New drug treatment strategy offers hope to mesothelioma patients

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating. This is a serious, difficult-to-treat type of cancer that affects the lungs, and the prognosis is grave for those in North Carolina suffering from this type of illness. This cancer is aggressive, and many treatment plans have proved ineffective against the spread of this disease. However, a recent study found that the use of a specific type of drug, tazemetostat, could be an effective treatment for pleural mesothelioma.

One of the reasons why this type of cancer is particularly complicated to treat is because it does not grow as a singular tumor, making it difficult to remove surgically. Those who have pleural mesothelioma usually only have the option of treating their disease with radiation and certain types of drugs. Recent trials found that tazemetostat controlled the disease in cancer cells that had a specific mutation.

What does this mean for you or your loved one?

If you or your loved one is suffering from mesothelioma, you know how limited your treatment options may be. News of an effective drug-based treatment plan can bring you hope. Doctors have said that this is one of the first targeted treatment plans they’ve seen that has effectively stopped or slowed the progression of pleural mesothelioma. In the study, patients who had experienced a progression of their disease despite chemotherapy treatment received this specific cancer drug. Doctors were pleased to see the results of their trial were better than originally expected.

Doctors found that this medication slowed the progression of the disease in 51% of patients. This drug is most commonly used for the treatment of sarcoma and lymphoma, and it comes in pill form. Patients report very few side effects from the medication, and at this point, it seems to slow or shrink this type of cancer for six months after initiating treatment. This is particularly good news for patients who have already exhausted other treatment options.

Who is at risk for mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a disease often associated with certain types of jobs. For example, those in construction or fabrication may be at a higher risk of coming into contact with asbestos, a toxic substance that, if inhaled, can lead to the development of this deadly disease. If you are someone suffering from this illness, you may benefit from learning about your legal options as you could be a victim of dangerous work conditions.