The Blog

The Pacific Meso Center, Los Angeles, CA: An international roster of experts on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) gathered on Saturday, May 18, in Santa Monica, Calif., to discuss their latest research findings on new lung-sparing therapies for MPM, a rare form of cancer that results from exposure to asbestos and commonly affects the pleura, the lining of the chest.

Hosted by UCLA and the Pacific Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the 3rd Annual International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma focused on research aimed at preserving vital lung function in MPM patients. Mesothelioma experts now agree that extrapleural pneumonectomy, which involves removal of the lung and surrounding diseased tissues, does not have a place in treatment of patients with this asbestos-related problem. Presentations included the latest surgical techniques for removal of cancerous tumors and a variety of adjunctive techniques.

Symposium leader, Robert B. Cameron, MD, FACS, Director of the UCLA Mesothelioma Comprehensive Research Program and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, presented treatment strategies and results of multimodality treatment of patients with sarcomatoid-type MPM, the fastest spreading and most difficult to treat form of the disease. He also discussed current thermal research at UCLA and the effectiveness of cryoablation in killing MPM cancer cells.

The symposium’s distinguished faculty included Joseph S. Friedberg, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania, who presented promising new photodynamic therapy results using light to directly kill cancer cells; Olga Olevsky, MD, of UCLA Medical Center, who discussed results of a variety of novel treatment strategies; Italian Radiologist Marco Trovo, MD, who presented the early results of tomotherapy techniques following pleurectomy; and Raffit Hassan, MD, of the National Cancer Institute, who discussed anti-mesothelin agents for mesothelioma therapy.

“There were a number of incredibly exciting studies that far exceed what we’ve seen before,” said Dr. Cameron. “All of our collective efforts are finally beginning to pay off in new treatments that truly affect patients.”

This CME-granting event, which was held at the Sheraton Delfina Hotel, was attended by physicians, nurses, other medical professionals, as well as mesothelioma patients and others with an interest in advances in MPM treatments.

About The Pacific Meso Center

The Pacific Meso Center (PMC) is a division of the Pacific Heath, Lung & Blood Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit medical research institute established in 2002, which is focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The exploration of innovative ideas forms the foundation of PMC’s unique research program and provides the promise of future treatment breakthroughs. PMC is dedicated to educating the public on asbestos-related disease and informing them of their treatment options. PMC also connects newly diagnosed patients with patients that have been trough treatment and provides assistance and emotional support.

For further information, please contact:

Robert B. Cameron, M.D.
Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Director, UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
10780 Santa Monica Boulevard
Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90025-7613
(310) 470-8980 (voice)
(310) 470-3742 (fax)
Email

Contact:
Clare Cameron
310-478-4678