Mesothelioma Cure

A mesothelioma cure seemed almost unattainable not long ago, but this negative outlook is beginning to change as more cures for cancer are being developed worldwide. Doctors and cancer specialists are constantly working towards the development of a cure and instilling mesothelioma hope in patients. During this search to find mesothelioma cures, stories of survival continue to surface, renewing hope and determination.

Mesothelioma Treatments

While a cure does not currently exist, intensive treatment can often increase the duration of a patient's survival and alleviate some of the pain and suffering associated with mesothelioma. Patients will typically undergo a combination of treatments to combat mesothelioma. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most widely used treatments, though alternative therapies such as massage and TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), are often administered to aid in pain relief.

A combination of treatments, such as surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, used in conjunction with chemotherapy to prevent cancerous cell division, is typically recommended. The stage, or maturity level, at which mesothelioma is diagnosed greatly affects a patient's prognosis and treatment options. The earlier the cancer is found and treated, the more likely a patient will positively respond to treatment.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Many patients elect to participate in clinical trials as a way of building mesothelioma hope. Clinical trials are conducted to test up-and-coming treatments and medications before they are released and recommended to the public as a safe and effective way to treat an illness. The three stages of clinical trials test new drugs extensively, from the correct dosage required to the effectiveness of the drug. To participate in a clinical trial, a patient must first qualify for the study and meet specific qualifications.

Clinical trials are imperative in the search for mesothelioma cures. As results and information are gathered from a study, the knowledge gained helps medical professionals come closer to the discovery of a cure. Each successful clinical trial renews mesothelioma hope for all patients around the world. 

Dr. Sugarbaker

Dr. David Sugarbaker, M.D. has taken an active role in the pursuit of better treatment options for mesothelioma patients and a cure for the asbestos-related cancer. Dr. Sugarbaker has been instrumental in the discovery of groundbreaking treatment options and his multi-modal approach to treating the disease has increased survival rates for mesothelioma patients. Dr. Sugarbaker is best known for his innovative treatment approach which involves surgery coupled with radiation and chemotherapy treatments for patients both before and after surgery.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), a ground-breaking surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sugarbaker, involves the removal of the lung and its coverings and the coverings of the heart and diaphragm. This surgery has resulted in disease-free and long-term survival and yielded the greatest amount of cytoreduction, or decrease in the number of cancerous cells.

Another procedure performed by Dr. Sugarbaker is intracavitary chemotherapy. Though currently under evaluation, the procedure has demonstrated encouraging results for mesothelioma patients. Intracavitary chemotherapy is completed while the patient is in surgery. Surgery to remove the tumor is completed and the chemotherapy is administered into the chest and abdominal cavity, contacting surfaces containing tumor cells and killing them. Healthy cells are preserved as a cytoprotective agent is utilized throughout the procedure.

Dr. Sugarbaker also founded the International Pleural Mesothelioma Program, which focuses on developing new treatment strategies and researching the causes of mesothelioma in effort to aid in the development of improved care for mesothelioma patients.

Progress made by Dr. Sugarbaker and other passionate medical professionals help strengthen mesothelioma hope and keep the search for a cure alive. The research completed on mesothelioma and the studies conducted will help scientists and doctors increase the survival rate of patients as they come closer to the discovery of mesothelioma cures.

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Survival

Though many patients and their loved ones often get discouraged if the prognosis following amesothelioma diagnosis comes back poor, it is important to remember that a number of patients have survived much longer than their initial prognosis suggested. Prognosis is generally poor because most patients do not exhibit symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos occurred, allowing the cancer to develop and mature in the body.

The development of tests to aid in early diagnosis, such as the Mesomark blood test, will hopefully help mesothelioma patients receive treatment in the earlier stages of the cancer. Early diagnosis results in greater treatment options available to mesothelioma patients which can greatly improve a patient's prognosis.

Research reveals that mesothelioma patients who have survived for many years with the disease have commonly participated in some sort of therapy to enhance their immune system. Participation in clinical trials in immunology and other alternative therapies relating to the immune system have yielded positive results in some instances.

Researchers theorize that mesothelioma likely results from immune suppression andmesothelioma survivors that participated in treatments to improve the immune system may have experienced positive results because of this participation.

Mesothelioma Hope

Many patients and their loved ones may enjoy reading "Lean on Me - Cancer Through a Carer's Eyes," a touching story by Lorraine Kember about her husband's battle with mesothelioma. Reading about the emotions the Kember family experienced may help provide insight into the road ahead for those newly diagnosed. To receive a complimentary copy of this book, click here.

Mesothelioma Nutrition

Without a current cure for mesothelioma, patients battling the cancer often want to fight it in every way possible. Nutritious eating is a wonderful way to instill mesothelioma hope and equip the immune system with positive fuel. The food and nutrients that we put into our bodies greatly affect our ability to heal and fight disease.

Eating a balanced diet consisting of whole grains, proteins, dairy, fruits and vegetables enables the body to function properly and adequately fight infection and illness. Eating nutritious food while actively fighting mesothelioma through treatment may not cure the cancer, but fighting the disease from every angle will give patients the best possible outlook.

Mesothelioma patients undergoing various treatments may have additional nutritional concerns. Nutrition during chemotherapy is extremely important as the drugs used during treatment kill cancer cells, but simultaneously affect healthy cells as well, leaving the body in a weakened state.

Many patients may experience side effects from the treatment, including nausea and diarrhea. Mild flavored foods such as whole grain toast may settle the stomach and be easier to keep down during treatment. To combat constipation, patients should select foods with a large amount of fiber such as apples, oatmeal and broccoli. Ensuring adequate protein consumption is also important and many patients include egg whites, beans, milk and lean meats in their daily diet.

Patients undergoing radiation therapy may also experience side effects such as vomiting and loss of appetite. Since radiation can zap energy, it is important to eat nutritious foods with healthy calories to fuel the body properly. Limiting the amount of salt, alcohol and caffeine ingested during treatment is also very important. Speaking with a doctor or a nutritionist can help a patient receive guidance about proper nutrition and recommended foods to eat or avoid during radiation. 

Source : http://www.asbestos.com