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2nd International Seminar for Lung-Sparing Treatment for Mesothelioma, attracts top physicians, scientists as well as nurses, students and mesothelioma patients and their families.
By Brian Deagon
PMC Board Member
Personal stories at symposium by family members of cancer victims exposed to asbestos reveal frustration, emotional pain endured managing the consequences of this incurable disease
Physicians, scientists and mesothelioma experts gathered at the Sheraton Delfina on Saturday, May 12th for the 2nd International Symposium on lung-sparing therapies for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Dr. Robert Cameron, Director of the UCLA Mesothelioma Comprehensive Research Program and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center led the symposium. Dr. Cameron has been a leading proponent of lung-sparing pleurectomy/decortication surgical procedures for over 20 years and has been an advocate for sparing the lung and treating the patient as though they have a chronic disease, similar to high blood pressure or diabetes.
News Break!
New Laboratory Solely Dedicated to Researching Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Opens in Los Angeles
| The Pacific Meso Center Mesothelioma Research Laboratory Pictured from left to right: Marko Kostic, MSc, Clare Cameron ED, Saroj Basak, PhD., Dongmei Hou, PhD, Anne Rorie NP, Dr. Robert B. Cameron |
Wow! What a terrific year we have had at The Pacific Meso Center (PMC) at The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI). Thanks to the support of our friends and families, including generous contributions from The Asbestos Legal Center in San Francisco and Roger G. Worthington P.C., we are pleased to report that our new laboratory at 10780 Santa Monica Boulevard has opened.
The Pacific Meso Center’s research activities are currently supporting research being performed by Dongmei Hou, PhD, Warren Grundfest, MD and collaborators, Saroj Basak, PhD, Sherven Sharma, PhD and Robert Strieter MD. In addition to these scientists there is also an active international group of collaborators who share in the vision of PMC, an open collaborative effort both in basic and translational science, to bring the best therapeutics to the benefits of our patients. Read more…
Pacific Meso Center Receives Generous Donation to First Free-Standing Mesothelioma Research Laboratory in Los Angeles
Roger and Ann Worthington donate $100,000 in honor of veterans afflicted with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Meso Center (PMC) at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) announces a generous donation of $100,000 from Roger and Ann Worthington. Mr. Worthington is the founding partner of The Law Office of Roger G. Worthington, PC, an asbestos law firm in San Pedro. The $100,000 will go towards PMC’s new laboratory in Santa Monica, California. The new state-of-the-art mesothelioma research laboratory is dedicated solely to the discovery of new treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma, and will focus not only on the development of novel treatments for mesothelioma but also on its prevention. Read more...
First Free-Standing International Mesothelioma Research Laboratory Opens in Los Angeles
Laboratory is dedicated solely to malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM); pleural mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer of the chest lining (pleura)
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Thanks to continued generous support from mesothelioma victims, their families, friends, and advocates, the Pacific Meso Center (PMC) announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art mesothelioma research laboratory dedicated solely to the discovery of new treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), a cancer of the chest lining caused by asbestos exposure.
Pacific Meso Center (PMC) is a division of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit medical research organization established in 2002, and is focused on both the treatment and prevention of MPM.
As the first of its kind in the world, the research lab was established to lead a focused and collaborative mesothelioma research effort that is independent of the limitations often imposed by academic as well as private medical institutions. The lab will focus not only on the development of novel treatments for mesothelioma but also on its prevention.
A team of physicians and scientists will be involved, including one of the foremost experts in the field of mesothelioma research and treatment, Robert B. Cameron, M.D. Dr. Cameron is a cardiothoracic surgeon and surgical oncologist, the director of the UCLA Comprehensive Mesothelioma Program at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterans’ Administration Medical Center, and a long-time proponent of lung-sparing surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. He recently chaired the First International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in Santa Monica, CA.
Others involved in the research program include Warren Grundfest, M.D., Sherven Sharma, PhD, Saroj Basak, PhD, Dongmei Hou, PhD, Marko Kostic, MSc, as well as others. These include a rapidly expanding group of international collaborators who share Dr. Cameron’s vision of an open collaborative effort both in basic and translational science to facilitate the rapid development of the most promising therapies from the lab to the bedside for mesothelioma victims everywhere.
Important initial projects include:
- The establishment of an international tissue bank.
- The development of intraoperative cryotherapy; freezing suggests that cancer cells remaining after resections may be killed using cold gases to freeze the surface lining of the chest cavity.
- Initiation of a stromal cell modification project; the interaction between stromal cells and tumor cells is known to play a major role in cancer growth and progression.
- The identification of a predictive model for drug prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Dr. Cameron commented, “Although I have operated on hundreds of patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma and have reviewed all the recent and past mesothelioma research, I have never seen such enthusiasm and genuine hope that this laboratory embodies and holds for all mesothelioma victims.” Dr. Cameron went on to say that, “I believe these exciting projects quickly will give us valuable information, some of which I anticipate will be covered in our 2nd International Symposium scheduled for May 12th, 2012 in Santa Monica, California.”
For further information, please contact:
Clare Cameron 310-478-4678
Help Us Make a Difference in the Fight Against Mesothelioma
Apply to Join our Board of Directors
Pacific Meso Center** (PMC) now has openings for individuals who want to actively support our mission of research uniquely focused on the treatment and prevention of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). PMC supports specific areas of research that improve mesothelioma victims’ lives and longevity, particularly those that approach MPM as a chronic, treatable disease. Here are some board responsibilities:
Stewards of PMC
- The board actively participates with the executive director in the overall planning process and assists in implementing the plan’s goals.
- The board helps the executive director find the resources needed to grow our organization.
Fundraising
- The board partners with the executive director to raise funds from the community.
Public Image
- Support and contribute to the public relations efforts of PMC’s strategic plan.
It’s Easy…
Call Clare Cameron to find out how you can join us in the fight
against this dreaded disease:
(310) 478-4678 or email ccameron@phlbi.org
PMC Board Applications Appeal
Help Us Make a Difference in the Fight Against Mesothelioma.
Apply Now to Join our Board of Directors.Dr. Robert Cameron to Asbestos Defendants
- Do the Right Thing, Fund Research, Help Us Clean up Your Mess -
Las Vegas Nevada, Dr. Robert Cameron was invited to speak in front of the Defense Research Institute, an organization of corporate attorneys and giant law firms, with big business clientele that require defending because of the Asbestos products that they have released on a largely ignorant public. Dr. Cameron wanted to pose the question, ‘Why?’ Why, has there been so little money poured into research looking to cure mesothelioma when it has cost these companies billions? Why have there been so many patients lives disregarded by the industries that have harmed them by selling this product that causes this disease?
Doctor Cameron said that he was excited, really excited about new research potential but frustrated at the same time because of lack of research dollars needed to fund these projects and suggested that they could invest in new research and gave several promising avenues that could hold a cure in the future. He reminded them that it was even in their best interest to look for a solution.
To date,600,000 plaintiffs have filed suit involving over 6,000 defendants, with total costs expected to ultimately reach $200 billion.
Large “trust funds” have been created by a number of companies to compensate victims. If as little as 10% was diverted to research, over $20 Billion could be earmarked for mesothelioma research/treatment. A small price tag of only $2-3 million is needed for each to advance IL-4 toxin, cryotheraphy, and stromal cell research.
The audience was interested in his presentation, but suggested that there was going to be expected “push back” on such a logical suggestion. Dr. Cameron suggested that money invested in converting meso from a fatal illness to a treatable disease, would not only engender public good will, but also perhaps limit future damages as successful patients would one day recover.
Dr. Cameron is the first doctor ever to ask the asbestos defense for their help in funding research. The moderator thanked the doctor for his compassion but said on the matter of will they ever step up to the plate and donate to research, he said it was “never gonna happen”. Then went on to say plaintiff lawyers bring in $100 million in fees per year, let them pay.
2011! What a Great Year for PMC
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April - Dana Point Grand Prix Fundraising Gala. 350 guests attended a fabulous evening of cocktails and appetizers and participated in a silent auction. The event raised over $50,000 for cancer research. - April - Breakaway from Cancer, Dana Point. Hundreds of cancer survivors joined hands and walked on the most beautiful bicycle racecourse in America in a celebration of life.
- May - 1st International Symposium on Lung Sparing Therapies chaired by Dr. Robert Cameron. Attending physicians unanimously concluded that patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma should not be subjected to radical lung removing surgery, just like it has been abandoned in the UK.
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September - luncheon was held at the Stone Brewery in Escondido, California that brought patients and their families together to celebrate life and share their triumphs of mesothelioma. - November - Noella Belvedere held the fifth annual fundraiser at her restaurant, Ottavio’s, in Camarillo, California. The annual benefit is held in memory of her beloved husband Ottavio. Ottavio’s has raised an amazing $111,086 during the five years of holding this event.
- November - The Pacific Meso Center sponsored The Daily Breeze annual “People of Distinction” dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Torrance, California. Rosemarie Ganoe, a long-time dedicated supporter of PMC was one of the finalists.
- December - Dr. Cameron addressed The Defense Research Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. In his presentation, Dr. Cameron asks the gathering of asbestos defense attorneys to do the right thing and give money to fund research. PMC also sent out over 1,000 letters to defense attorneys around the country asking for their support for research. Will they help us with research dollars? Stay tuned for their responses.
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SAVE THE DATE!
We have lots of exciting events planned for 2012. We will keep you posted on what is coming up, but in the meantime, mark your calendars for:
| Sunday, March 11, 2012 | ||
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| Saturday, May 12, 2012 | ||
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We will also be holding our 2nd International Lung-Sparing Symposium at the Sheraton Delfina in Santa Monica. The international panel will consist of top doctors and scientists in the field of mesothelioma and the topics will include lung-sparing therapies, new treatments and research. The event is designed to give continuing medical education hours to doctors and nurses, but patients and their families can also attend. For further information, contact Clare Cameron at (310) 478-4678. |
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| Sunday, May 13, 2012 | ||
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Pacific Meso Center Receives Generous Donation to First Free-Standing Mesothelioma Research Laboratory in Los Angeles
Roger and Ann Worthington Donate $100,000 in honor of veterans afflicted with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Meso Center (PMC) at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) announces a generous donation of $100,000 from Roger and Ann Worthington. Mr. Worthington is the founding partner of The Law Office of Roger G. Worthington, PC, an asbestos law firm in San Pedro. The $100,000 will go towards PMC’s new laboratory in Santa Monica, California. The new state-of-the-art mesothelioma research laboratory is dedicated solely to the discovery of new treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma, and will focus not only on the development of novel treatments for mesothelioma but also on its prevention.
Pacific Meso Center News for July, 2011
| These past six months have been quite eventful and a great time to meet people in the mesothelioma community. We had a busy April and May. On April 30th we hosted a reception at the Dana Point Yacht Club in Dana Point. The following day, on May 1st we had hundreds of people participate in the “Breakaway from Cancer Walk” with mesothelioma survivors and other cancer survivors in a celebration of life. On May 21st, we held a first of its kind, international symposium on malignant pleural mesothelioma with some outstanding results.
Please contact us if you would like to receive additional information about the resources available through PMC. |
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Testimonials
It’s a beautiful day in San Clemente. The kind of day that might usually be spent fishing with the grandkids off his boat in Dana Point Harbor, but for retired Judge Jacob Jager, those boating days are on hold as he finishes his post-operative radiation treatments. While the Judge enjoys the view surrounded by his gracious family, wife Norma, daughter Tammy, and grandsons Ashton and Hunter, he continues to wage a determined battle against malignant pleural mesotheliomaJacob Jager
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