Tag Archives: outcomes

Bacteria Linked with Mesothelioma Outcomes

Bacteria Linked with Mesothelioma Outcomes

Scientists have found a connection between the bacteria found in malignant pleural effusions (MPE) and cancer diagnosis and prognosis. This study published in Scientific Reports compared the bacteria from MPE with bacteria from other types of cancers, including mesothelioma. The goal of the study was to link bacteria profiles with cancer outcomes. Treatment for Malignant Pleural Effusion Malignant pleural effusion is a type of cancer that affects the area surrounding the lungs. The pleural cavity is a space between the lungs and the chest wall. In MPE, fluid accumulates in this space. This fluid contains cancer cells, immune cells, and other substances that are produced by the cancer. The buildup of fluid can make it difficult to breathe and cause … Continue reading Bacteria Linked with Mesothelioma Outcomes »

Mesothelioma Patients and Alternative Treatment

Mesothelioma Patients and Alternative Treatments

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 »

Marital Status Effects Mesothelioma Outcomes

Marital Status Effects Mesothelioma Outcomes

Being married may be a factor in positive mesothelioma outcomes. This is the finding of a study by researchers from a Chinese university published last October. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. There are about 2,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States every year. The global occurrence of mesothelioma has increased at a steady pace in recent years. Mesothelioma usually has a poor prognosis. This is because symptoms don’t begin to appear until the cancer has become difficult to treat. Some factors that affect prognosis are patient health, the type of treatment, and the type of mesothelioma. Married Mesothelioma Patients Have Lower Risk of Death In other cancers, marital status can affect the outcomes … Continue reading Marital Status Effects Mesothelioma Outcomes »

Treatment Advances Fail to Improve Mesothelioma Survival Trends

High Mesothelin

A new report shows mesothelioma survival trends have remained steady for decades, despite new drugs, new surgery techniques, and the introduction of pleural catheters.  The report comes from cancer researchers at Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre in Canada. Canada has one of the world’s highest rates of malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is likely related to the country’s long history of asbestos production. To compile the new report, researchers compared mesothelioma outcomes in three different decades between 1991 and 2019. There were surprisingly few differences in mesothelioma survival trends in the three decades.  Mesothelioma’s Destructive History Pleural mesothelioma is a virulent cancer of the pleural membrane. This is the tissue or mesothelium that surrounds the lungs. It is thin but flexible and … Continue reading Treatment Advances Fail to Improve Mesothelioma Survival Trends »

Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Needs a Multidisciplinary Team of Doctors

Italian doctors say patients are more likely to enter clinical trials when they have multidisciplinary care for mesothelioma.  Inclusion in clinical trials is one of the best ways for mesothelioma patients to access cutting edge treatments.  The study shows multidisciplinary care for mesothelioma helps funnel patients into trials. It  also provides better monitoring of treatment response and better access to palliative care.  What is the Multidisciplinary Approach? In most hospitals, mesothelioma patients receive diagnosis from a cancer doctor or oncologist. The oncologist orders the appropriate diagnostic tests and helps craft the treatment plan. Diagnostic imaging or radiotherapy for mesothelioma is usually overseen by radiology specialists. But multidisciplinary care for mesothelioma involves a bigger team of people. The team consists of … Continue reading Multidisciplinary Care for Mesothelioma »