New treatment strategy may prove useful for mesothelioma patients

Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma may seem like a death sentence as this type of cancer is both aggressive and difficult to treat. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lungs that is the result of direct exposure to the toxic substance asbestos. Exposure may happen due to requirements in certain types of industries, such as construction or firefighting. While fatal, there are certain types of treatment that can reduce pain and prolong a patient’s life.

There has been a significant amount of research into finding effective treatments for mesothelioma. At one research facility, doctors found immunotherapy treatment effective for patients with resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. By doing this before surgery, they achieved more favorable results with post-surgery treatment. Doctors have found this to be promising for the treatment of this devastating disease.

The effects of immune therapy on mesothelioma

Immune therapy is a popular and effective approach for the treatment of many different types of cancer. These drugs alert the immune system to fight the cancer in the patient’s body, and if given before surgery, they can initiate an immune response that will continue after the procedure. While surgery to remove malignant mesothelioma may not be a treatment that will cure the disease, this approach paired with immunotherapy may slow the progression of the cancer. The results of this specific trial could impact how doctors treat mesothelioma in the future.

Mesothelioma continues to be one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat. This is often because patients are unaware that they have this type of disease until it has progressed to a certain point. This promising trial could offer hope to some who have certain types of mesothelioma. Regardless of the type of disease you have, it is in your best interests to explore all of the treatment options available to you.

Living with mesothelioma

After receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, you probably feel overwhelmed and distraught over your future. This is a natural response to a grave medical situation, but you do not have to walk through it alone. Your disease may be the result of occupational exposure, and you could have grounds to pursue legal action. The civil justice system may provide you an opportunity to seek justice for yourself and support for your North Carolina family as you navigate a difficult journey.