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Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight – Dr. Anne S. Tsao

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Tsao, AnneDr. Anne Tsao is an accomplished medical oncologist and research scientist. She is the director of the Mesothelioma Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas. She is an Associate Professor, Department of Thoracic/ Head and Neck Medical Oncology, at MD Anderson and also the Director of Thoracic Chemo- Radiation Program at MD Anderson. Dr. Tsao also holds many other positions such as co-chair of the Clinical Research Committee at MD Anderson. As an accomplished clinical scientist Dr. Tsao has been an Associate Editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, Watch Oncology and Hematology section since June 2013. She also serves on the SWOG Mesothelioma Steering Committee, SWOG Lung Executive Committee, and the Scientific Board of the American Radium Society.

Dr. Tsao attended medical school at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Her training continued as she completed a second residency at University of Texas and completed her Fellowship there. Dr. Tsao has specialized in thoracic, head and neck cancers. She has been a recipient of many awards. She has received the Asco award (American Society of Clinical Oncology) merit award and has also been the recipient of the MD Anderson Achievement in Research Award along with many others.

Dr. Tsao is the principal investigator to many clinical trials for Mesothelioma. Dr. Tsao has a personal message to patients who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma which is, “there is hope and patients with mesothelioma can certainly exceed the median survival.” She encourages patients to go to a medical center that specializes in this disease. Often times patients remark that at home they were offered no hope. Dr. Tsao reassures them that this is not the reality. One of her many concentrations in fighting Mesothelioma is proton beam therapy used in addition to chemotherapy. Dr. Tsao spends much of her time researching new and better ways to treat Mesothelioma. Dr. Tsao is focusing on individualizing cancer therapy through understanding of the molecular basis of cancer.

Dr. Tsao is an energetic, personable, accomplished researcher in her chosen fields. She is an advocate for collaboration in research.   The mesothelioma community is fortunate to have Dr. Tsao as a valued member of this community as she continues to work tirelessly for a cure.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Review –Phase II Trial of Alisertib (MLN8237) in Salvage Malignant Mesothelioma

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c-trialsWe encourage participation in clinical trials for research leading to a cure for mesothelioma. It is known that nationally the statistics for participation in adult cancer trials is between 3-5% of adults who have a cancer diagnosis.

For mesothelioma patients and families that are interested in clinical trials, researching clinical trials and eligibility can be a time consuming barrier to participation. The information about clinical trials is available on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Our goal is to feature one mesothelioma clinical trial monthly and break it down to understandable terms, to decipher the eligibility requirements, and to possibly encourage participation in these trials.

Listing- ClinicalTrial.gov- NCT02293005

Official Title- Phase II Trial of Alisertib (MLN8237) in Salvage Malignant Mesothelioma

Sponsor- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Location- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas

Principle Investigator- Anne S. Tsao M.D. M.D. Cancer Center

Contact-Anne S. Tsao M.D.- 713- 792-6363

Purpose- To find out if a drug named Alisertib can help control mesothelioma. This is a study investigating the safety of the drug and if it helps in the control of mesothelioma. Alisertib is a drug that targets a protein called aurora A kinase in cancer cells. Alisertib is an inhibitor it is hoped it will target aurora A kinase and kill cancer cells.

Screening– – Lab blood tests- must have an Absolute Neutrophil count (ANC) >1500/mm3, platelets > 100,000mm3, Hgb >9g/dl

Liver function tests – total billirubin <= 1.5 of upper limit of normal etc.

Pathological diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma

Eligibility Criteria–   – Voluntary informed consent

  • Must be 18 or older
  • Must have measurable disease by modified RECIST or RECIST. Examination for measurable disease completed within 28 days prior to registration
  • Up to 4 prior lines of systemic therapy (biological or chemotherapy) are allowed
  • Received at least one prior pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for unrespectable disease, unless within 3 months of receiving platinum pemetrexed therapy for neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment that has been unsuccessful
  • Have unresectable malignant mesothelioma- any histology
  • Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma- any primary site
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2
  • Adequate renal function as defined by: Calculated creatine clearance must be >/= 30 ml/

– Females- either post-menopausal for at least one year before the screening visit- or surgically sterilized, or willing to use an acceptable method of birth control- for the length of the study and at least 1 month after the last dose of alisertib.

  • Male even if surgically sterilized, agrees to use an acceptable barrier method for contraception, or completely abstain from heterosexual intercourse during the entire study treatment period through 4 months after the last dose of alisertib

 

Exclusion Criteria-

  • Prior radiation therapy. Radiation therapy to more than 25% of the bone marrow.
  • Prior allogeneic bone marrow or organ transplantation
  • Known GI disease or GI procedures that could interfere with the oral absorption or tolerance of alisertib.
  • Known history of uncontrolled sleep apneas syndrome and other conditions that could result in excessive daytime sleepiness, such as severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients who use CPCAP or BIPAP at night and have controlled sleep apnea syndrome are allowed.
  • Requirement for constant administration of proton pump inhibitor, H2 antagonist, or pancreatic enzymes. Intermittent uses of antacids or H2 antagonists are allowed.
  • Systemic infection requiring IV antibiotic therapy within 14 days preceding the first dose of study drug or other severe infection.
  • Myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to enrollment or has New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III of IV heart failure, uncontrolled angina, severe uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias, or electrocardiographic evidence of acute ischemia or active conduction system abnormalities. Prior to study entry, any ECG abnormality at Screening has to be documented by the investigator as not medically relevant.
  • Female subject who is pregnant or breast-feeding. Confirmation that the subject is not pregnant must be established by a negative serum Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (Beta-hCG) pregnancy test result obtained during screening. Pregnancy testing is not required for post-menopausal or surgically sterilized women.
  • Patient has received other investigational drugs with 14 days before enrollment.
  • Serious medical or psychiatric illness likely to interfere with participation in this clinical study.
  • Other severe acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition, including uncontrolled diabetes, malabsorption, resection of the pancreas or upper small bowel, requirement for pancreatic enzymes, any condition that would modify small bowel absorption of oral medications, or laboratory abnormality that may increase the risk associated with study participation
  • Diagnosed or treated for another malignancy within 3 years of enrollment, with the exception of complete resection of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, an in situ malignancy, or low-risk prostate cancer after curative therapy.
  • Treatment with clinically significant enzyme inducers, such as enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs phenytoin, carbamazepine or phenobarbital, or rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine or St John’s wort within 14 days prior to the first dose of alisertib and during the study.
  • Known history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Testing is not required in the absence of clinical findings or suspicion. For guidance in defining active infection for hepatitis B, please refer to the WHO guidelines.
  • Prior administration of an Aurora A kinase-targeted agent, including alisertib.
  • Receipt of corticosteroids within 7 days prior to the first dose of study treatment, unless patient has been taking a continuous dose of no more that 15mg/day of prednisone for at least 1 month prior to the first dose of study treatment. Low dose steroid use for the control of nausea and vomiting will be allowed. Topical steroid use is permitted. Inhaled steroids are permitted.
  • Inability to swallow oral medication or inability or unwillingness to comply with the administration requirements related to alisertib.
  • Administration of myeloid growth factors or platelet transfusion within 14 days prior to the first dose of study treatment.
  • Persons who are incarcerated at time of enrollment (e.g. prisoners) or likely to become incarcerated during the study.

How the Research Study is Designed to Work

The drug Alisertib is taken by mouth twice a day for 7 days in each treatment cycle which is 3 weeks long. After taking the medication for 7 days they do not take the medicine for the next 14 days. The participant is followed by physical exams, blood draws, and every 6 weeks while on the study PET-CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis to check the status of the disease.

The hope of the researcher is to assess 4- month disease control rate in pre-treated patients that have malignant pleural mesothelioma treated with alisertib

 

Sources:

www.ClinicalTrials.gov

With any clinical trial all participation is voluntary. Before enrollment a detailed consent form will be reviewed with the participant and signed. The participant can withdraw from a clinical trial at any point in time. Think about participating if able, the only way to progress to a cure for mesothelioma is through clinical trials.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Four Stages Of Emotions After Receiving My Mesothelioma Diagnosis

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It is never an easy thing when your doctor tells you that your biopsy report is abnormal. In order for you to accept your mesothelioma diagnosis, you must go through many stages.

Stage 1: Denial

In the fall of 2007 while watching a Patriot game, my cell phone rang. Did you ever get a phone call and look at the number and say I have no idea who this is but… I need to take this call? It was my colon-rectal surgeon who had just done a bowel resection for diverticulitis. My ovaries and sigmoid colon were removed via a laparoscopy. I was recovering with minimal discomfort. I was almost one-week post-surgery at this time. Why on earth would my surgeon be calling me at 7:30 in the evening???   After 2 minutes of small talk, he states that there is a “little problem” with my pathology report.   “A little problem!!!” I repeat his words. “I don’t understand. I had diverticulitis, this is not a malignant disease.” He then tells me that both my ovaries had abnormal cells that they can’t differentiate. Now I immediately feel that ugly pit in my stomach. This can’t be happening. Denial, yes I don’t want to believe this. My slides were sent to Mass General for a second opinion. I was told it would be about 10 days to get their report. Unless you have been through this yourself, you have no idea how stress, sleepless nights, and anxiety take over your life.

Stage 2: Anger

After my long 10 days of waiting, I call for my report. Doctor is away until end of week; the secretary tells me “No!”.   I try telling the secretary that I need my report but am told I must wait until my surgeon returns as no report is in my chart. I can’t tell you how angry I became, yet there is nothing you can do. Wait…. 4 more days feels like eternity. I don’t want to talk to anybody about it. I have 2 sons who are in there 20s yet why tell them about it when I don’t really know what I am dealing with.   Anger has no limits!

Stage 3: Depression

On Friday afternoon, my dreaded phone call confirms mesothelioma in both ovaries. The pathologist states it is a rare finding and prognosis is guarded.   I’m shocked, sad, and in a fog. “Guarded, guarded,” I repeat the words over and over. I look up the definition. Not good. I refuse to just sit back and let this disease take over.

Stage 4: Acceptance

Well I don’t actually think I ever accepted it but I definitely learned to deal with it. I became my own advocate as no cases of peritoneal meso had been diagnosed at my hospital. I called numerous doctors who dealt with peritoneal mesothelioma. I was not going to let this disease take over my body without a fight. It was a tedious job but it was what I needed to do to feel comfortable with the plan of care I was going to take. It is indeed a rare tumor. I did end up traveling to New York for surgery and chemo.

In conclusion, it’s ok to deny your diagnosis, be angry at the world, and feel depressed. These are all stages we must go through to finally reach our accomplishment.

8 years and cancer Free. Yes!!!

About Julie Russell R.N.

julie-russellJulie Russell is an experienced Registered Nurse who is also a mesothelioma cancer survivor. Julie’s clinical expertise in nursing is in the area of the Cardiac Intervention. She has also been an instructor of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) for many years. Her varied nursing background includes roles as a nursing supervisor, educator and staff nurse.

Diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2008, Julie has undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and become an advocate for herself and others. A mesothelioma diagnosis effects the whole family. Her two sons became active in the mesothelioma community as well. She is a passionate advocate for all patients, but peritoneal mesothelioma is a personal cause of hers. She will be a guest blogger for us. Julie will be sharing her personal experiences with peritoneal mesothelioma as she continues to live and work a full life. Since diagnosis, Julie has also become a grandmother. We invite you to follow Julie’s journey and feel free to contact her for any questions or support.

The Importance of Communication Between the Mesothelioma Patient and Caregiver

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Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is a difficult challenge. Not only is it a challenge for the patient it is also for their loved ones. Relationships change with a new unknown reality. Roles change as couple’s transition to patients and caregivers. Any cancer diagnosis forces people to look at the reality that most of us are uncomfortable with – we are all going to die.   During this time it is important for the caregiver to realize and accept that the patient is the one in the driver’s seat- making the final decisions. If the patient is unable to make the decisions they have to act as their voice, making the hard choices that they might not agree with. When the disease progresses it can be overwhelming for both the patient and the caregiver. To watch your loved one suffer from shortness of breath or pain can be unbearable to the caregiver. Being unable to fix it for your loved one is devastating. It reminds you of how powerless we can be as humans.  Intellectually we all know that we will all leave this world when the time comes despite all our medical treatments. The challenge of caring for a loved one during this time can be daunting, overwhelming and difficult to deal with. Most of us will fight to the end for our loved one. The person with the disease is the one who decides when the fight shifts. There is nothing wrong with doing everything for your sick loved one but you have to realize it is about them. The physical and emotional fatigue and pain they endure can be immense. It is up to them when they say enough is enough.

After visiting a patient with re-occurrence who was in a rehab center, her husband was reporting that she was doing better. He thought that her pain was under control, she was eating better and was starting to walk more. When talking with the patient it was clear that she had enough. She was not any better. She was ready to shift goals of care. She did not want to “disappoint” her husband but she was tired and at peace. She had done what some people who know that death is near do. She had done a life review and made peace with how she had lived her life. She relied on her faith and was ready to die. The couple had many conversations over the years about what they wanted at end of life. She was ready, he was not.

When this happens, there are things you can do as the partner/ caregiver. A change of strategy is in order. This is probably one of the most difficult things you have to do. Take a deep breath and listen to your loved one. If he or she is tired of appointments, medications, exercise, nutrition, it is ok to let them be. When this turning point comes, the focus changes. It really becomes about the patient and how they want to live out their lives. Attempting visits with people they have not seen or enjoying their home and surroundings can be options. It is okay just to be in the moment and enjoy each other’s company wherever the surroundings may be.

How do you get to the point that you are both ready to face dying together? How do you say good bye? The starting point is to listen and hear what your loved one is saying- not what you want to hear. Respect their wishes and follow their lead. Enjoy the moments, savor your time, and create memories that will sustain you through the difficult days ahead.

“Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It is the transition that’s troublesome.” Isaac Asminov

How Skilled Nursing Facilities and “Rehab” Facilities Can Help Mesothelioma Patients

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When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma or any cancer they are often searching for a plan, a road map, a guide. Medically this can include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, clinical trials. This can also involve hospitalizations, outpatient treatments, series of hospital appointments. radiation therapy. With some patients this can also involve a stay in a rehab facility after surgery or a hospitalization.   This can be a surprise to some patients .

Recently we visited two patients at rehab facilities. One was a gentleman in his 70’s that was discharged to rehab after his surgery. There are many reasons that someone might go to rehab. One of the common reasons is lack of conditioning. After being in the hospital for even a short period of time you can lose muscle mass and strength.   The second patient was a female; she was at rehab to slowly wean off the vent. Progress has been slow, but she is progressing. Both of these patients were sent to rehab facilities to improve their strength, with the goal of returning to their previous level of functioning. At this particular rehab facility, a sign greets all, “Find Your Strength.”

In the United states there are 15,401 nursing facilities according to statistics from the government for the year 2014. This includes all different levels of care. Nursing homes, day programs, chronic care programs, care for patients with chronic illnesses.   Some of the patients will never reach the level of independent living. The nursing facilities are in all sizes and shapes and specialize in different issues.

After treatment for mesothelioma the type of facility that patients are most often transferred to are skilled nursing facilities. A definition from Segens Medical Dictionary: ” is an inpatient health care facility with the staff and the equipment to provide skilled care, rehabilitation and other health services to patients who need nursing care but do not require hospitalization.”   Another definition from Mosby’s Medical Dictionary is: ” a type of nursing home – recognized by the Medicare and Medicaid systems as meeting long term health care needs for individuals who have the potential to function independently after a limited period of care. A multidisciplinary team guides health care and rehabilitative services, including nursing care.”

Like specialized centers for mesothelioma, rehab facilities after surgery or treatments for mesothelioma are specialized. If along your journey with mesothelioma it is recommended that you or your loved one go to a skilled nursing facility- SNF- or rehab facility, remember the goal is to return you to your previous level of functioning. It might be a surprise not to go home after a hospitalization. Remember your journey with living with mesothelioma is a marathon not a sprint.

– Ellie

Why We Created the Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Digest

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Mesothelioma Clinical Trial DigestThe patient’s son was clearly distraught. His previously healthy, active father had been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. He had done what most people did in 2016, he began his research with a Google search. He had found the resources he thought he needed. With his fathers blessing he was continuing to research for all options. They were attending a mesothelioma conference together. He raised his hand and asked a question. His voice had a hint of desperation in it. “Where do I go to research current Clinical Trials for patients with mesothelioma?” The expert giving the talk explained that the clinical trials were listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov, under malignant mesothelioma. Sensing the desperation in his voice, the speaker continued to offer a phone number to contact for more information.

There was something about the question and the answer that we couldn’t let go of.   After that part of the conference it struck us how difficult it is to navigate the medical system when you are healthy, let alone when you are diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer. Progress is made through clinical trials, but the language and the terms are more than confusing. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is an excellent resource for patients and families. Anything that will start the conversation to increase participation in these trials is worth the effort. In order to progress we need patients to enroll in clinical trials. How do we get the word out about the available clinical trials? Many patients and significant others, family and friends are overwhelmed trying to navigate the system, a foreign world, they have suddenly been thrust into.

The Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Digest was started to help increase knowledge of what clinical trials are available in hopes of increasing participation. Our goal is to make patients and families aware of what clinical trials they might be qualified to enroll in. Often times patients are asked at the beginning of their journey with mesothelioma, whether it be chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, what do they want and how much do they want to fight. Digging into clinical trials information to navigate to hope is not an easy task. The Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Digest has been started to make part of this journey easier. Not everyone is a candidate for every clinical trial. This is a testament to the progress that has been made by patients participating in clinical trials. A new treatment option, an addition to the current standard of care, all must be proven in a formalized clinical trial setting. Each patient and family deserves to be aware of the clinical trials available, having a chance to participate in these trials and hopefully improving their chances for a longer life with good quality.

The hope of the Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Digest is to publicize the options for unique and different treatments which are being explored in many research facilities.

– Ellie

Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Review – UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

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c-trialsWe encourage participation in clinical trials for research leading to a cure for mesothelioma. It is known that nationally the statistics for participation in adult clinical cancer trials is between 3-5% of adults who have a cancer diagnosis.

For mesothelioma patients and families who are interested in clinical trials, researching clinical trials and eligibility can be a time consuming barrier to participation. The information about clinical trials is available on www.clinicaltrials.gov. You can also send for our user-friendly Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Digest.

Our goal is to feature one mesothelioma clinical trial monthly and break it down to understandable terms, to decipher the eligibility requirements, and to possibly encourage participation in these trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL- NCT02672033

Accelerated Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy Immediately Before Surgery in Treating Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Official Title- Neoadjuvant Accelerated Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy Immediately Prior to Radical Pleurectomy/Decortication for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma- A Pilot Study

Listing on www.clinicaltrials.gov

Sponsor- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Location- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles California

Principal Investigator- Percy Lee M.D.

Contact-Percy Lee, M.D. 310 825 9775   PercyLee@mednet.ucka.edu

Number of Participants- 10

Purpose- “This pilot phase 0 trial studies accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy immediately before surgery in treating patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (cancer in the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and lines the interior lining of the chest cavity). Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Hypofractionated radiation therapy is a type of radiation therapy in which the total prescribed dose of radiation is divided into fewer but larger doses as compared to conventional radiation therapy. Giving accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy immediately before surgery may improve survival, and may also reduce side effects experienced by patients with pleural mesothelioma.”

Screening- Must be eligible for surgery- all lab tests and scans pre-op- which include- blood tests, X-rays, scans, EKG.

Eligibility Criteria- Histologically confirmed epithelioid predominantly (>70%) subtype malignant pleural mesothelioma

Patients must have been evaluated at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) thoracic surgeon, and deemed medically and technically suitable for a pleurectomy/decortication procedure.

Karnofsky performance status (KPS) >=70 or Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 0-2

If a women of child bearing potential, a negative urine or a serum pregnancy test must be documented, women of childbearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control, or abstinence) for duration of study participation and for up to 4 weeks after the study.

Exclusions- Patients who have previously received therapeutic radiation therapy to the chest

Active systemic, pulmonary, or pericardial infection

Use of chemotherapy within 4 weeks of the planned start of radiation therapy.

Pregnant women, or women of child bearing potential who are sexually active and not willing/able to use medically acceptable forms of contraception for the entire study period and for up to 4 weeks after the study

Refusal to sign the informed consent

Patients who are participating in a concurrent treatment protocol

How the research study is designed to work-“Patients undergo 5 sessions of accelerated hypofractionated intensity- modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) over 1 week with simultaneous integrated boost to gross disease. Patients then undergo pleurectomy/decortication within 14 days after completion of IMRT. After completion of study treatments, patients are followed up to 6 weeks, and then every 3months for 5 years.”

With any clinical trial, all participation is voluntary. Before enrollment a detailed consent form will be reviewed with the participant and signed. The participant can withdraw from a clinical trial at any point in time. Think about participating if able, the only way progress to a cure for mesothelioma can be made is through clinical trials.

If you have any questions, let us know.

Mesothelioma Center Review – Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

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ShowImageIt is recommended that when you or your family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma that you be evaluated at an academic, multi-disciplinary, mesothelioma center. In order to get familiar with a center we will be featuring one center a month.

 

Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center –UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program

752 Westwood Plaza

Los Angeles, CA 90095

Dr. Robert Cameron

10780 Santa Monica Boulevard

Suite 100

Los Angeles, CA 90025

310-470-8980

Mission: The Mission of UCLA ‘s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is to develop more effective approaches to cancer prevention and diagnosis. This cancer center educates health care professionals, public, and families. They also reach out to the under privileged populations. They are a focused cancer center with state of the art research and patient facilities.

Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program concentrates on treating mesothelioma patients and families with cutting edge therapies. They are recognized as leaders in lung-sparing therapies and innovative methods to treat mesothelioma as a chronic disease.

History: During the 1960 a group of scientists and volunteers came together to develop a cancer center which they hoped would become world renowned in education and patient care. In 1976 National Cancer Institute designated UCLA as a “comprehensive” cancer center.

In 1997 UCLA’s Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program was started by Dr. Robert Cameron. It is one of the largest centers for mesothelioma in the country. The focus of the center is cutting edge therapies, and treating mesothelioma as a chronic disease.

Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program is one of the busiest programs on the West Coast of the United States.

Director Robert Cameron MD

Team- Consists of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, nurse practioners. A few are mentioned below. For a complete listing : www.ucla.com

Dr. Mary Maish MD thoracic surgeon who is affiliated with the Thoracic Oncology Program and the Division of Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. Jay Lee thoracic surgeon and is the director of the Thoracic Oncology Program, specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma, lung and esophageal cancers.

Dr. Percy Lee- Radiation oncologist- Clinical Director of Stereotactic Body Radiation

Nurse Practioners- Brian Barnes and Wendy Nelson

Affiliations: UCLA’s Compressive Mesothelioma Program collaborates with basic scientists at UCLA West Los Angeles, VA Medical Center, Pacific Meso Center at the Pacific Hear Lung & Blood Institute.

Research: UCLA is one of the nation’s seven institutions awarded the NCI’s Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (Spore). This is a grant which promotes collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research.   The JCCC is one of the nations’ largest “Comprehensive Cancer Centers”. The institution sees over 20,000 patients each year which is handled by 240 physicians, researchers and scientists.

The research in mesothelioma is cutting edge. Cryoablation and lung sparing surgery are two of the many topics that clinical trials have been focused on.

Support Services: Their support services include mind, body and spiritual care. The approach is multi-disciplinary with a team approach.

Contact: Thoracic Surgery
(310) 470-8980 (Cameron)
(310) 794-7333 (J. Lee & Yanagawa)

Medical Oncology
(310) 829-5471 (Olevsky)

Radiation Oncology
(310) 825-9775 (P. Lee)

If you have any questions, let us know.

Mesothelioma Specialist Spotlight – Dr. Robert Cameron

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Dr. Robert Cameron MesotheliomaDr. Robert Cameron is the Director and founder of the Comprehensive Mesothelioma Center at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. He is also the scientific advisor for the Pacific Heart Lung and Blood Institute as well as serving as a senior professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California. He also serves as the chief of thoracic surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center. He continues to hold the title of Professor of Surgery UCLA since 2008.

Dr. Cameron received his undergraduate degree with distinction from Stanford University, attended the University of Michigan and UCLA, where he received his medical degree. He completed his surgical internship and residency at the University of California. Following that he completed a Fellowship in oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda Maryland. He then headed to New York and a Fellowship in Thoracic Surgery at New York Hospital- Cornell University Medical Center. Dr. Cameron is board certified in both surgery and thoracic and cardiothoracic surgery.

He is the co-founder and former director of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, the only non-profit dedicated to finding funding for research towards a cure for mesothelioma. Dr. Cameron has been treating patients with mesothelioma for over 20 + years. He is passionate about the importance of research in treating and hopefully curing mesothelioma patients. He has delivered many lectures and has authored many articles on the care and treatment of mesothelioma. Dr. Cameron is a passionate and vocal voice in the mesothelioma community about the importance of lung sparing surgery and what the best treatment options are for mesothelioma. Dr. Cameron prides himself in teaching patients that he can help control the disease and some of its symptoms but unfortunately there is not yet a cure for mesothelioma. He has been a leader in the movement to treat mesothelioma as a chronic disease with an emphasis on quality of life for patients and families. In accomplishing this goal, he has become a leader in cryoablation therapy and cutting edge robotic surgery. Dr. Cameron has started and hosted a yearly conference about the benefits of lung sparing surgery for mesothelioma patients. This year’s conference will be held September 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Cameron’s passion for treating patients with cancer is personal in nature. He has watched many people in his family die from cancer at too early an age. The mesothelioma community is fortunate to have a talented, dedicated, fearless advocate for mesothelioma patients in Dr. Cameron!

If you have any questions or need help, let us know.

Palliative Care and Mesothelioma

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mesotheliomaMesothelioma is a serious illness. There is no cure currently but, research has extended the time and maintained the quality of life for many people diagnosed with mesothelioma.   Managing the disease and its effect on patients and families takes a team. The only way that malignant mesothelioma will be cured is through collaboration and research- we know these facts, they are well known. From diagnosis through your journey with mesothelioma a vital member of that team should be from palliative care.

What is palliative care? The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, www.nhpco.org uses the National Consensus Project’s definition to explain what palliative care is. “Palliative care is patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life by anticipating, preventing, and treating suffering. Palliative care throughout the continuum of illness involves addressing physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual needs and to facilitate patient autonomy, access to information and choice.”

In order for a team to function effectively everyone has to have their roles and responsibilities known to them and their other team members. Working together for the best possible benefit of what the patient wants is the ultimate goal. The palliative care specialist is a member of the multi-disciplinary team. The care is given in coordination with other team members.

Palliative care is offered throughout a patient’s journey with mesothelioma, from diagnosis to death and grieving for both the patient and their family members. Hospice has the same principles as palliative care, but is administered when cancer treatments are no longer working or desired by the patient. The focus of hospice is caring not curing.   Palliative care can start with any serious illness and does not always progress to hospice.

Research has shown that palliative care is beneficial to patients and families. It has been demonstrated that patients whose symptoms are controlled, for example pain, are better able to communicate their needs and have a better experience with their medical care. More research is needed into integrating this vital role across the spectrum to all that have serious illnesses. Currently less than 1% of the NIH budget is allocated for research into the role of palliative care

Amy Berman is a nurse and a senior program officer at the John A. Hartford Foundation, her job is to lead efforts to develop, test, and spread evidenced-based models of care that improve the care of older adults. Five and a half years ago she was diagnosed with a type of breast cancer that is very aggressive, with only an 11-20 percent chance of survival to 5 years. In June of 2016, she testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging, “The Right Care at the Right Time: Ensuring Person – Centered Care for Individuals with Serious Illness.”   To see the testimony and her comments, go to: http://www.jhartfound.org/blog/amy-berman-tells-senate-committee-palliative-care-is-best-friend-of-the-seriously-ill/

The following paragraph of her testimony shows how important palliative care is.

“But perhaps the most important aspect of my care, the reason I am doing so well despite being seriously ill, is palliative care. Palliative care is the best friend of the seriously ill. It is an extra layer of support that goes along with the care provided by my oncologist. Studies have shown that when palliative care is added at the beginning of a serious illness that people feel better and live longer. My palliative care provider has helped me determine what care to opt for and addressed my pain and symptoms. The team-based care also addresses the needs of the family, care coordination, and even spiritual needs.”

For more information on palliative care, go to: www.cancer.gov, www.CAPC.org, www.nhpco.org

Let us know if you have any questions.

– Ellie

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