Predicting pleural mesothelioma survival is a difficult task, as a number of factors are needed to make an accurate calculation. Currently, the TNM Staging system in place as one of the ways to predict life-expectancy and survival after a mesothelioma patient has had surgery. However, researchers from Peking University in[…]
Overall Survival
Less Invasive Surgery Produces Longer Median Survival in Mesothelioma Patients
Surgical techniques for those suffering from mesothelioma depend on how far the cancer has spread and if the patient is healthy enough to withstand such an invasive procedure. In many cases, the cancer has already spread too far and quickly, so surgery is not an option. For those able to[…]
FDA Approves Genetic-Based Cancer Treatment that Could Help Mesothelioma Patients
Correcting genes that allow cancerous tumors to grow is the basis behind gene therapy, a relatively new treatment that is largely in experimental stages. The initial goals of gene therapy were to address hereditary genetic disorders, but other factors such as the sun, smoking, chemical exposure, etc., can all damage[…]
UK Pharmaceutical Company’s Potential Cancer Vaccine Assists in Treating Mesothelioma
Combination treatment therapies are common for those suffering from mesothelioma because the aggressive nature of this asbestos-caused disease makes it difficult to treat effectively. Ongoing developments and advancements in medicine have also helped mesothelioma patients extend their life and manage pain throughout the years. While there is no cure for[…]
Determining the Exposure Limit for Asbestos
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has maintained that “there is no ‘safe’ level of asbestos exposure for any type of asbestos fiber,” but despite these warnings, asbestos is still legal and still used in the United States. Different government agencies have their own rules and regulations for asbestos[…]
Quality of Life After Pleurectomy/Decortication vs. Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy
On the rare instance that mesothelioma is diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, patients have the option for surgery. There are several surgical procedures used to treat mesothelioma. Some mesothelioma surgeries aim to provide a curative effect, while others are performed for palliative purposes. Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extra[…]
Phase 1 Clinical Trial For Those With Peritoneal Mesothelioma Underway
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer affecting only about 3,000 Americans each year. Most of those diagnosed are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, but a small number (approx. 500 per year) are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is mesothelioma in the abdominal lining. With so few diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, studying and[…]
Phase III Clinical Trial for Nintedanib Discontinued After Yielding Negative Results
Disappointing results from the LUME-Phase III clinical trial regarding nintedanib is a setback for scientists and researchers who were hopeful they were on the brink of finding a new, first line treatment for those suffering from mesothelioma. Results from the Phase II clinical trial – published earlier this year –[…]
Survival Improves in Mesothelioma Patients who Received an Electricity-Based Treatment
The success of a recent Phase II clinical trial in malignant pleural mesothelioma has scientists and researchers excited about the possibility of adding a new treatment that will not only improve survival, but also improve quality of life of the cancer patient. Tumor Treating Fields, which is a therapy that[…]
Decrease in Survival Rate Among Those Who Receive Non-traditional Cancer Treatment
Complementary medicine and alternative medicine may sound one in the same, but are vastly different in how each is used, and varying results often make people wary of its true effectiveness. Alternative medicine is atypical, and not used with any sort of mainstream treatment. Complementary medicine, sometimes referred to as[…]
