Mesothelioma Treatment Advancements Result in Better Survival Rates

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the chest, abdomen, and heart, caused by asbestos exposure. It is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that has a low survival rate, making it difficult for patients to overcome. However, with the advancement in technology and medical treatments, survival rates have been improving, offering hope and a better quality of life to those who are diagnosed with this disease.

The mesothelioma treatment has gone through various phases that range from conventional chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to innovative immunotherapy, genomics, and targeted therapies. The advancements in mesothelioma treatment have led to improved outcomes and an increased rate of survival with a better quality of life.

Chemotherapy is one of the traditional treatments for mesothelioma. The drug combination of Alimta and Cisplatin is the standard chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma. This combination is known to significantly enhance the life expectancy for mesothelioma patients. However, there are some negative side effects of chemotherapy. It can cause hair loss, fatigue, and nausea.

Radiation therapy is another traditional mesothelioma treatment in which high-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be used before or after surgery, depending upon the severity of the cancer. Radiation therapy can cause skin burns, hair loss, and fatigue. However, the side effects of radiation therapy are temporary, and patients usually recover after the treatment.

Surgery is another conventional treatment option for mesothelioma, where the cancerous tissue is removed surgically. This treatment option is usually given in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the surgery puts a significant strain on the body, and patients must be well-prepared for the surgical procedure.

In the last decade, mesothelioma treatment has progressed significantly, which has paved the way for innovative treatment options. One of the most promising and ground-breaking treatments for mesothelioma is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that harnesses the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells. This treatment works by identifying the mesothelioma cells and flagging them for destruction by the immune system. Immunotherapy has shown great promise in clinical trials, and some patients have experienced a complete remission after undergoing the treatment.

Genomics is another innovative mesothelioma treatment that is being used to identify the specific genetic mutations that occur in mesothelioma cells. This treatment option considers a patient’s DNA and looks for mutations that may be contributing to the cancer. By identifying these mutations, doctors can provide customized treatment options that are tailored to the specific mutations that are causing the cancer.

Targeted therapies are one of the latest and the most revolutionary mesothelioma treatments. This treatment option targets the specific molecules that cause cancer cells’ growth and spread, leaving healthy cells unaffected. The targeted therapies are typically used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The advancements in mesothelioma treatment have resulted in a significant improvement in survival rates. In the early 2000s, the average mesothelioma survival time was six to twelve months. However, with the latest treatments and therapies, some patients have shown an improved survival rate of five to ten years.

Improved mesothelioma treatments have also enhanced patients’ quality of life by reducing the side effects of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Immunotherapy has minimal side effects, and the side effects of targeted therapies are less severe than traditional treatments.

In summary, the advancements in mesothelioma treatment have led to improved outcomes and better-quality life for mesothelioma patients. The traditional mesothelioma treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery have been around for many years, but the innovative treatment options such as immunotherapy, genomics, and targeted therapies have revolutionized the mesothelioma treatment landscape. These new options offer great hope to mesothelioma patients, and it is only a matter of time before research unveils even more effective treatments for the disease. The medical community will continue to work towards finding a cure for mesothelioma, but in the meantime, we can take solace in the life-saving treatments that are currently available.