Mesothelioma Patients and Alternative Treatment
A study from Stanford University describes two mesothelioma patients who experienced an improvement in their condition without clinical treatment. This is a rare occurrence for patients with mesothelioma, even with the usual treatment. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that grows in the lining of organs. This usually happens in the lungs or abdomen. It can also occur in the testis and the heart. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and can be hard to treat. Multimodal treatment is a common option because it involves more than one type of treatment. These are usually chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. These types of treatments can be very hard on the body. Patients who are already frail when they arrive at the hospital … Continue reading Mesothelioma Patients and Alternative Treatment
Experience of Hope in Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers
A new review in JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis evaluated the experience of hope in adult patients with advanced disease. Finding hope and positivity were helpful strategies for patient and caregiver emotional well-being. The experience of mesothelioma is characterized by uncertainty and worry for some patients. But the same patients say they are also optimistic and hopeful. This study did not focus on the lived experience of mesothelioma. But American mesothelioma patients are underrepresented in the medical literature. The US has a higher number of mesothelioma deaths each year than any other country. The new study shows the experience of these patients is much like that of mesothelioma patients elsewhere in the world. Focused on Improving Quality of Life Mesothelioma … Continue reading Experience of Hope in Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers
Preventing Functional Decline in Mesothelioma Patients
A new review suggests the prevention of functional decline lies in early detection, physical activity, and a healthy diet. An estimated 2,500 Americans receive a mesothelioma diagnosis every year. Most of them are over 65. This population is typically less active than younger people anyway. It can be even harder to get enough physical activity when they are depleted by cancer and treatment. Research shows that physical activity does more than make patients stronger. It can also help them fight cancers like malignant mesothelioma. But many patients still do not get enough. The new report shows how exercise programs should be part of the long-term care of people fighting malignant mesothelioma. Prevention and Management of Functional Decline Pleural mesothelioma is … Continue reading Preventing Functional Decline in Mesothelioma Patients
Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health
A Virtual Reality (VR) experience may be useful in helping mesothelioma patients cope with their diagnosis. This out-of-body experience can help increase stress tolerance and patient empowerment. Italian researchers are looking at VR interventions to improve cancer patients’ well-being. VR can be useful to support mesothelioma patients in coping with distressing situations. One VR experience is with a resilient cancer patient who is facing similar difficulties. This can help train patients how to cope with cancer-related difficulties. If the patient endures a difficult situation in the VR simulation, they will be more likely to cope well in real life. Scenarios endured through a VR experience can build a patient’s resilience. The study found that patients who used the VR experience … Continue reading Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health
Anti-Cancer Properties of Cannabis in Mesothelioma
A new study from the University of Sydney showed that cannabis had some anti-cancer effects in mesothelioma. Parts of the marijuana plant have been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments. This includes cancers like pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma and cancer-related pain. We have all heard of medical marijuana. Various states have either legalized its use for specific patients. Many are reviewing its legality for various diseases. Cannabis and Mesothelioma Survival Mesothelioma is a deadly disease with few treatment options. Alternative treatments consist of any approach considered non-conventional. This may include herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other natural non-toxic supplements. When used with conventional approaches, these alternative modalities are often called “complementary.” Surveys suggest that over 70% of … Continue reading Anti-Cancer Properties of Cannabis in Mesothelioma
Understanding Treatment Options for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and standard therapies are limited. Therefore, most patients consider one or more of three treatment options. These paths use different types of therapies and they are usually not exclusive. Mesothelioma patients can move from one type to another and, if their doctors agree, can sometimes use them in combination. A new publication gives an overview of the best treatment options currently available for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Standard therapies include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. If more than one of these therapies is used it is may be called multi-modality therapy. Oncologists are the doctors who provide chemo and radiation. Of course, surgeons provide surgeries. Understanding the Mesothelioma Diagnosis Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a … Continue reading Understanding Treatment Options for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Self-Management Activities Benefit Mesothelioma Patients
Self-management activities are a proven way to fight fatigue and anxiety. They also improve poor sleep quality. A recent report showed that self-management activities are improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Results ask mesothelioma patients to use self-management activities. They are a proven way to improve a patient’s quality of life. What are Self-Management Activities? Self-management activities allow patients to manage their disease. These activities include managing symptoms, medications, physical activity, and dietary behaviors. Results say grab a partner! Early-stage disease patients with a partner have the most benefit. Dr. Rachel Anne Rowntree from the University of Wollongong in Australia stated, “This review supports evidence that there are improved outcomes in cancer among those with a partner.” The Studies and the … Continue reading Self-Management Activities Benefit Mesothelioma Patients
Hope for Mesothelioma? Parasite Triggers Tumor Regression in the Lab
A parasite found in cat feces triggered tumor regression in recent animal studies in China. It is a hopeful sign that the same process might be adapted to help human mesothelioma patients, too. The parasite is toxoplasma gondii. It is a single-celled parasite that can only replicate inside live host cells. It is typically found in the feces of cats or in soil or water contaminated by their feces. It is capable of entering most cells in most warm-blooded animals. The goal of the new Chinese study was to determine whether toxoplasma gondii could modulate immune response in tumors. If it can, it might help immunotherapy drugs cause tumor regression in people with mesothelioma and other hard-to-treat cancers. How Mesothelioma … Continue reading Hope for Mesothelioma? Parasite Triggers Tumor Regression in the Lab
CBD Oil for Mesothelioma? New Case Study Suggests It’s Possible
The case study of a UK lung cancer patient whose tumor shrunk while she was taking CBD oil could be a hopeful sign for mesothelioma patients, too. pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer are different disease but they share many commonalities. Both affect the lungs and cause similar symptoms. Sometimes, a treatment that works for NSCLC can help mesothelioma patients and vice versa. The subject of the new case study was a lung cancer patient in her 80s. She went to the doctor for a cough that would not go away. A CT scan showed the woman had a tumor in her right lung. Later, she developed more lung tumors. The patient decided not to have surgery because of … Continue reading CBD Oil for Mesothelioma? New Case Study Suggests It’s Possible
Cancer-Fighting Gel Could “Change the Treatment Paradigm” for Mesothelioma
New National Cancer Institute research shows a cancer-fighting gel applied directly to the surface of a mesothelioma tumor could “change the treatment paradigm” for this troublesome cancer. NCI researchers in Maryland developed the treatment and tested it in animals with mesothelioma tumors. Their tests show mesothelioma tumors respond after just one application of the medication. The authors of a new report on the treatment say surgeons could use it to enhance mesothelioma surgery. They could even use the cancer-fighting gel on its own as a stand-alone therapy. The Challenge of Mesothelioma Tumor Shape Malignant mesothelioma is a surface malignancy. Surface malignancies are tumors that grow on the surface of other organs or tissues. In the case of mesothelioma, tumors occur … Continue reading Cancer-Fighting Gel Could “Change the Treatment Paradigm” for Mesothelioma
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