dietary References
Two - Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Three - Interview with Paul Kraus
Four - Pathology Diagnosis
Five - Researching Alternative Cancer Therapies
Six - My Alternative Licensed Clinicians
Seven - Articles on Cancer and Nutrition

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There is a lot of depressing information on the internet about peritoneal mesothelioma and the survival associated with this cancer. Reading it you would think that no one has ever survived peritoneal mesothelioma beyond a year or so. This information is far from comprehensive. To help balance some of the negative information that is so prevalent on the Web, we present some case histories of long-term peritoneal mesothelioma survival as published in the peer reviewed medical literature.

9 Years +

In November 1979, a 73 year-old man had abdominal pain and distension and was found to have an abdominal mass. A laparotomy was performed that revealed peritoneal malignancy with ascites. A biopsy demonstrated that the tumor was malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. No special treatment was recommended other than draining of the ascites. In spite of the continuing ascites and the gradually-enlarging abdominal masses, the patient enjoys good health, and lives independently at home. How many more years (in excess of 9) this patient lived with peritoneal mesothelioma is not known.

See: Norman, P.E. and Whitaker, D., Nine-Year Survival in a Case of Untreated Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Med J Aust 1989; 150: 43-44.

15 Years +

A woman was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. She had surgery (“total excision”). Seven years later the peritoneal mesothelioma recurred and she had another surgery (“reexcision”). She remains well 15 years after the initial diagnosis. The patient did not receive chemotherapy.

See: Asensio, J.A., et al., Primary Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Report of Seven Cases and a Review of the Literature, Arch Surg; Nov 1990, 125, 1477-1480.

17 + Years

In 1962, a 31 year-old woman had abdominal pain for several months and a mass was detected. She underwent exploratory laparotomy which found tumor nodules spread throughout her abdomen. The diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma was made. Complete surgical removal of the tumor was not possible. She was treated with radioactive phosphorus, radiation, and oral chemotherapy (cytoxan). She remained well for 17 years. In 1979 she had recurrent peritoneal mesothelioma. She was treated with cytoxan again and continued to live as of the writing of the published medical report.

See: Brenner, J., et al., Seventeen Year Survival in a Patient with malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma; Clinical Oncology 1981, 7, 249-251.

Pleural Mesothelioma

There is a lot of depressing information on the internet about pleural mesothelioma and the survival associated with this cancer. Reading it you would think that no one has ever survived pleural mesothelioma beyond a year or so. This information is far from comprehensive and can be misleading. To help balance the negative information that is so prevalent on the Web, we present some case histories of long-term pleural mesothelioma survival as published in the peer reviewed medical literature. These pleural mesothelioma case histories are instructional in two ways: 1) they remind us that, like Paul Kraus, there are long term survivors of this cancer; 2) they allude to the importance that the immune system may play in mesothelioma.

12 Years +

In 1994, a 58 year old man complained of chest pain and shortness of breath. He had been exposed to asbestos previously through his work and was eventually diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The patient decided not to have any active treatment at that time and continued with his life. Five years later he had an enlarging painless mass on his chest wall. A needle biopsy confirmed it was malignant. The patient had a left thoracotomy, multiple pleural biopsies, and chest wall resection. Pathology reconfirmed that the mass was malignant pleural mesothelioma. Seven years after the chest wall resection and 12 years after the initial diagnosis, the patient has no symptoms and no evidence of recurrence. No chemotherapy or radiation had been given.

The doctors who wrote up this case history for publication noted that there was “moderate host inflammatory response” and that “spontaneous regression may be an immune-mediated phenomenon.” In other words, the doctors hypothesized that the patient’s own immune system may have played a factor in his survival.

See: Pilling, J.E., et al., Prolonged Survival Due to Spontaneous Regression and Surgical Excision of Malignant Mesothelioma, Ann Thorac Surg, 2007; 83: 314-5.

14 Years

In 1986, a 65 year-old women had pain in her left chest wall. A chest X-ray revealed a small pleural effusion on this side. The patient declined an open biopsy and no diagnosis could be reached. She was treated for tuberculosis because of the high rate of this disease in her area. Her symptoms partially improved. In 1988 she had increasing pain over her chest. A biopsy was performed and malignant infiltration of the pleura was confirmed. She turned down treatment. In 1998, 10 years after the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma she had an enlarging mass over her left chest wall. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. She had a course of radiation and died in January 2000, 14 years after her initial symptoms.

The doctors who wrote this report counseled their colleagues that long-term survivors can occur with pleural mesothelioma and “one should not hold the belief that it is always the intervention that prolongs survival.” In other words, these doctors suggested that in some cases the intervention (i.e. chemo, radiation, surgery) may not be the factor that prolongs survival in pleural mesothelioma, but other factors may be at work.

See: Wong, C.F., et al., A Case of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma with Unexpectantly Long Survival without Active Treatment, Respiration March/April 2002; 69, 2: 166-168.

7 Years +

In 1970, a 53 year-old man had shortness of breath and a sharp pain on his right side. An X-ray revealed a right side pleural effusion. The patient had worked at a plant adjacent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard from1955-1966 where asbestos had been used. In 1972 a thoracotomy was performed and a pleural biopsy was taken. The patient was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The patient never received any specific treatment for pleural mesothelioma. The report was written up in 1977 and apparently information about the continued life of this patient was not published after. We do not know how many more years or decades he lived.

The doctors noted in their discussion that, “This unusual course may be explained either by the presence of low-grade malignancy or by the unusual host resistance…Our findings are consistent with the concept that normal immunological function may effectively impede dissemination of the disease (malignant pleural mesothelioma).” In other words, these doctors are again alluding to how the immune system may play a role in managing pleural mesothelioma.

See: Fischbein, A,. et al., Unexpected Longevity of a Patient with malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Cancer 1978; 42:1999-2004.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Paul Kraus is not the only long-term survivor of malignant mesothelioma. There are others. We have heard about them and spoken to some over the years. What is fascinating is that many of these malignant mesothelioma survivors have something in common - they have all taken steps to improve or enhance their immune system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in clinical trials of immune therapy.

This raises the question - does the immune system play a role in controlling malignant mesothelioma? Paul Kraus' experience and those of other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors suggests that such a role may be possible. In other sections of this website we present case histories of malignant mesothelioma survivors who were diagnosed with either pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma. In some of the pleural mesothelioma case histories, doctors discuss the role that the patient's immune system may have played in their extremely long survival.

In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and immunity.(1) This research focused on the immune responses of 118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were cancer-free. The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma patients. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the immune system and malignant mesothelioma. For example:

· The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly reduced in patients with mesothelioma. T cells orchestrate, regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.

· Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the role the immune system plays in the control of malignant mesothelioma. NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of infectious microbes.

In the discussion section of the report, the researchers stated:

“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].”

In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant mesothelioma may result from immune suppression. If this is true it would provide the biological basis for the role that the immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the management of malignant mesothelioma.

Endnotes

(1) Lew, F., et al., High Frequency of Immune Dysfunctions in Asbestos Workers and in Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma, Journal of Clinical Immunology; 1986, 6:3, 225-232.

Researching Alternative Treatments

When it comes to alternative therapies for cancer, the internet is a "mixed bag" filled with exaggerated claims, unreliable anecdotes, and some very credible reports. For the patient who has little time and who needs reliable information now, sorting through this can be a challenge. There is, however, one resource that is arguably better than many others. Medline is the National Library of Medicine's bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, and the preclinical sciences. Medline contains over 12 million citations and abstracts (summaries of research articles) from more than 4,800 biomedical journals published in the United States and 70 other countries. Medline is accessible from your computer via PubMed , which was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Simply type www.pubmed.gov in your browser. Through Medline you can see what has been published about alternative cancer therapies by scientists and researchers. For anyone trying to make an informed treatment decision, these studies are worth browsing.

For example, certain herbs have been used throughout history for the treatment of various cancers. Because natural substances are difficult to patent, drug companies will not invest money to research and develop these substances. Nonetheless, you can find a handful of studies for almost any herb, vitamin or other substance you may be looking for. Although these studies are obviously not the final word, they do provide clues about the potential efficacy of these agents in cancer. While most of these studies are pre-clinical (in test-tubes, animal models), some are clinical (in patients). Faced with the hyperbole on the internet and the skepticism of most orthodox doctors, these studies can also be used to facilitate objective discussions with your physician.

There are three suggested steps to accessing this information:

• Go to Medline - www.pubmed.gov.

• Run a search by placing terms like the name of the herb or vitamin and cancer. For example, "red clover and breast cancer" or "vitamin c and prostate cancer" or "carrots and lung cancer." If nothing appears, try the Latin name.

• Understand what you are reading. While it is advantageous to read the entire article (often available in your local medical library), abstracts of the article are a good place to begin. And while, there are many considerations in assessing an article's reliability (i.e. journal, authors, conflicts of interest, size of study, etc.) for the purpose of getting started, you can begin by focusing on three key pieces of information:

1. What substance was tested?

You want to know what was actually tested. For example, some studies do not use the entire natural product, but only employ one or more chemical components that are isolated or synthesized. A problem with this approach is that all the components may have a synergistic effect and administering one ingredient may not be a fair test of what the agent can really do in patients.

2. Where was it tested?

There are many ways a test can be performed. For example, preclinical testing can be performed in cancer cell cultures (in vitro) which are cultures of cancer cells taken from a patient. Or, it can be performed in a cell line (a cancer cell culture that has been grown and used for years or decades). Or, it can be performed in animals (with animal cancers or human cancers). Or, the test can be performed clinically by administering the agent to actual cancer patients. Of course, the last one would be the most accurate representation of whether the agent works in people.

3. What was the outcome?

Here, you want to know what happened. Key terms to look for include apoptosis (this means the cancer cells committed cell suicide) anti-proliferation, and growth inhibition.

Some examples can be found below. (Please note that Cancer Monthly does not endorse the use of any of these substances for the treatment of your cancer, but encourages you to perform reliable research in order to make informed treatment decisions with your licensed healthcare provider).

Example 1

What was tested: Pau d'Arco is the inner bark of the Tabebuia avellanedae tree. It has been used for centuries by the Indio tribes of South America to treat a wide range of conditions including pain, arthritis, inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), fever, dysentery, boils and ulcers, and various cancers. In this study, the researchers tested beta-lapachone which is a component of Pau d'arco.

Tested in: Cultured human prostate cells.

Result: Growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.

Translation: They used only one component of the herb (beta-lapachone) and they tested in it in prostate cancer cells, not prostate cancer patients. The cancer cell stopped growing. This is evidence that these components work in prostate cancer cells (not necessarily patients).

Reference: Lee JH, et al., Down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and telomerase activity by beta-lapachone in human prostate carcinoma cells. Pharmacol Res. 2005 Jun;51(6):553-60.

Example 2

What was tested: Red clover (Trifolium pretense), a wild plant used as grazing food for cattle and other livestock, has been used medicinally to treat a wide array of conditions. Here they tested Red Clover derived dietary isoflavones containing a mixture of genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A.

Tested in: Prostate cancer patients.

Result: Apoptosis in radical prostatectomy specimens from treated patients was significantly higher than control subjects.

Translation: They used a variety of the components from Red Clover and they administered it to real patients. The fact that apoptosis was greater in the treated patients (those who received the herb's components) is an indicator of potential efficacy in actual prostate cancer patients.

Reference: Jarred RA, et al., Induction of apoptosis in low to moderate-grade human prostate carcinoma by red clover-derived dietary isoflavones. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Dec;11(12):1689-96.

Example 3

What was tested: Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is a tropical vine that grows in South America . This vine gets its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which looks like a cat's claw. It has been used in South-American folk medicine for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, gastritis and epidemic diseases. In this study, extracts were used.

Tested in: Human breast cancer cell line

Result: Antiproliferative effect and a 90% inhibition at a concentration of 100 mg/ml.

Translation: Extracts (not the whole plant) were used in a human breast cancer cell line (not cells taken from a recent patient). There were significant anti-proliferative effects which means that the extracts worked in this cell line.

Reference: Riva L, et al., The antiproliferative effects of Uncaria tomentosa extracts and fractions on the growth of breast cancer cell line. Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2457-61.

Example 4

What was tested: Curcumin (also called Tumeric) is a yellow powder ground from the root of a plant (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family, which is found wild in the Himalayas and grown across South Asia . In this study they used the whole herb.

Tested in: Patients with bladder cancer or pre-malignant lesions

Result: Histologic improvement in some patients with the precancerous lesions.

Translation: Whole herb (root) was tested in a variety of patients and there was some efficacy in the patients who had pre-malignant cancer.

Reference: Cheng AL, et al., Phase I clinical trial of curcumin, a chemopreventive agent, in patients with high-risk or pre-malignant lesions. Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4B):2895-900.

Example 5

What was tested: Vitamin C plasma levels.

Tested in: Patients with advanced cancer.

Result: Patients with low plasma concentrations of vitamin C have a shorter survival.

Translation: In patients with a variety of different advanced cancers, patients with less Vitamin C in their plasma (i.e. blood) did not live as long as those patients who had more.

Reference: Mayland CR, et al., Vitamin C deficiency in cancer patients. Palliat Med. 2005 Jan;19(1):17-20.

Again, these studies are not the last word, but when searching for reliable information on the internet, browsing what is published in medical and scientific journals by using Medline is a good place to begin. We encourage you to take advantage of this comprehensive resource to help make informed treatment decisions with your licensed healthcare provider.

Immunotherapies

Immunotherapies include vaccine therapy (i.e. autologous vaccines - vaccines made from the patient) or a treatment that includes an immune cytokine. These treatments typically attempt to stimulate an immune response in the patient's body to fight the cancer. Several of these approaches have been tried in treating mesothelioma.

Glossary

Autologous Vaccine is created when proteins from the patient's tumor cells are made into a vaccine that is designed to cause the patient's body to make antibodies against the tumor.

Immune Cytokine is a protein that is used by various white blood cells to communicate with each other. For example, some cytokines are used to promote inflammation near an infection.

Immune Response is how the body recognizes and defends itself against bacteria, viruses, and substances that appear foreign and harmful.

Immune System is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells that are part of this defense system are white blood cells or leukocytes. There are two basic types of leukocytes: (1) the phagocytes that consume invading organisms such as bacteria (the most common type is the neutrophil); (2) the lymphocytes that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders. There are two kinds of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes.

Results of Immunotherapies Administered to Mesothelioma Patients

Important Note : These are summaries of results of clinical trials that have been made available by Cancer Monthly: The Source for Cancer Treatment Results. The source data are the clinical results reported in the medical literature. To learn more about these treatments click on the icon under "More Information." This will open a new window that will contain the study's abstract. Print out the abstract and share it with your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if a particular treatment is right for you. For more information about toxicity grades see below. For more treatment results for mesothelioma and many other cancers visit Cancer Monthly.

Treatment Description	Median Survival Rate	Side-Effects	More Information
17 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of a type of immunotherapy - administration of intrapleurally infused autologous human activated macrophages (a type of blood cell) followed by intrapleural injection of gamma-interferon (a type of protein). After completion of this therapy, ten patients were treated with chemotherapy (primarily cisplatin (platinol) and mitomycin (mitozytrex)).	The median survival of all treated patients was 29.2 months.	Toxicities included grade 2 or 3 thoracic pain after injection, fever, and alkaline phosphatases.	Article
22 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of the intrapleural administration of interleukin-2. (Interleukin-2 is a cytokine or immune system messenger which encourages the proliferation of CD4 cells.)	The overall median survival time was 18 months.	Grade 3 toxicities included cardiovascular, weight gain, sepsis, and cutaneous.	Article
31 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of the injection of human recombinant Interleukin-2 (Proleukin)	Median overall survival was 15 months.	Grade 3 toxicities included cardiac failure and fever. Grade 2 toxicities included neuropathy, neurologic, and gastrointestinal.	Article
37 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin (platinol) and doxorubicin (adriamycin) with alpha-2b interferon.	The median survival was 9.3 months.	Grade 4 toxicities included hematologic and renal.	Article
29 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of the administration of human recombinant Interleukin-2.	Overall median survival was 9 months from the date of first treatment.	Toxicities included fever (grade 2), cutaneous toxicity, nausea and vomiting (grade 1), and chest pains.	Article

Toxicity Grades

Toxicities (or side-effects) are generally graded from one to five. The higher the number, the more toxic were the side-effects from the treatment. There are a number of different toxicity scales (i.e. National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0, World Health Organization) and they are all similar in respect to their grades and definitions. The scale is generally:

1 = Mild side-effects
2 = Moderate side-effects
3 = Severe side-effects
4 = Life Threatening or Disabling side-effects
5 = Fatal

What is included in the table above are the highest grades for one or more toxicities reported for one or more patients. This means that even if only one patient had one example of a grade 4 toxicity and every other patient had grade 2, the grade for that treatment will be reported as a 4

Biological Therapies

Biological therapies can be defined as a targeted therapy used to attack a particular protein, enzyme or other cellular component or an approach using inhibitors (i.e. anti-angiogenesis), monoclonal antibodies or other substances. Also included in this category are the use of analogues of natural substances (such as a vitamin). Radio-immunotherapy therapy, photodynamic therapy, and thermal therapies can also classified under this heading. Some of these approaches have been tried in treating mesothelioma.

Glossary

Analogue a substance derived from the modification or alteration of the chemical structure of another substance while retaining a similar pharmacological effect.

Angiogenesis refers to the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature.

Anti-angiogenesis is the process of stopping the formation of new blood vessels.

Enzyme is a complex polymer of biological origin (usually a protein) that acts as a catalyst in one or more chemical reactions. A catalyst is any substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself being changed by the reaction.

Hyperthermia is defined as an abnormally high body temperature.

Monoclonal Antibody (MAb) is a specific antibody produced in large quantity by the clones of a single hybrid cell formed in the laboratory by the fusion of a B cell with a tumor cell. The resulting hybrid cell, or hybridoma, multiplies rapidly, creating a clone that produces large quantities of the antibody.

Radioimmunotherapy is where radioactive substances are attached to a monoclonal antibody.

Photodynamic Therapy a technique that uses non-thermal lasers to activate light-sensitive drugs.

Results of Biological Therapies Administered to Mesothelioma Patients

Important Note: These are summaries of results of clinical trials that have been made available by Cancer Monthly: The Source for Cancer Treatment Results. The source data are the clinical results reported in the medical literature. To learn more about these treatments click on the icon under "More Information." This will open a new window that will contain the study's abstract. Print out the abstract and share it with your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine if a particular treatment is right for you. For more information about toxicity grades see below. For more treatment results for mesothelioma and many other cancers visit Cancer Monthly.

Treatment Description	Median Survival Rate	Side-Effects	More Information
27 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of a combination of hyperthermia with three chemotherapy drugs - ifosfamide (IFEX), carboplatin (paraplatin), and etoposide (vepesid).	Median survival was 76.6 weeks (17.8 months).	There was one death associated with progressive disease and sepsis. Other toxicities included hematologic (grades 1-4), gastrointestinal (grades 1-3), nausea and vomiting (grades 1-3), hepatic (grades 1-2), skin (grade 3), and renal (grades 1-2). In addition, there were two cardiac complications during hyperthermia.	Article
13 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of a suspension of heat-killed Mycobacterium vaccae (SRL172), a fast growing avirulent mycobacterium, that may have non-specific immunomodulating properties in combination with standard chemotherapy (mitomycin-C (mitozytrex), vinblastine (velban) and cisplatin (platinol)).	The median overall survival was 10.5 months.	Grade 1-3 toxicities included infection, emesis, mucositis, diarrhea, constipation, alopecia, neuropathy, fatigue, and hematological.	Article
28 patients were involved. The treatment consisted of surgery (pleuropneumonectomy) with intraoperative photodynamic therapy (the drug mTHPC). (Photodynamic therapy is a technique that uses non-thermal lasers to activate light-sensitive drugs.)	The overall median survival time was 10 months.	Three patients died in the perioperative period (the period immediately preceding, during and after a surgical procedure.) One of the three deaths was directly related to photodynamic therapy.	Article

Toxicity Grades

Toxicities (or side-effects) are generally graded from one to five. The higher the number, the more toxic were the side-effects from the treatment. There are a number of different toxicity scales (i.e. National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 2.0, World Health Organization) and they are all similar in respect to their grades and definitions. The scale is generally:

1 = Mild side-effects
2 = Moderate side-effects
3 = Severe side-effects
4 = Life Threatening or Disabling side-effects
5 = Fatal

What is included in the table above are the highest grades for one or more toxicities reported for one or more patients. This means that even if only one patient had one example of a grade 4 toxicity and every other patient had grade 2, the grade for that treatment will be reported as a 4.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative Treatments consist of any approach considered non-conventional which may include herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, peptides, and other natural non-toxic supplements. When used in conjunction with conventional approaches these alternative modalities are often called "complimentary." Although patient surveys suggest that over 70% of advanced cancer patients use some form of alternative or complimentary therapy, their use in mesothelioma is not well documented. Below are examples of some of the alternative therapies utilized by Paul Kraus.

Note: You should not use these treatments unless they are supervised by a licensed healthcare practitioner. In addition, access to these agents may be regulated by various U.S. laws.

Ukrain

Ukrain is a semi-synthetic compound derived from a common weed, greater celandine ( Chelidonium majus L .) combined with the chemotherapy drug Triethylene-thiophosphoric acid triamide (Thiotepa). Celandine contains a range of alkaloids, most notably chelidonine. Ukrain consists of one molecule of Thiotepa conjugated to three molecules of celandine and is commonly administered intravenously.

Ukrain has been tested in cell cultures ( in-vitro ), in animals, and in patients. A systematic review of all the randomized clinical trials (RCT's) involving Ukrain was published in July 2005.¹ The study identified seven RCT's.² The majority of these studies were published in two different journals between 1995 and 2002 by four different groups of authors from Belarus and Germany . These seven studies focused on patients with colorectal, bladder, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Although all of the studies demonstrated efficacy and/or improvement in patient's quality of life, the authors noted that the RCT's they reviewed had "serious methodological limitations" and that "independent rigorous studies are urgently needed." Ukrain is reportedly used by alternative practitioners throughout the world and is manufactured by a company in the Ukraine.³

Iscador

In 1998 the Canadian Medical Association published an article that reviewed the use of Iscador. The following information is quoted directly from that article:⁴

"Iscador is the trade name of the most commonly available brand of an extract of Viscum album , a European species of mistletoe, which differs from the North American species. Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that lives symbiotically with several tree species, including oak, pine, elm and apple. Considered sacred in ancient times, it has been used for centuries in Europe to treat a variety of acute and chronic health conditions.Although there have been few claims that Iscador reduces tumor size, proponents believe that it stimulates the immune system, promotes the reversion of cancerous cells to more differentiated forms, improves general well-being and may improve survival, especially in patients with cancer of the cervix, ovary, breast, stomach, colon and lung.Iscador is prepared by fermenting an aqueous extract of the whole mistletoe plant with the bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum . The product is then mixed and filtered to remove the bacteria before being standardized and packaged in ampules for injection.[A] number of clinical studies and review articles have now appeared in the English-language literature. Several studies indicated an improvement in immune function, quality of life and even survival. However, most of the studies had significant design limitations, making it difficult to interpret their results and seriously limiting the value of their findings."⁵

A Medline search for the results of recent clinical trials involving Iscador yielded two studies - one from 2005 and one from 2004. The study published in 2005 involved high-risk malignant melanoma (stages II and III). The patients who received Iscador were reported to have "significantly lower" rates of lung and brain metastases and "significantly superior" overall survival. ⁶And in a 2004 breast cancer study, the authors concluded, "Complementary therapy of patients with primary, non-metastatic breast carcinoma with the mistletoe extract Iscador was safe and in comparison to the control group within the same study cohort showed considerably fewer adverse drug reactions attributed to concurrent conventional therapy, reduced disease symptoms, and suggested a significant improvement of survival."⁷

Iscador is produced by a company based in Germany and Switzerland.⁸

Vitamin C

Incredibly, vitamin C is one of the most "controversial" alternative treatments for cancer. A major proponent for its efficacy in cancer was Dr. Linus Pauling who achieved the remarkable distinction of being awarded two unshared Nobel Prizes. He and Ewan Cameron , MB , ChB, chief surgeon at Vale of Leven Hospital in Scotland administered vitamin C to cancer patients and reportedly had excellent results.⁹ However, other institutions that have performed similar studies reported no efficacy.¹⁰ Nonetheless, ascorbic acid has been reported as "the single-nutrient supplement most commonly used by cancer patients..."¹¹

In 1994, in his final interview before his death at the age of 93, Dr. Pauling discussed his interest in vitamin C. He stated, "One piece of evidence that made quite an impression on me 20 years ago was when Irwin Stone, PhD, pointed out that most animals, except humans, monkeys and apes, manufacture vitamin C.Vitamin C--ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate or calcium ascorbate--is involved in a great number of biochemical reactions in the human body. Two of its major interactions are in potentiating the immune system and aiding the synthesis of the protein collagen, which is a very important substance that holds together the human body. Collagen strengthens the blood vessels, the skin, the muscles and the bones. You can't make collagen without using up vitamin C.¹²" In his book, Cancer and Vitamin C , Dr. Pauling explains how the integrity of collagen helps protect against cancer metastases.

In 1991, the National Cancer Institute published a study in which they stated that "Epidemiologic evidence of a protective effect of vitamin C for non-hormone-dependent cancers is strong."

Ozone Therapy

There has been published scientific data (some going back over 60 years) that cancer cells do not prosper in a richly oxygenated (i.e. aerobic) environment. (See for example the writings of Dr. Otto Warburg.) Ozone is an activated, trivalent (three atoms) form of oxygen. Oxygen is O 2 whereas ozone is O 3 . Medical ozone is made when medical grade oxygen is electrically activated (using an ozone generator) to form ozone. Ozone is germicidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal.

There is little published literature on the safety and efficacy of ozone therapy in the treatment of cancer. One study published in 1980 found that "the growth of human cancer cells from lung, breast, and uterine tumors was selectively inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by ozone at 0.3 to 0.8 part per million of ozone in ambient air during 8 days of culture."¹³ And a 1991 study found that ozone in combination with a carcinogen "favors development of tumors" while ozone exposure after carcinogen exposure "inhibits tumor development."¹⁴

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus is a plant native to northern China and the elevated regions of the Chinese provinces Yunnan and Sichuan . The portion of the plant used medicinally is the four- to seven-year-old dried root collected in the spring. The Chinese have used Astragalus for many thousands of years to replenish a person's vital energy.

Nearly all the scientific studies on Astragalus have been conducted in China . A 2002 study concluded that "Astragalus injection supplemented with chemotherapy could inhibit the development of tumor, decrease the toxic-adverse effect of chemotherapy, elevate the immune function of organism and improve the quality of life in patients."¹⁵ And a 2003 Chinese study reported that "Astragalus injection combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve the quality of life in non-small-cell lung cancer patients of advanced stage."¹⁶

Cat's Claw

Cat's Claw ( Uncaria tomentosa ) is a tropical vine that grows in South America . This vine gets its name from the small thorns at the base of the leaves, which look like a cat's claw. It has been used in South-American folk medicine for the treatment of cancer, arthritis, gastritis and epidemic diseases.

Various conventional studies have been performed yielding inconsistent results. One cancer study that found positive results was published in 2001. This study was performed on a human breast cancer cell line. The authors concluded that Cats Claw was anti-mutagenic and anti-proliferative.¹⁷

References

---

¹Ernst and Schmidt, Ukrain - a new cancer cure? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. BMC Cancer. 2005 Jul 1;5(1):69.

²

1. Susak, et al., Comparison of chemotherapy and X-ray therapy with Ukrain monotherapy for colorectal cancer . Drugs Exp Clin Res 1996, 22:115-22.
2. Bondar, et al., Comparative evaluation of the complex treatment of rectal cancer patients (chemotherapy and X-ray therapy, Ukrain monotherapy ). Drugs Exp Clin Res 1998, 24:221-6.
3. Zemskov, et al., Ukrain (NSC-631570) in the treatment of pancreas cancer. Drugs Exp Clin Res 2000, 26:179-90.
4. Uglyanitsa, et al., Comparative evaluation of the efficiency of various Ukrain doses in the combined treatment of breast cancer. Report I. Clinical aspects of Ukrain application. Drugs Exp Clin Res 2000, 26:223-30.
5. Zemskov, et al., Efficacy of Ukrain in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2002, 387:84-9.
6. Gansauge, et al., NSC-631570 (Ukrain) in the palliative treatment of pancreatic cancer. Results of a phase II trial. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2002, 386:570-4.
7. Susak, et al., Randomised clinical study of Ukrain on colorectal cancer. Eur J Cancer 1995, 31:S153.

³Ukrainian Anti-Cancer Institute, Velyka Zhytomyrska 17/28, Kiev , Ukraine
Tel: (+380) 44 27237191
Fax: (+380) 44 27237191
E-mail:
http://www.ukrin.com/local.htm

⁴Kaegi E. Unconventional therapies for cancer: 3. Iscador . Task Force on Alternative Therapies of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative. CMAJ. 1998 May 5;158(9):1157-9.

⁵Id.

⁶Augustin, et al., Safety and efficacy of the long-term adjuvant treatment of primary intermediate- to high-risk malignant melanoma (UICC/AJCC stage II and III) with a standardized fermented European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract. Results from a multicenter, comparative, epidemiological cohort study in Germany and Switzerland . Arzneimittelforschung. 2005;55(1):38-49.

⁷Bock, et al. Retrolective, comparative, epidemiological cohort study with parallel groups design for evaluation of efficacy and safety of drugs with "well-established use". Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2004 Aug;11 Suppl 1:23-9.

⁸See the Weleda AG website available at: http://usa.weleda.com/iscador/

⁹Cancer and Vitamin C: A Discussion of the Nature, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of Cancer With Special Reference to the Value of Vitamin C by Ewan Cameron, Linus Pauling, April, 1993.

¹⁰See for example, Creagan et al., Failure of high-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) therapy to benefit patients with advanced cancer. A controlled trial. N Engl J Med. 1979 Sep 27;301(13):687-90.

¹¹Block and Mead, Vitamin C in alternative cancer treatment: historical background . Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Jun;2(2):147-54.

¹²Linus Pauling, PhD: The Last Interview by Peter Barry Chowka available at: http://members.aol.com/realmedia/pauling.html

¹³Sweet, et al., Ozone selectively inhibits growth of human cancer cells . Science. 1980 Aug 22;209(4459):931-3.

¹⁴Witschi, Effects of oxygen and ozone on mouse lung tumorigenesis. Exp Lung Res. 1991 Mar-Apr;17(2):473-83.

¹⁵Duan and Wang, Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor . Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jul;22(7):515-7.

¹⁶Zou and Liu., Effect of astragalus injection combined with chemotherapy on quality of life in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2003 Oct;23(10):733-5.

¹⁷Riva, et al., The antiproliferative effects of Uncaria tomentosa extracts and fractions on the growth of breast cancer cell line . Anticancer Res. 2001 Jul-Aug;21(4A):2457-61.