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Mary Hesdorffer
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ES 03 - Current Topics for Nurses & Allied Health (ID 512)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Educational Session
- Track: Nursing/Palliative Care/Ethics
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:Anne Fraser, S. Kim
- Coordinates: 10/16/2017, 15:45 - 17:30, Room 313 + 314
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ES 03.04 - Mesothelioma: Beyond the Basics (ID 7595)
15:45 - 17:30 | Presenting Author(s): Mary Hesdorffer
- Abstract
- Presentation
Abstract:
Beyond the basics: The status and future directions of mesothelioma treatments Background: While prognostic factors for pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma have been investigated over the last decade, the characterization of molecular alterations in pleural mesothelioma may lead to a better understanding of tumorigenesis and targeted chemotherapeutic treatments for these tumors. In a recent study examining mutation burden outcome of non-small cell lung cancer, Rizvi et al. found that smokers had more mutations, correlated higher mutation load, and better clinical outcome to immune-targeted therapies than non-smokers. This has yet to been fully elucidated for MPM. Method: A systematic review of literature published from October 2009 – July 2017 was done using PubMed. Discussion: Various studies have shown patients with a history of smoking and asbestos exposure have a greater mutation burden than non-smokers. Despite non-small cell lung cancer studies suggesting that patients with greater mutational burden have better clinical outcomes to immune-targeted therapies, this population of MPM patients typically is excluded from these trials. To date there has not been a study showing that MPM patients with multiple malignancies should be precluded from participating in immunotherapy trials. Participatory groups in immunotherapy must be reshaped to include this subset of MPM patients to better grasp the role that multiple malignancies play with regards to appropriate treatment measures. It is notable that several large mesothelioma trials have not successfully made it pass Phase 2. This suggests that the correct population has not been identified. Perhaps early data showing promising results are merely a synergistic effect between study agents and tumor burden and should be reconsidered. Rather than potentiating study agents effects, increased tumor burden may be an independent factor in patient response. Conclusion: Elucidation of the role of tumor burden may improve the effectiveness and utility of novel MPM which retains its attractiveness despite the current sparse and narrow body of supporting data. Instead of observing treatment by individual case, there must be a shift in treatment observation to account for populations of similar characteristics (i.e. multiple malignancies). With no cure for mesothelioma on the horizon, evaluating the study populations will be imperative to understanding the effectiveness of these new treatments.
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MA 04 - Advocacy: Listen to the Patients (ID 655)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Mini Oral
- Track: Patient Advocacy
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:Rudolf M Huber, C.L. Dégi
- Coordinates: 10/16/2017, 11:00 - 12:30, Room 313 + 314
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MA 04.05 - The Impact of the Meso Foundation on Advocacy Efforts for Funding Mesothelioma Research (ID 7462)
11:00 - 12:30 | Author(s): Mary Hesdorffer
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the nonprofit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates, and researchers dedicated to eradicating the life-ending and vicious effects of mesothelioma. The Meso Foundation’s Advocacy Program objective is to obtain federal funding for mesothelioma research.
Method:
An analysis was performed of the Meso Foundation’s advocacy efforts and grant funding from years 2000- 2015.
Result:
The Meso Foundation has funded 103 projects from 8 countries for a total awarded amount of 9.8 million dollars. From 2000- 2015, the Meso Foundation grant program has funded research that has produced over 240 publications in peer reviewed journals. As a direct result of Foundation advocacy, the Department of Defense has awarded a total of $12.4 million to mesothelioma research since 2008. The Meso Foundation’s grant program has funded the basic science research that helped lay the groundwork for several mesothelioma clinical trials. A few of the more notable trials include the measles virus and the WTI Vaccine. Several of the proposals funded by Meso Foundation grants have extended to global levels through presentations at international conferences including but not limited to International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Conclusion:
Through actively engaging members of congress, the Meso Foundation has successfully advocated for increased funding for mesothelioma research. The Meso Foundation is committed to leveraging the knowledge we gain from our own research, as well as discoveries made by our collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners to work toward the development of innovative treatments and care platforms for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
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P1.10 - Nursing/Palliative Care/Ethics (ID 696)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Poster Session with Presenters Present
- Track: Nursing/Palliative Care/Ethics
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 10/16/2017, 09:30 - 16:00, Exhibit Hall (Hall B + C)
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P1.10-007 - Preparing Mesothelioma Patients for Treatment: Providing Psychosocial Support Networks (ID 7465)
09:30 - 16:00 | Author(s): Mary Hesdorffer
- Abstract
Background:
As medical developments advance and individuals with mesothelioma are increasingly surviving outside of the mean, the mental health impacts of their diagnosis and of treatment on the patient remain critical to examine. Malignant Mesothelioma, with a latency period of approximately 20-40 years, has not shown a downward trend in deaths for the past 15 years (CDC). As treatment for mesothelioma continues to advance, the overall survival of MPM patients has increased. With the growing number of surviving patients, it is essential to begin a conversation about mental health impacts, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, as they can be detrimental to a patient’s quality of life and survivorship.
Method:
We performed a literature review of the current DSM standards for temporary depression and anxiety in terminal illness, and drew recommendations about how to move forward in further discussing cancer-related PTSD and other psychosocial impacts of cancer diagnosis/treatment.
Result:
Individuals who experience the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD after a cancer diagnosis ranges from 3-4% for patient in early stages of cancer, to 35% for in patients who have completed active treatment. PTSDlike symptoms have been expressed in 20% of early stage patient experience and 80% of patients with recurrent cancer.
Conclusion:
Psychosocial advancements in mesothelioma patients need to be continually developed as medical treatments advance. Many feelings of anxiety and depression can be connected to treatment distress, and cancer-related PTSD needs to be viewed through the lens of diagnosis and treatment trauma. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD must be considered from a distinctive angle for cancer-related mental health issues; while symptoms for these mental health issues can be similar, the trauma of terminal illness is unlike other traumas. While we understand that mental health services are not a priority in underdeveloped countries, the advancement of psychosocial support networks should be a priority in treatment within developed countries to set a precedent. There must be a stronger emphasis on psychosocial research on patients in remission (NED), and to create programs to support patients that are not in active treatment. Support groups are one resource that can be thoroughly utilized, but psychosocial support networks should not be limited to support groups; programs need to be developed that are tailored to each individual’s mental health issues, to sooth their anxieties, and providing coping mechanisms. Because of the distinctive void in psychosocial support networks as a whole, this is an excellent opportunity for international collaboration to improve survivorship standards in patients. Future steps should revolve around the priority of psychosocial support network discussions. Patient care needs to prioritize the mental health issues that result from the trauma of cancer diagnosis, and programs must be in place to further support the higher quality of life patients can experience.
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WS 03 - ITONF Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma Workshop (Ticketed Session) (ID 751)
- Event: WCLC 2017
- Type: Workshop
- Track: Mesothelioma
- Presentations: 1
- Invitation / Session Details: Click here to view PDF
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 10/15/2017, 12:15 - 17:55, Room 313
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WS 03.17 - Latest Advances in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (ID 10895)
12:15 - 17:55 | Presenting Author(s): Mary Hesdorffer
- Abstract
- Presentation
Abstract not provided
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
