Revision as of 17:40, 8 September 2023 by 94.46.247.191 (talk) (Created page with "Types of Treatment For Mesothelioma<br /><br />Some people suffering from pleural mesothelioma could undergo an operation to manage their symptoms and possibly prolong their l...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Types of Treatment For MesotheliomaSome people suffering from pleural mesothelioma could undergo an operation to manage their symptoms and possibly prolong their lives. They may also receive chemotherapy and radiation.Pleural mesothelioma surgery can include pleurectomy decortication (P/D), a lung-sparing operation, or radical extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Some cancer centers offer HIPEC as well as heated intraoperative chemotherapy.Pleurectomy/decorticationPleurectomy/decortication (P/D) surgery is the most common type of treatment for pleural mesothelioma. Doctors perform this procedure by eliminating the outer layer of the pleura. The Pleura is a thin lining that covers the chest cavity and lung. The pleura is a source of fluid and absorbs it throughout the day, which allows the lung to move inside the chest (thorax). Pleural mesothelioma tumours grow in the tissues of this organ, causing pain and discomfort. P/D surgery removes the tumors and relieves symptoms, which prolongs the survival time.During the P/D procedure, doctors may also remove any visible areas of cancer within the pleura, or in surrounding structures. This includes the diaphragm the pericardium and lymph nodes. Doctors may also perform a pleurectomy which removes the entire lung as well as pleura.This type of surgery is less invasive than extrapleural pulmonary pneumonectomy (EPP). The procedure can be carried out using a smaller incision which results in fewer adverse effects for patients.Patients with early stage pleural cancer are best treated with P/D. This includes stage 1 and stage 2. In later stages it is possible that the tumors have spread to the lungs. Some doctors believe that EPP is more effective, but recent studies have shown that P/D improves the quality of life for patients with mesothelioma who are biphasic.After a P/D procedure, patients can expect to recuperate at home for a few weeks. This is much less recovery time than for EPP surgery. Experts advise patients to practice breathing techniques, coughing and other treatments to avoid complications like pneumonia.Mesothelioma patients may need to have a chest tube placed either during or following the procedure to remove any excess fluid from the lung. During this period, patients may also suffer from fatigue and blood loss. Doctors will monitor these symptoms to ensure they do not cause further problems.ChemotherapyChemotherapy employs cancer-fighting drugs to destroy mesothelioma cancer cells and decrease tumor size. Mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs are often used in conjunction with other treatments. This includes surgery and radiation. Pemetrexed (and cisplatin) are the most frequently used chemotherapy mesothelioma drugs. This combination improves survival rates for patients suffering from malignant mesothelioma when compared to either drugs.As a first-line treatment to treat mesothelioma, doxorubicin and mitomycin C can also be utilized. However research on this combination is sporadic. Mesothelioma patients should discuss the best drugs for them with their doctors.Doctors can administer mesothelioma chemo either by injecting it into a vein or infusing it into tubes. The type of medication you receive depends on the stage of mesothelioma in which you are, and other health factors.The number of cycles of mesothelioma chemotherapy that you have will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Patients with mesothelioma may benefit most from a shorter treatment duration. Doctors might only recommend three or six cycles of chemotherapy.The majority of chemotherapy medications are administered in hospitals. A nurse or physician will place a thin catheter into one of your veins. A catheter will stay in your body until you have done with chemotherapy. This catheter will be used by a nurse to draw blood, administer drugs and help you bathe or take a meal.During treatment Be attentive for indications of infection. This is especially important around your catheter. Anemia is a condition that can be caused by some chemotherapy drugs. Iron-rich foods, such as liver or dark green vegetables can help prevent this. If you suffer from severe anemia, a blood transfusion might be recommended by your physician.Chemotherapy is a treatment option that can be used prior to or after surgery to treat mesothelioma. This is called neoadjuvant therapy, and it helps to reduce the size of mesothelioma tumors and decrease the chance that the cancer will return following surgery.HIPEC is an operation that allows certain peritoneal cancer patients to receive chemotherapy directly in their abdomens during surgery. This type of chemotherapy is highly concentrated and works quickly to lower the risk that mesothelioma recur after surgery. This method is often used as part of an investigational trial.RadiationMesothelioma patients that require treatment for palliative needs can be treated with radiation to relieve pain and swelling by shrinking tumors. Radiation is usually recommended after surgery to stop cancerous cells from returning. Some doctors apply it prior to surgery to decrease the size of the tumor (neoadjuvant therapy).Radiation uses energy beams to destroy mesothelioma cancerous cells, but is generally non-invasive for patients. It's a common treatment used alongside chemotherapy and surgery to treat pleural mesothelioma patients.For many mesothelioma patients the radiation-related side effects can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. Some of the side effects are long-lasting however, and could affect the quality of life. For instance, the skin of areas that are receiving radiation could change in texture or color after treatment. It can also cause problems with the lungs, such as shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing. Before starting treatment patients should discuss any possible adverse consequences with a mesothelioma doctor.There are several different types of mesothelioma radiation. which one is best for you will depend on the location of the tumor. Certain kinds of radiation are more damaging than others. External beam radiation therapy is a process that uses a machine outside the body to provide the radiation. Other types of mesothelioma cancer radiation are directly delivered to the site of the tumor, which is known as brachytherapy.There are clinical trials that combine radiation therapy for mesothelioma with other treatments to improve the patient's prognosis. For instance, some studies have shown that combining chemotherapy with radiation prior to surgery can improve the chance of survival and outcomes over surgery by itself.It is essential that patients seek out the most effective treatment options since mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to cure. It's important to work with a mesothelioma expert and be open to discussing any treatment options, including clinical trials. They are often the only means for patients to find a better mesothelioma treatment plan. For more information about finding mesothelioma specialists, visit this link. The ADA's free Doctor Checklist can help patients prepare for doctor visits and ensure that they ask the right question.Tumor Treating FieldsTumor treating fields, also known as TTFields are a non-invasive treatment for cancerous solid tumors. Electric fields can be used to disrupt cell division, a crucial step in the expansion and spread of cancerous cells. TTFields, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, help limit mesothelioma's growth and prevent its spread.Mesothelioma forms in the thin lining that surrounds your lungs, called the pleura. This lining is made up of two mesothelial cells, the visceral and parietal pleura. When asbestos fibers cause irritation to the cells, they may undergo a mutation or duplicate at an unusually fast rate. This can result in an overabundance of mesothelioma cancer cells that are spread throughout the body. The TTFields treatment can stop the cancer from spreading by stopping mesothelioma cells' division.In a clinical trial, adding TTFields into a chemotherapy regimen increased survival rates by twofold. TTFields target specific proteins in the cell, including the Fanconi BRCA pathway that is involved in DNA repair. They also interfere with cyclin D1 proteins and CDK12, which are involved in controlling the cycle of cells.In the mesothelioma trials, patients were treated in hospitals using an instrument that generated TTFields known as the Optune Lua. The device comes with a battery charger, power supply, insulated pads, and a device which generates TTFields. Patients can apply the device at home with the assistance of a mesothelioma specialist. Patients can also have their TTFields fitted at a local mesothelioma centre.Once a patient is deemed eligible for TTFields they can wear the device on their chest or around their necks to receive the treatment. It can be worn during the day or at night, and it does not interfere with daily activities. It is applied for about 18 hours every day. patients do not experience side effects.A specialist mesothelioma physician can determine your eligibility for TTFields and determine its efficacy for your specific case. Many mesothelioma specialists offer this new treatment at top medical centers across the nation. Contact new mesothelioma treatment options for a hospital referral.