|
|
Discovering Innovative Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
|
Welcome to the Pacific Meso Center
at
the
Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
|
|
| The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC) at The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) had a truly remarkable year in 2015, making major progress in our laboratory investigations. Our scientists are continuing their efforts to harness the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for cancer therapy.
See our most notable achievements for 2015 summarized below: |
|
Mesothelioma Research in 2015
.
This year has witnessed truly stunning progress in mesothelioma research. A new immunotherapy drug that targets malignant pleural mesothelioma has shown promise in early trial results. In less than six months, tumors shrunk in nearly 75% of participants receiving this experimental medication. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the pleura - a thin membrane lining the lungs and chest wall. It is mainly caused by long-term overexposure to asbestos. This disease is less common than solid tumors like lung, breast, and prostate cancers, but millions of Americans who once worked in asbestos-laden environments, such as military bases, shipyards, and textile manufacturing plants, are still at risk for developing mesothelioma as they age. The need for life-extending treatments, and ideally a cure, is more imminent than ever. The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC), under the auspices of the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI), is proud to be on the forefront of the search for cutting edge medical solutions - including immunotherapy - to combat this devastating disease. The PMC's mission is to help find a cure for mesothelioma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families affected by this condition.
Read More
|
|
Nurse Lien Joins PMC
We were thrilled when Lien Hua-Feng joined us at PMC as our Nurse Practitioner in February 2015. She serves as a resource to not only the PMC, but also to UCLA and the West LA Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Lien's extensive background in research, clinical nursing, thoracic surgery, case management and nursing coordination make her uniquely suited for helping mesothelioma patients with needs ranging from general information about mesothelioma to specific treatments of individual therapies.
Nurse Lien's dedication to mesothelioma patients and their families cannot be rivaled. She makes herself available 7 days a week for any questions or concerns a patient might have. Her extensive knowledge, experience, and tireless dedication make her an invaluable asset to PMC and our team.
|
International Human Tissue Bank
 PMC is excited to announce the inception of it's International Human Tissue Bank for Research. This tissue bank will enable scientific researchers to study more closely tissue of those afflicted with diseases of the heart, lung, and blood as well as healthy tissue in order to identify novel disease treatment.
Your donation of blood, urine, saliva, and tissue would be instrumental in providing extensive knowledge to researchers so they can develop commercial products that help combat cancer. If you wish to partake in this study or want to learn more about it click here. Read More
|
Holiday Open House
There was a great deal of holiday cheer going around December 16th at our Holiday Open House. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the in-house PMC lab, meet PMC scientists, and learn more about mesenchymal stem cell research. The festive event, catered by
Orleans and York Deli, drew a mixture of people from long-time supporters to interested newcomers.
Thank you for coming by to all who attended!
|
| 4th Annual 5K Walk/Hike for Meso
29 teams and over 350 walkers met at the Paramount Ranch on Sept 27th, for the 4th Annual 5K Walk/Hike for Meso. This year's walk had the highest participation level yet and, raised $100,448.00 for research.
After finishing the walk participants and their families enjoyed the musical styling of rock'n'roll band " The Red Mutts", a delicious Italian lunch from Ottavio's, inspiring speeches, and an exciting opportunity drawing.
Top 3 Fundraising Teams
1. Team Chuck Jarvis- $5,928.24
2. Team Pastor Dave - $5,350
3. Team Mark Ganoe- $4,728
The bragging rights for the
top fundraising team in the shortest amount of time goes out to
Pastor Dave's team! This team, led by team captain Marta Poling-Goldenne, raised $5,350 in just one week, quite the accomplishment!
|
|
5th International Symposium on Lung-Sparing Therapies for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
jointly hosted by the Pacific Mesothelioma Center and UCLA
Experts from around the globe gathered together on May 2nd in Santa Monica to discuss the latest treatment options and research on malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
Attendees ranged from distinguished physicians, scientists,and nurses to inquisitive patients, family members, and lawyers. One of the highlights of the event was research presented on the advancements of immunotherapy and its impact on developing novel therapies for mesothelioma treatment.
|
The 3rd Greatest Escape Motorcycle Ride
Actor,model, and PMC celebrity Grand Marshall Fabio Lanzoni led over 200 riders July 26th along the Angeles Crest Highway 2 from Glendale Harley Davidson to Newcomb's Ranch in La Canada, CA. Riders and supporters were entertained by rock group Cherry and the Bulldogs, treated to a delicious BBQ lunch, and participated in an exciting opportunity drawing with an array of prizes. The Greatest Escape ride, a tribute to the late actor Steve McQueen who died of mesothelioma, raised $88,221 for research.
|
|
|
|
Donate Today, Double Your Impact:
$100,000
Matching Gift Program
We hope you will consider making a year-end gift to PHLBI. Donate to mesothelioma research before December 31, 2015 and your contribution will be doubled,
thanks to a benevolent donor. Your generosity in giving today will be decisive in moving us forward tomorrow. With your help, perhaps we really can together fulfill our joint dream of discovering a cure for mesothelioma and other chest diseases.
 Thank you for your support. |
PMC Support Group Offered for Caregivers of Meso and Lung Disease Patients
Starting in January 2016 PMC will host a monthly support group for family members and caregivers of meso and lung disease patients. This support group will be hosted by Nurse Lien Hua Feng. Stay Tuned for more details in the New Year.
|
Take Our Survey
Let us know your thoughts about potentially widening the outreach for our 5K Walk to include both mesothelioma and lung cancer audiences.
|
|
Please consider getting involved;
it will have a double impact
The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC), is proud to be on the forefront of the search for cutting edge medical solutions including immunotherapy - to combat malignant pleural mesothelioma.
One of our goals is to impact the rapidly evolving field of research on mesenchymal stem cells and immunotherapy for cancer. The in-house research program at the PMC is presently developing new mesenchymal stem cell-based treatments modeled on recent clinical breakthroughs in combination with immunotheraphy for cancer.
Please join us in breaking new ground in a truly unique medical research endeavor that could potentially make a huge impact on the lives of mesothelioma victims and their families.
For those who already have given so much we ask that you strive to maintain and even increase your support, and for those who haven't, we plead on behalf of mesothelioma victims everywhere for your commitment to help in this important cause both in 2016 and right now! You have the power to make an immediate impact.
Please join our team by making a generous year-end gift, attend one of our events or volunteer.
May I take this opportunity of wishing you all happy holidays and a healthy and prosperous 2016!
Sincerely,
Clare Cameron, Executive Director
|
|
Save the Date: 2016 Events
Join us for our annual events, make a difference and have a great time.
End of May, 2016
Black Tie/Casino Night
July 24, 2016
4th Annual "The Greatest Escape" Motorcycle Ride"
September 24, 2016
6th Annual Symposium for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
October 29, 2016
5th Annual Walk/Hike for Mesothelioma
Learn about the latest treatments available at the 6th International Symposium, ride your motorcycle or walk a 5K! Enjoy great food, entertainment and prizes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
