New Tool Could Replace TNM for Predicting Pleural Mesothelioma Survival
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New Tool Could Replace TNM for Predicting Pleural Mesothelioma Survival

ByAlex Strauss

A new visual tool could offer a better way to predict pleural mesothelioma survival after surgery than the current TNM staging system. That is the message from cancer researchers at China’s Peking University. The group conducted a study using a large US government database of information on pleural mesothelioma survival and treatment. They used the data to create a visual representation of pleural mesothelioma survival called a nomogram. Testing of the nomogram showed it was more accurate at predicting survival in patients who have mesothelioma surgery than the tool doctors normally use. Pleural Mesothelioma Survival and TNM The most popular method for “staging” cancer is called the TNM staging system. TNM stands for tumor node metastasis. With TNM, the further…

Mesothelioma Staging May be Easier with New Approach
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Mesothelioma Staging May be Easier with New Approach

ByAlex Strauss

Japanese researchers have introduced a new approach to mesothelioma staging. The new system may make it easier to plan treatment and predict mesothelioma prognosis. Tumor staging is a system for measuring how far cancer has spread in the body. It is based on what doctors know about how cancer develops and grows. The more places mesothelioma cells are, the more difficult the case is to treat. The TNM Staging System is the most widely used system for mesothelioma staging. The American Joint Committee on Cancer established the system. In the TNM system, T stands for the size of the primary mesothelioma tumor. N stands for the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes. M is about cancer spread to other…