Stephen Bolon has become the first person in Australia to be cured of mesothelioma. Doctors were able to cure the deadly form of lung cancer due to early detection brought on by new, innovative tests.  

Typically, it takes 20-40 years before mesothelioma becomes detectable through biopsy but the new test is able to measure raised levels of soluble mesothelin-related peptide, allowing the cancer to be detected much earlier on.  

The early diagnosis allowed for two radical surgeries to remove Bolon’s right lung. These surgeries were combined with radiotherapy treatment and, after 2 years, Bolon is now healthy and cancer free. "We are very cautiously excited," said respiratory physician Deborah Yates. "We see so many people dying from mesothelioma, it would be wonderful if this works, it really would."

Australia is at the forefront of mesothelioma research. The country has the highest rates of asbestos-related illnesses in the world. 

Doctors are hoping that they can continue to advance early detection of the disease. A $60,000 grant will allow them to do more work on a simple breath test that will make early detection even easier.

As previously mentioned on the MesoRC Blog, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation’s (MARF) International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, took place on June 26 - June 28 on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. Researchers, patients, family members, physicians, and politicians gathered to discuss the continued search for a cure for mesothelioma. The symposium featured a number of guest speakers who presented on various topics pertaining to mesothelioma. Listed below, you will find the PowerPoint presentations from several of the guest speakers.

• H. Richard Alexander, MD, University of Maryland: Presentation on the major advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Raja Flores, MD, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Presentation on the current approaches to malignant mesothelioma.

• Robert Kratzke, MD, University of Minnesota: Presentation on post-operative intrapleural chemotherapy for mesothelioma.

• Mary Hesdorffer, MS, APRN, Meso Foundation: Presentation on optimizing patient care including - decision making, role of medical team, and screening for depression.

• Raffit Hassan, MD, National Cancer Institute: Presentation on the scientific advancements in mesothelioma research.

When Arkansas business owner Brandon Benoit, 35, went to the doctor regarding a football injury, he never expected the news he would receive.  Doctors examined Brandon's broken ribs, but what they found was much more concerning: a severe build-up of fluid around his abdomen.

Now, doctors have confirmed that Brandon has a rare case of mesothelioma called malignant peritoneal epithelial mesothelioma.  This variety of the disease accounts for about 15% of mesothelioma cases.  With mesothelioma, fluid build-up usually occurs around the chest and lungs, but in Brandon's case, the majority is located around his abdomen.  There are only a handful of doctors nationwide qualified to treat Brandon's rare case. 

Most mesothelioma patients are between 50 and 70 years old because the disease's latency period is so great.  Brandon is young to have been diagnosed; he suspects that he was exposed to asbestos before age five.  But like he does with his football opponents, Brandon is determined to tackle the cancer.  Because it was detected early, doctors are confident they can treat the mesothelioma with surgeries and chemotherapy.  The treatment schedule is demanding and expensive; the plan requires nine flights and hotel stays in New York City, all out of the couple's pockets.  They are looking into available travel resources.

To read the rest of Brandon's story, go here.