For individuals living with mesothelioma, a disease developed after exposure to asbestos fibers, available treatments are often too little, too late. That may change according to a recent study on a new form of radiotherapy treatment conducted at the National Cancer Institute in Aviano, Italy. Recent research conducted at the University Hospital of Udine suggests the use of a specific type of radiotherapy could double a mesothelioma patient’s chances of surviving two or more years.
For many individuals suffering with an asbestos-related disease, including mesothelioma, the disease’s symptoms can take decades to become apparent. By the time the illness is properly diagnosed, the treatment options are limited. Most patients are unable to reverse the disease damage at that point. Patients often undergo surgery, including a resection of the cancer, as well as chemotherapy. Even with treatment, the survival rates for mesothelioma patients have been very low.
All patients in the study initially had some form of surgery but not a complete resection of the cancer. Research patients underwent chemotherapy, as well as the new radiotherapy treatment. While half of the study participants received the typical palliative radiation treatments available at most cancer treatment centers, the other half received the aggressive radiotherapy protocol.
During the study, 108 mesothelioma patients received 25 aggressive hemi-thoracic radiotherapy treatments between 2014 and 2018. The radiotherapy targeted the side of the body where most of the mesothelioma tumors were located. The research revealed almost 60 percent of the patients receiving the new treatment had a survival rate of two years or more. This survival rate was significantly greater than the group receiving only palliative radiation treatment. For patients that only received the traditional palliative treatments, the survival rate was approximately 28 percent.
The research team hopes the more aggressive radiotherapy treatment protocol becomes the new standard of care worldwide for mesothelioma patients. Other researchers caution patients about the side effects of using radiation in combination with chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma is only one type of medical condition that can result from exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure to this toxic material may also lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, colon cancer, larynx cancer, and kidney cancer. Living with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related medical condition can place a financial strain on families.
Medical treatment costs, including expenses related to doctor visits, medications, therapy sessions, and lab work can be overwhelming. By filing a civil lawsuit against those parties responsible for their asbestos exposure, including the manufacturers and distributors of materials containing the dangerous carcinogen, mesothelioma patients can obtain the compensation they are entitled. Successful asbestos lawsuits can result in monetary awards for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one developed a medical condition, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, after being exposed to asbestos, the Georgetown mesothelioma lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County. To schedule a free consultation today, call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online.