Pneumonectomy

A pneumonectomy is the removal of a lung in order to eradicate a tumor or tumors that may be associated with mesothelioma and other lung diseases. The human species does not need both lungs to survive, but the removal of a lung is a serious procedure and is only performed if cancer doctors believe it will offer the best chance for survival or will greatly reduce the debilitating symptoms of mesothelioma.

Not every mesothelioma patient is a candidate for a pneumonectomy. Doctors will not recommend this procedure for cases where the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. Surgical candidates must also be in relatively good health for this procedure to be considered. Heart function must be strong and the other lung must be in good working condition as well.

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Pleurodesis

The surgical procedure known as pleurodesis is used to treat pleural effusion, the buildup of fluid in the chest cavity between the lungs and their lining, called the pleural space.

Technically, the process of pleurodesis is used to eliminate the pleural space so fluid cannot continue to collect. Doctors perform this procedure by draining the fluid and inserting a talc-like substance that causes inflammation and serves to seal the pleural space.

There are two methods doctors may use to produce this inflammation. Usually, inflammation achieved chemically, but cancer doctors also use a surgical procedure to irritate the tissue. When surgery is performed, it is common for some of the suspicious tissue to be removed as well.

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Thoracentesis

Though researchers continue to develop new ways to diagnose and treat mesothelioma, there are a number of techniques that have been on the scene for several decades. One such technique, thoracentesis, was developed in the late 19th century and is still used today. 

Thoracentesis, the extraction of fluid from the lungs and the pleura (pleural effusion), can be used for two purposes. The first is as a diagnostic tool. In this procedure, a doctor uses a hollow needle, or cannula, to extract pleural fluid. This procedure helps to determine the causes behind the fluid buildup. The fluid is then examined for certain qualities that may indicate disease. Usually, however, thoracentesis is not sufficient to determine whether or not a person has mesothelioma. A biopsy is typically required as well.

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Mesothelioma Surgery

Surgical procedures involved in the treatment and diagnosis of mesothelioma are divided into three main categories:
Diagnostic surgery is used to confirm whether or not cancer is present and where it is located. This is typically non-invasive.
Curative surgery is carried out with the intention of removing as much cancer as possible with hopes of curing the patient. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy is often administered following curative surgery.
Palliative surgery involves the removal of cancerous tissue and is used to provide symptomatic relief, but does not offer a cure.

Mesothelioma Biopsies

A biopsy is a diagnostic surgical procedure in which suspected cancer cells are removed and tested to determine whether they are cancerous. There are three types of biopsy procedures: core biopsy, excisional biopsy, and needle aspiration biopsy. Core biopsy is generally not used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Excisional biopsy involves an operation to determine how far the mesothelioma cancer has spread. Rather than only remove a portion of the suspected cancerous tissue, this biopsy typically removes as much tissue as possible to prevent the spread of asbestos cancer.

Needle aspiration biopsy uses a very long needle to remove a small sample of cells from the area where cancer is suspected. The cells are then tested for the presence of mesothelioma.

If a biopsy reveals that mesothelioma is present in the body, many patients have a lot of questions about the next steps to take after diagnosis. Our complimentary packet includes all the information on our Web site as well as additional information about surgery and treatment options. Patients and loved ones may receive this packet overnight by using this form.

Mesothelioma Thoracentesis 

Thoracentesis is used to diagnose patients who have suspected pleural mesothelioma, and may also be used as a palliative surgical treatment for pleural mesothelioma patients who are suffering from the effects of a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

During a thoracentesis, a very long, hollow needle is inserted into the pleural spaces of the lungs and fluid is removed through the needle. This process is performed under a local anesthetic. If the procedure is used for diagnostic purposes, the doctor may order chest x-rays before the operation to determine the best location from which to extract samples. After the process, the fluid is sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing.


Mesothelioma Pleurodesis 

Pleurodesis is a palliative surgical treatment option for those coping with pleural mesothelioma. This procedure is performed in order to prevent a side effect of pleural mesothelioma, called pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is the buildup of fluid in the lungs, which can cause considerable pain and breathing difficulties.

During a pleurodesis, the pleural spaces are first drained of fluid and then treated with a talc-like chemical that causes inflammation. This causes the pleural spaces to "close up," thus preventing further fluid buildup.


Mesothelioma Pneumonectomy 

A pneumonectomy is the removal of one lung. This procedure may be used for patients with pleural mesothelioma and may be a suitable method of treatment for patients who have mesothelioma in just one of their lungs. Those who have mesothelioma in both lungs, or cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, are usually not good candidates for a pneumonectomy. Suitable candidates must also be otherwise healthy to prevent the possibility of complications during or after surgery.

Pneumonectomy is performed under general anesthetic and during the procedure the affected lung is completely removed. Following surgery, patients must usually breathe with the assistance of a respirator for several days.

Mesothelioma Paracentesis 

Paracentesis involves the removal of fluid that has built up in the abdominal cavity of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. This fluid collection in the peritoneal cavity can cause considerable pain and discomfort due to the pressure the fluid places on internal organs. During a paracentesis procedure, the fluid is removed through a long, hollow needle that is inserted into the abdomen.

Note that Paracentesis is a type of palliative surgery; it provides relief from some of the symptoms of mesothelioma, but it cannot provide a cure.

Mesothelioma Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy is a generic term that refers to lung surgery that may be performed on patients with pleural mesothelioma. There are three main types of thoracotomy procedures: wedge resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy.

In cases where only small, localized tumors are present, a wedge resection may be performed to remove the tumor, while leaving as much healthy tissue as possible intact. In a lobectomy, one or more of the five lobes of the lungs are removed. The third option is a pneumonectomy, in which an entire lung is removed.
Mesothelioma Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a procedure that may be used as a diagnostic measure for patients suspected of having pleural mesothelioma or another lung disease. During this procedure an incision is made in the chest, and a long, thin tube is inserted into the pleural spaces of the lungs, enabling a doctor or surgeon to examine the pleura. Samples of suspected mesothelioma cancer cells are then removed to be tested for cancerous characteristics.

Doctor Match Program

One of the most important factors in improving a mesothelioma patient's life expectancy is their selection of doctor and treatment facility. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here to visit our doctor match page.

Sources:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003416.htm
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/biopsy.htm
http://www.webmd.com/brain/paracentesis-17042
http://www.pulmonologychannel.com/pleuraleffusion/treatment.shtml
http://cancer.about.com/od/lungcancersurgery/p/pneumonectomy.htm
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/23692.html

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Mesothelioma Research

While mesothelioma cancer has been around for quite some time, doctors and research scientists have only just begun to receive the necessary funds to improve treatment options for the disease. In comparison with other cancers, mesothelioma is considered to be rare and research dollars have historically been sparse when it comes to allocating money for the study of asbestos-related disease.

Mesothelioma Breakthrough

Successful clinical trials and other research procedures have presented many new treatments for those suffering from mesothelioma. Some of the most recent successful trials and tests include:

Alimta - This chemotherapy medication has shown great promise in treating mesothelioma patients during clinical trials. Currently, it is now the only FDA-approved medication designated specifically for the treatment of asbestos-caused cancer and is most successful when combined with an older chemotherapy platinum agent known as Cisplatin.

Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy - Scientists tested this form of radiation therapy to determine whether or not they could succeed in sparing more healthy tissue around the affected area. This treatment is more precise and allows higher doses to be aimed at the cancerous organ while protecting normal adjacent tissue. This unique form of radiation therapy has also allowed doctors to treat tumors that are tangled with vital organs.

Gene Therapy - Clinical trials often involve less conventional therapies that are considered to be cutting-edge. Gene therapy uses laboratory-modified viruses to prompt the body to activate its immune system and destroy cancer cells. Numerous clinical trials for gene therapy continue.

Bio markers - After extensive periods of research, Fujirebio Diagnostics was able to devise a simple blood test to check for bio markers that might indicate the development of mesothelioma in its earliest stages.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Research for mesothelioma generally begins in a laboratory and initial tests typically involve lab mice. If early experiments are deemed successful and all parameters of the research meet federally-imposed guidelines for use on humans, the treatment is deemed safe for trial.

Clinical trials are designed to test new medications, treatments and therapies on patients who have a particular disease. Most oncologists, especially those who specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma, will be well-versed on what clinical trials are available and can easily determine who qualifies for what trial. Patients considering participation in clinical trials should know some basic information before making their decision.

Many patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may be interested in current clinical trials and Asbestos.com offers an informative packet containing the most up-to-date information about studies and various treatment options. Patients and family members who wish to receive a complimentary comprehensive packet may fill out this form to receive their packet overnight.

Clinical trials may test new forms of traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or new ways to deliver radiation to the affected area of the body. In the past, new medications with fewer side effects have emerged triumphant from clinical trials and some mesothelioma patients have seen significant improvement in their quality of life.

Some clinical trials address other potential treatments outside the traditional, including immunotherapy, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy. Those who participate in these trials need to be willing to step out of the box and try something that might not be proven to help, but most agree that participating in clinical trials are worth a try.

Clinical Trial Phases 

Other clinical trials for mesothelioma research may include new ways to detect the disease before it reaches Stage III or IV, which is typically when the disease is diagnosed. Such clinical trials can be carried out with individuals who do not have the disease but are at high risk for developing it. Regardless of the type of clinical trial, most are conducted in stages or phases and patients may be involved every step of the way. Different qualifications may apply and not everyone will qualify for each step of the trial.

Phase I – During this phase, researchers must determine basic information about any new medication that is being considered for mass distribution. Factors to be considered are dosage and method of administration.

Phase II – This step of the trial is generally more specific and focuses on a certain type of cancer or disease. During this stage, researchers are concerned with how the medication or therapy in question interacts with that specific disease. The safety of the medication is also called into question at this point in the clinical trial.

Phase III – This is a comparison stage. During Phase III, researchers will gather data on how a new medication or treatment compares to the current standard. For example, a new chemotherapy medication being considered for the treatment of mesothelioma will be measured against the currently-approved treatment that is most often used. This phase will determine if the new medication can make a difference in prognosis and if it is worthy of seeking FDA approval.

It is important to note that not all treatments being tested make it through all three phases of the trial. Nevertheless, others emerge triumphant and offer new and better treatment options for mesothelioma.
Funds for Research

With the incidence rate of mesothelioma increasing, people are now rallying politicians at the national level for help in obtaining funds for mesothelioma research. In some cities, such as Libby, Montana, special research facilities have been built to accommodate individuals who can study the disease and provide cutting-edge treatment options for patients.

In 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated $50 million in funding for mesothelioma research, making it a "research priority" for the first time ever. The funds have been made available to research facilities throughout the country and researchers are eligible to receive between $625,000 and $2.5 million for their studies.

The money was provided by the Department of Defense because veterans have been significantly impacted by mesothelioma. This is largely due to the abundance of asbestos that was used by the U.S. armed forces throughout World War I and World War II. Shipyard workers, both military and civilian, have the highest incidence of mesothelioma of any profession.

As more people affected by mesothelioma begin to rally for better research, funds will hopefully continue to grow and mesothelioma doctors will be able to enhance treatments for this disease. Patients and their families can help retain funding for mesothelioma research by contacting local or national politicians by letter, email, or in person, requesting additional money for the study of this aggressive cancer. For a list of charities that contribute funding to help find a mesothelioma cure, please click here.

Sources:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/medical_community/case_studies/

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Multimodality Therapy

Mesothelioma Multimodality Therapy

Though a cure does not currently exist for patients with mesothelioma, many patients elect to undergo treatment to combat the cancer. A multimodality therapy approach combines two or more treatment options, completed at the same time, to treat a disease.

When treating mesothelioma, doctors may recommend this approach since a combination of treatments may yield positive results.

An example of a multimodality approach was reported in Chest, a medical journal published by the American College of Chest Physicians. A 52-year-old man with Stage 1 mesothelioma underwent surgery to remove the outermost lining around his lung (known as a pleurectomy), in an effort to remove the tumor. This treatment was followed by intrapleural chemotherapy (chemotherapy delivered directly to the body cavity) and two cycles of chemotherapy (using the medications paclitaxel and carboplatin). The patient then underwent thoracic irradiation and an additional two cycles of chemotherapy. Two years after surgery, the patient is alive and has no evidence of mesothelioma. In this particular situation, it appears a multimodality therapy approach was successful.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Doctors may recommend several different treatment options for mesothelioma patients. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For the most part, one treatment option is not used in isolation, as doctors often recommend a combination of therapies to patients.

For example, a patient who undergoes surgery to remove cancerous tissue and tumors may undergo chemotherapy and radiation afterward to attack any remaining cancerous cells. If a patient is a candidate for surgery, this is a common treatment regimen recommended by many doctors. Surgery is often recommended to patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in the early stages of development.

Chemotherapy is typically administered through an IV (intravenously). Medications are used to target and kill cancerous cells that divide rapidly. Unfortunately chemotherapy may also affect healthy cells such as those in the digestive tract and hair follicles. Patients are often concerned about the side effects of chemotherapy such as hair loss and nausea. Though chemotherapy does not cure mesothelioma, it can help control symptoms of the disease and increase the quality of life for patients.

Radiation is another common treatment used by mesothelioma patients to control cancerous cells. Radiation therapy is used to kill cancerous cells and control the growth of new cancer cells. Several types of radiation therapy exist, however in most cases, external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy are the radiation therapies used to treat mesothelioma.

Aside from the most common forms of treatment utilized by mesothelioma patients, experimental treatments have demonstrated success in clinical trials and are becoming more popular in the treatment of mesothelioma. Treatments such as photodynamic, gene and immunotherapy continue to give hope to mesothelioma patients internationally. Alternative therapies including acupuncture, massage and TENS therapy may also improve a patient’s quality of life and reduce symptoms of mesothelioma.

If you wish to learn more about treatment options available to mesothelioma patients, please fill out this form to receive a complimentary packet with additional information about treatment options, top doctors and cancer centers nationwide.
Doctor Match Program

One of the most important factors in improving a mesothelioma patient's life expectancy is their selection of doctor and treatment facility. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here to visit our doctor match page.

Sources:
http://www.chestjournal.org/content/116/suppl_3/444S.full

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Mesothelioma Clinical

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a process that all potential treatment options and medications go through before they are deemed safe or effective for the general population. Many patients with aggressive or treatment-resistant diseases look to mesothelioma clinical trials as a last hope for a cure. Many drugs and therapies that become the standard of care for a particular illness go through an extensive period of testing with clinical trials.

Stages of a Clinical Trial

There are three stages of clinical trials. Phase I trials enroll a limited number of people. They normally center around the correct dosage and relative safety of a particular drug. Phase II trials enroll more people and are used to determine if the new drug actually works against a particular illness. Phase III trials are the final phase before a drug is approved for treating a disease. During Phase III, the new drug is compared against the existing treatment. The goal during Phase III is to prove the new drug is a more effective treatment.

How to Find Out About Clinical Trials

There are a variety of resources on the Internet that list ongoing clinical trials for mesothelioma, which include the qualifications for each. Those interested in participating in a clinical trial should consult their doctor. Doctors have access to all upcoming and current clinical trials, and can also help determine if a patient qualifies for a particular trial.

Patients may also want to contact the large regional cancer centers in their area, which will have access to information on clinical trials being coordinated from their hospitals.Asbestos.com provides a comprehensive packet that includes up-to-date information with the latest developments in clinical trials. Understanding the latest progress in the world of medicine is often of interest to patients and their families, especially those who may wish to explore the option of participating in a clinical trial. To receive your complimentary packet overnight, please use this request form.

Qualifications for a Clinical Trial

There are a variety of factors to take into consideration when considering participation in a clinical trial. Clinical trials typically occur in large metropolitan hospitals. It is important to know how often participants will need to see the physicians coordinating the trials and how long each visit will take, as hotel and travel expenses can add up quickly.

Not everyone qualifies for a clinical trial - this varies depending upon the participant and the trail at hand. Some clinical trials require that a patient have undergone an unsuccessful traditional treatment, while other clinical trials want patients who have not undergone any treatment for their disease.

A final factor when considering a clinical trial is the loss of control over medical treatment. In some clinical trials, referred to as randomized studies, patients receive the traditional treatment while others receive the experimental treatment. The patient does not choose which treatment they receive, nor do they likely know what treatment is being administered. There is no guarantee that a participant will receive the experimental treatment.

Despite apparent risks, the benefits of clinical trials are numerous. Without clinical trials it would be nearly impossible to judge the effectiveness of new drugs. The health care that participants receive during a clinical trial is fantastic. Careful records must be kept and extensive testing must be done to gauge the effectiveness and safety of a new therapy.

Clinical trials for mesothelioma are a vital part of the search for a cure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer with an extremely low survival rate. The patients currently involved in mesothelioma clinical trials will hopefully pave the way for a more effective treatment. Consulting with a physician about various available clinical trials should be considered at the initial diagnosis.
What to Expect at a Pre-Clinical Trial Screening

It is important to realize that not everyone who applies will be accepted into a clinical trial. The purpose of the clinical trial is to determine if a particular drug or treatment protocol is effective against a particular disease. In order to gain as much information as possible from a clinical trial, the trial coordinator will try to control the group of patients as much as possible. Some trials want patients who have not begun any treatment for their disease, others want patients who have a disease that is not responding to a current treatment.

A patient's general health will also be a consideration. While no one will argue that a patient with mesothelioma could be considered healthy, pre-screening coordinators will typically want to avoid patients with other pre-existing medical conditions as well as those taking medications for other illnesses. This is to give an accurate assessment as to the effectiveness of the treatment being tested. The more health conditions and medications that are introduced, the more likely the results of the trial will be skewed.

Doctor Match Program

One of the most important factors in improving a mesothelioma patient's life expectancy is their selection of doctor and treatment facility. Asbestos.com's Doctor Match Program is now helping patients get matched with top mesothelioma specialists around the country. If you wish to take advantage of this free service please call us at (800) 549-0544 or click here to visit our doctor match page.

Sources:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home

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