Mesothelioma Prognosis: How Proactive Treatment Can Help You Live Longer
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, which was commonly used in construction and manufacturing industries until the late 1970s. Unfortunately, mesothelioma can take decades to develop, and by the time it is diagnosed, it has often spread to other parts of the body.
The prognosis for mesothelioma has historically been poor, with the average survival time ranging from 12 to 21 months. However, proactive treatment can help improve a patient’s chances of living longer and increase their quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore the different treatment options available and how they can affect your mesothelioma prognosis.
Surgery
Surgery is often recommended for mesothelioma patients who are in the early stages of the disease and are otherwise healthy enough to undergo the procedure. There are several types of surgery that can be used to treat mesothelioma, including:
- Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)
- Cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Pleurectomy/decortication involves the removal of the affected lining of the lung, while extrapleural pneumonectomy involves the removal of the lung and surrounding tissues. Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma (which affects the lining of the abdomen) and involves the removal of as much of the cancerous tissue as possible followed by heated chemotherapy.
While surgery can improve a patient’s prognosis, it is not without risks. It can be a long and complicated procedure, and there is a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding tissues and organs. Therefore, it’s important for patients to carefully consider the benefits and risks of surgery before making a decision.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery or radiation therapy to help shrink tumors and prevent the spread of cancer. There are several chemotherapy drugs that are commonly used to treat mesothelioma, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and pemetrexed.
While chemotherapy can be effective in extending a patient’s life, it can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. Additionally, it may not be as effective in treating mesothelioma as it is for other types of cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to help improve a patient’s prognosis. There are two types of radiation therapy that are commonly used to treat mesothelioma:
- External beam radiation therapy
- Brachytherapy
External beam radiation therapy involves directing radiation from a machine outside the body toward the cancerous area. Brachytherapy involves placing small radioactive pellets directly into the affected area.
Radiation therapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, and nausea. Additionally, it may not be effective in treating all types of mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment option for mesothelioma. It works by using the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. There are several types of immunotherapy that are being studied for use in mesothelioma treatment, including:
- Checkpoint inhibitors
- CAR T-cell therapy
- Oncolytic virus therapy
Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that target proteins on the surface of cancer cells, making them more visible to the immune system. CAR T-cell therapy involves engineering the patient’s own T-cells to attack cancer cells. Oncolytic virus therapy involves using viruses to infect and kill cancer cells.
While immunotherapy has shown promise in early studies, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis for mesothelioma varies depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the type of treatment used. Generally, patients who receive proactive treatment have a better chance of living longer than those who do not. However, it’s important to remember that each case is unique, and there is no guarantee of survival.
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is around 10%. However, this rate can vary greatly depending on the individual case. Patients who are diagnosed in the early stages of the disease and who receive aggressive treatment have a better chance of living longer than those who are diagnosed later.
In conclusion, mesothelioma is a serious and often deadly disease, but proactive treatment can help improve a patient’s chances of living longer and increase their quality of life. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and give you the best chance for a longer life.