Containment Approach to Prevent Metastases in Mesothelioma Patients

June 5, 2019

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer for which there is currently no cure. It typically develops due to workplace exposure but can also be caused by exposure to commercial products or naturally occurring asbestos. The latency period for this disease may span for decades, with patients showing no symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage. The Delaware mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are experienced in asbestos litigation and are dedicated to obtaining the maximum compensation for each client.

Current Method of Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed due to its tendency to be mistaken for other, less serious conditions. Therefore, patients may not be diagnosed until the disease has reached stages three or four. Although mesothelioma is currently incurable, early diagnosis and treatment can help patients live longer and more enjoyable lives. In its early stages, common mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Pleural effusion
• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that metastasizes, meaning that it spreads to other parts of the body. Despite originating and being eradicated in one location, tumors may develop in other locations, making treatment difficult. Mesothelioma originates in the lungs and then typically spreads to surrounding organs. It can spread quicker than other types of cancer because of its location next to the lungs, which circulate oxygen throughout the body.

Currently, chemotherapy and radiation are the only medically-approved treatments for mesothelioma. These methods generally work by attempting to remove and attack the cancer. Patients who undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment may live longer, but nevertheless, the life expectancy for those with mesothelioma is approximately 12 to 21 months.

Alternative Containment Approach

An assistant professor at Purdue University is researching an alternative approach to treating metastatic cancer. Instead of attempting to kill cancer cells with chemotherapy and radiation, he suggests putting them into a state of dormancy. He notes that the problem with current approaches to metastatic cancer treatment is that they cannot keep up with the cancer’s rapid growth; doctors remove cancerous tumors and attempt to kill off any remaining cells, however, the disease spreads too quickly.

The alternate form of treatment involves containing the cancer cells and placing them into a state of permanent dormancy with the use of fostamatinib. In doing so, doctors may be able to prevent the cells from developing and multiplying, which can extend patients’ life expectancy. The assistant professor explains that keeping the cells in a low state will not generate any symptoms, thereby prolonging patients’ survival time.

Delaware Mesothelioma Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Handle Complex Asbestos Litigation Cases

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a Delaware mesothelioma lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. You may be eligible for compensation from responsible parties, such as employers and product manufacturers. From our offices in Georgetown and Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly represent clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. For a free consultation, please complete our online contact form or call us at 302-656-5445.