Guest Articles - Pacific Meso Centre

Over the years I have had a couple of people post articles on my blog. This is the first of hopefully 3. I hope what you read will be able to help you if you live in the USA.

My name is Savannah Cline, RN, BSN. I am the medical liaison for Pacific Meso Centerat Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute (PHLBI) at the Pacific Meso Center (PMC) which is located in Los Angeles, California. Prior to working at PMC, I worked as a Registered Nurse at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles on the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care unit. You can find my full bio at www.pacificmesocenter.org

My role at PMC is to serve as an indispensable resource for mesothelioma patients, as well as their families and friends who are searching for information and a better understanding of mesothelioma as a disease. I provide education regarding the most current treatment options, risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic testing, screening, available patient and family support, clinical trials as well as possible future therapies and advances surrounding mesothelioma. Check out my weekly webinars covering topics such as what to do when you’ve first been diagnosed, how to find the right doctor, knowing the warning signs for mesothelioma, etc. I will also be putting together a series of “Meet the Experts” that will cover cryoablation, sarcomatoid treatment, understanding your pathology, etc. One of the best aspects of my job is that I have direct access to our scientific and medical advisory board, which provides me with the latest information on clinical trials and up-to-date treatments.

Our scientific advisor, Dr. Robert B. Cameron is one of the leading experts in North America on the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. Dr. Cameron has treated hundreds of mesothelioma patients over the last 25 years. He is the innovator of the lung-sparing Pleurectomy/Decortication surgical procedure for mesothelioma and believes in saving the lung, removing as much of the visible tumor that he can see and treating the patient as though they have a chronic disease.

PMC at PHLBI was founded in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit research institute, focused on finding better treatments for sufferers of malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is an asbestos-related cancer affecting the lining of the chest – the pleura.

PMC’s mission is to better serve a growing number of mesothelioma victims by supporting the first-of-its-kind in the nation research lab which provides laboratory-to-the-bedside research that improve mesothelioma victims’ lives and longevity, particularly for those that approach malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) as a chronic, treatable disease.

We currently support 2 research labs. The Punch Worthington Lab. at UCLA and PMCs laboratory at 10780 Santa Monica Boulevard, near UCLA. Our team of scientists are dedicated to advancing the treatment of lung-sparing therapies for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

At PMC, we are able to offer numerous resources to patients, family members and friends. Some of our resources include: The First Meso Connection Program, Mesothelioma: A Patient’s Roadmap, educational materials, and patient information packages to help navigate this journey. In addition to these resources, we are able to help those patients from out of town find suitable accommodations close to UCLA and help with travel arrangements. In some instances we are able to find free accommodations for those suffering financial hardships.

We are in the process of developing online support groups for mesothelioma patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and friends. For those who are interesting in participating, please contact me for further information.

I am very excited to be part of this great institute and to furthering our research so that we can make a difference in the lives of those suffering with this dreadful disease. I realize it can be devastating to be diagnosed with mesothelioma and I am here to help as much as I can. Feel free to contact me at any time by email at scline@phlbi.org or phone 310-474-8223.

Pacific Meso have issued an invitation to everyone for:

Official Opening of our New Laboratory

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Open House from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Please join us for guided tours of our new lab. Come and meet our scientists and hear about their innovative research on mesothelioma. Food and refreshments will be served.

Underground or street parking

10780 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 101

Los Angeles, CA 90025

RSVP to: ccameron@phlbi.org or call 310-478-4678

(If you have already RSVP'd please disregard this invitation)

About Us

The Pacific Meso Center at PHLBI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit research institute focused on finding better treatments for sufferers of malignant pleural mesothelioma. www.pacificmesocenter.org

Free Phone: 1-888-996 (MESO) 6376

Post Title : Guest Articles - Pacific Meso Centre