Patients across the north east of England are to be given a potentially life-saving lung cancer drug.

Regional health bosses have lifted restrictions on Alimta to be given to people with mesothelioma.

The decision by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority was made just days after a Teesside man's case was highlighted by the BBC. (BBC News)

November 15, 2005

Steve McQueen's death 25 years ago this month ended a bizarre drama in which he surreptitiously traveled to Mexico for an unorthodox cancer treatment. (nytimes.com)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Mesothelioma

July 15, 2005

A surge in the number of reported Japanese deaths linked to asbestos some 25 years after the first world health warnings has sparked accusations of government negligence over its policies toward the cancer-causing material. (UPMC Cancer Centers)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Mesothelioma

April 23, 2005

Australian researchers have developed a world-first blood test which could help people worldwide in the early detection of mesothelioma, a deadly asbestos-related cancer of the lung lining. ((Ninemsn, Australia)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Mesothelioma

March 9, 2005

According to the article, the death rate from mesothelioma is rising steadily in the UK, where activists say there needs to be more awareness in the medical community and in the general population about this deadly disease. "The death rate is expected to keep rising until 2015. By 2050 90,000 people are expected to have died from the cancer."

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Mesothelioma

August 22, 2004

A new treatment for asbestos-related lung cancer has been registered for use in New Zealand.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) has been shown to extend the life expectancy of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma an average of 12 months, compared with six to eight months on existing treatments. (New Zealand Herald)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Mesothelioma