A recent study of 110 patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma has found that although single modality therapy has traditionally been the most common treatment approach, it has largely failed to treat this aggressive cancer, leading to a continued poor prognosis. However, this study, led by Dr. Hesham A. El Hossieny, found that those patients who undergo a multimodal treatment regimen, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation show the greatest results, especially when these treatments begin in the cancer’s early stages.
Patients in the study received treatment based on the stage of their disease and their general health, with those in the earliest stages of the cancer and best health receiving “trimodality treatment.” The study reports that patients in later stages, showing advanced mesothelioma symptoms, or poorer health received only “bimodality” or more traditional, single modality treatment. The study explains 46 patients received this “trimodality treatment,” consisting of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 36 patients received bimodality treatment consisting of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while 26 patients received only radiation therapy.
El Hossieny’s study found that the most aggressive form of treatment, involving all three treatment options, increased patient median survival, especially if they possessed stage II or III mesothelioma. According to the study, patients who underwent trimodality treatment had a median survival rate of 16 months, while those who underwent a bimodal course of treatment saw a median survival rate of 11 months. Those who underwent the only radiation therapy, which acted as only a palliative treatment, saw a life expectancy of just eight months. According to the study, only those patients who underwent the most aggressive form of treatment, involving surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, achieved a survival rate of five years.
Treatment responses were evaluated two to three weeks after radiation therapy ended. Responses were tested with CT chest and abdomen scans, in addition to clinical examinations to determine patient pain and other associated symptoms. At the time of the study’s release, 25 patients were still alive, with 23 of those having begun treatment in stage II and just two in stage III mesothlioma. Conversely, 22 patients saw distant tumor metastasis after an average of seven months following their treatment. 14 of those patients underwent only radiation therapy while 8 underwent both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Based on the results of this study, a multimodal approach to mesothelioma treatment represents the best approach to extending the life expectancy of patients suffering from this highly aggressive cancer. Nevertheless, while this aggressive course of treatment represents the best option for patients showing early mesothelioma symptoms, treatment options still should be fully discussed between patient and doctor to account for individual concerns and desires. Considerations like quality of life, physical discomfort and emotional strain can all impact a patient’s chosen course of treatment.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
For the past several decades, information about mesothelioma had been scarce and inconclusive, making this form of cancer one of the most indefinite and unspecified diseases in modern history. As physicians, scientists and various medical research experts learn more about this fatal disease, we’ve been able to determine that the greatest asset we have in battling this disease is information. Because mesothelioma carries such a great latency period, this disease is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to more common and treatable illnesses.
Currently, as many as 3,000 people will be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, and that number is only expected to increase in conjunction with the widespread use of asbestos throughout the last century. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but that does not mean that something cannot be done to prevent the spread of this cancer. By identifying symptoms early, life expectancy can be increased, creating a better quality of life for patients and their loved ones.
Types of Mesothelioma
diagnoseThere are four malignant types of mesothelioma, and a benign type of mesothelioma, which is non-cancerous.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this disease, occurring in 75 percent of cases. This cancer develops in the pleura, which is the lining of the lung.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneal membrane in the stomach. This type accounts for less than 20 percent of cases.
Pericardial mesothelioma forms in the pericardium, which is the lining of the heart. This type accounts for less than 5 percent of cases.
Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of the cancer. It develops in the testicles. There have been very few diagnosed cases of testicular mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. When symptoms do appear, it may still be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, as the symptoms often mimic other diseases like asbestosis, as well as typical respiratory illnesses and even the common cold. The symptoms vary according to the type of mesothelioma. Those with pleural mesothelioma often exhibit persistent coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and lumps on the chest, under the skin. Those with the peritoneal type may experience abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea. Pericardial mesothelioma causes irregular heartbeats, palpitations, breathing difficulties, chest pain and night sweats. Testicular mesothelioma causes lumps on the testicles that may or may not be painful.
Diagnosis
A physician will perform a review of a patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination. If the findings suggest something abnormal, the doctor may order some diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or PET scans. These tests are used to locate the cancer, identify the size and determine the type of cancer. A biopsy is usually also ordered to test fluid and tissue samples and see if the mesothelioma is benign or malignant.
Treatment
After a diagndoctor's signatureosis of mesothelioma is confirmed, the next step is to decide the course of treatment. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Patients usually choose a combination of treatments, as it helps the body aggressively fight the cancer and lengthen the patient's life expectancy. Mesothelioma patients are often given only one year to live following diagnosis, although early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may improve the outcome.
Besides the three most common types of treatment, there are also experimental treatments such as gene therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. However, these options have not been fully researched and approved for use and may only be available through clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials, though sometimes risky, may increase the chance of a cure being discovered.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Throughout the last century, countless numbers of people were exposed to asbestos in their work environment. The dangers were unknown to many, and companies that manufactured products containing asbestos did not make any efforts to protect workers or even make them aware. Many people are able to seek legal recourse to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering.
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