Search Results for: epithelioid

Improving Survival in Epithelioid Mesothelioma: Following Treatment Guidelines

Improving Survival in Epithelioid Mesothelioma: Following Treatment Guidelines

ByHolly Zink

When doctors treat epithelioid mesothelioma, they use a mix of treatments. Treatment guidelines often include chemotherapy and surgery. But, a new study looked at whether patients were getting these recommended treatments and how it affected how long they lived. The Role of Guidelines in Prolonging Life A recent study checked data from an extensive database of mesothelioma patients between 2004 and 2016. They wanted to see if doctors followed the guidelines and if that affected how well patients did. They found something surprising. Only about 19% of 3,534 patients got the treatments that doctors usually recommend. Also, certain patients were more likely to get the recommended treatment. These were younger patients or those with insurance. Also, people living in wealthier…

unresectable epithelioid mesothelioma
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Chemotherapy Still Good First-Line Option for Unresectable Epithelioid Mesothelioma

ByAlex Strauss

A top mesothelioma expert says chemotherapy may still be the best first-line treatment for unresectable epithelioid mesothelioma, even though immunotherapy is an increasingly popular option. Chemotherapy has been the primary way to treat mesothelioma since 2004. This is when the FDA approved the drug Alimta (pemetrexed). Alimta remained the only systemic treatment for asbestos cancer until 2020. In 2020, the FDA approved a combination of the immunotherapy drugs ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo). But Dean Fennell, PhD, of the UK’s University of Leicester says chemotherapy is still a good choice for many unresectable epithelioid mesothelioma cases. A Better Version of Chemotherapy? Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common subtype. It is also the most responsive to treatment. For the healthiest patients,…

epithelioid subtype
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Epithelioid Subtype Leads to Longer Survival Regardless of Treatment

ByAlex Strauss

Danish researchers say people with the epithelioid subtype of pleural mesothelioma tend to live longer than those with other subtypes, even if they don’t receive treatment.  The study is the latest to confirm what prior research suggests: that epithelial mesothelioma is more survivable than other subtypes.  In the newest report, mesothelioma patients with the epithelioid subtype lived longer, even when they were not good candidates for curative treatment. Mesothelioma Subtypes and Symptoms Pleural mesothelioma is a fast-growing cancer on the membrane around the lungs. Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.  There are three main mesothelioma subtypes. They are the epithelioid subtype, the sarcomatoid subtype, and the biphasic subtype. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common subtype. Sarcomatoid is…

Non-Epithelioid Mesothelioma: Immunotherapy Combo Could be the New Standard of Care
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Non-Epithelioid Mesothelioma: Immunotherapy Combo Could be the New Standard of Care

ByAlex Strauss

Two immunotherapy drugs could become the new standard of care for people with non-epithelioid mesothelioma.  All forms of malignant mesothelioma are deadly. But people with a non-epithelioid mesothelioma subtype are less likely to respond to standard treatments. Their variety of mesothelioma is especially resistant to chemotherapy with cisplatin and Alimta. This has been the mainstay of pleural mesothelioma treatment since 2004. But a new trial shows two immunotherapy drugs extended mesothelioma survival better than chemotherapy. This could be especially good news for patients with non-epithelioid mesothelioma.  Checkpoint Inhibitors for Mesothelioma Most people with pleural mesothelioma start with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can often extend life by a few months. It is most beneficial for patients with epithelioid mesothelioma. But this approach does…

epthelioid mesothelioma and lung cancer
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Epithelioid Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer: Biomarker Shows Which is Which

ByAlex Strauss

Researchers from Hiroshima University say they have found a nearly foolproof way to tell the difference between epithelioid mesothelioma and lung cancer.  This is critical because the prognosis can be very different between the two. They are also treated differently.  But epithelioid mesothelioma and lung cancer are similar in many ways. They cause many of the same symptoms. Even their cells look similar under the microscope. This can make it hard for doctors to deliver an accurate and timely diagnosis.  If the new findings are right, the biomarker identified by the Hiroshima researchers could be a diagnostic gamechanger.  Lung Adenocarcinoma or Pleural Mesothelioma? At first glance, epithelioid mesothelioma and lung cancer seem to be very different. Mesothelioma makes up about…

Cellular Factors Predict Survival in Epithelioid Mesothelioma Patients
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Cellular Factors Predict Survival in Epithelioid Mesothelioma Patients

ByAlex Strauss

A team of French scientists believe they have found a way to predict survival and help plan a treatment course for people with the epithelioid form of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Until now, mesothelioma histological subtype has been the only way to reliably predict mesothelioma prognosis based on pathology (cellular characteristics that can be seen under a microscope). But mesothelioma researchers at the University Hospital of Saint Etienne have identified several  subtle differences between epithelioid mesothelioma cells from different patients that may have an impact on their treatment outcomes. Histopathology and Mesothelioma Prognosis Histopathology is the study of changes in tissue caused by disease. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can cause the healthy cells in a person’s…

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Survival Rates: Women and Extended Pleurectomy Decortication

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Survival Rates: Women and Extended Pleurectomy Decortication

ByHolly Zink

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-spreading cancer tied to asbestos. Sadly, patients on standard treatments survive just 12–18 months. However, recent studies show better outcomes for some, especially women. They receive ePD surgery, part of a combined treatment. Now, a new article examines mesothelioma patient outcomes. It looks at the factors impacting survival and the benefits of specific treatments. Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma and the Pleural Space Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer in the pleura, the thin membrane around the lungs and chest. It’s mainly caused by asbestos exposure, from work or the environment. This cancer affects the pleural space, crucial for lung movement during breathing. A tumor or pleural effusion, excess fluid, can harm breathing and worsen mesothelioma symptoms. Clinical…

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Timeline and Analysis of 70 Cases

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Timeline and Analysis of 70 Cases

ByHolly Zink

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a severe cancer linked to asbestos exposure. It often appears decades after exposure. The disease’s early symptoms are unclear, making it hard to diagnose early. Despite being rare, this cancer is a major health concern. It has a poor prognosis and few treatment options. A new article details the study of 70 cases at Getafe University Hospital from 2008 to 2021. Study Overview The study aimed to detail key aspects of malignant pleural mesothelioma. It covered clinical, histological, radiological, and treatment features. The hospital’s Ethics and Research Committee approved it. The sample involved 70 patients, mainly elderly males with an average age of 71. Asbestos exposure was found in 61% of cases. Common symptoms were shortness…

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Pleural Decortication and Multimodal Therapy

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Pleural Decortication and Multimodal Therapy

ByHolly Zink

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a severe cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It impacts the lungs’ lining. Treating it is tough, as it’s aggressive and often diagnosed late. However, new surgical and therapy methods are offering hope. A recent article looks at pleural decortication, a crucial surgery, and how multimodal therapy helps. What is Pleural Decortication? Pleural decortication is a surgery that removes tumors and tough lung and chest wall tissue. It’s crucial in EPD, which treats mesothelioma. First, the surgeon removes the tumor and pleura. This allows the lung to expand fully. The surgery is methodical and exact. It ensures full tumor removal with minimal damage. Skilled thoracic surgeons in specialized centers usually perform this complex surgery. Hyperthermic Intrathoracic Chemotherapy…

Navigating Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Treatment for Mesothelioma: Insights from the United Kingdom
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Navigating Ipilimumab and Nivolumab Treatment for Mesothelioma: Insights from the United Kingdom

ByHolly Zink

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is tough. However, it’s vital to know about new treatments and their effects. In the United Kingdom, Ipilimumab and Nivolumab (IPI/NIVO) are now the top treatments. A new article in Lung Cancer reviews Ipilimumab and Nivolumab results and factors, using a study from a UK hospital. Understanding the Treatment Landscape The arrival of IPI/NIVO has changed mesothelioma treatment. It comes from the CHECKMATE 743 study, which showed great results. This treatment improves survival more than standard chemotherapy. It’s especially good for patients with non-epithelioid mesothelioma. The side effects of IPI/NIVO are similar to those in other cancers. A study at a UK center looked at mesothelioma patients on IPI/NIVO treatment. It aimed to check its real-world…