Study Tests Dose and Toxicity Levels of Treatments For Mesothelioma Victims

A study currently being conducted in Boston, Mass., by several physicians is attempting to determine the highest level of medicinal treatments, such as chemotherapy, that can be administered to mesothelioma victims in order to more adequately treat symptoms of the killer lung disease.

Researchers are using two methods of treatment known as intraoperative intracavitary hyperthermic cisplatin perfusion along with amifostine, to assist in preventing cisplatin toxicity, to patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is often deemed the most severe and fatal diagnosis among mesothelioma patients.

So far the study has found that the use of single dose amifostine does "not protect adequately against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity," meaning that if higher doses of the chemotherapy treatment cisplatin are used, then "additional cytoprotective strategies are needed" to protect a patient from developing toxic levels of medication in addition to their painful mesothelioma side effects.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma lung cancer is a fatal condition that can develop after exposure to asbestos fibers and asbestos dust occurs. It is common for individuals who are employed in the field of construction to be at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma cancer, which often remains dormant for years, eating away at a victims interior until it is too late for successful treatment.

Even though individuals who are employed in the construction industry are at the most risk for developing the disease, everyone is at risk, especially those who are family members of an individual working with asbestos, as asbestos has been known to remain on clothing of workers and then be transported home for children and spouses to become exposed to accidentally.

For those who may be concerned about a mesothelioma diagnosis, they can learn more about the condition by contacting a physician and receiving a physical as well as x-rays to ensure that a proper diagnosis as well as treatment is administered. However, it will still be important for a patient to know and recognize the following mesothelioma signs and symptoms as well. There are two common types of mesothelioma cancers that are often infected with cancerous cells: abdominal and lung. The Mayo Clinic reported the following

* symptoms for both conditions:

* shortness of breath

* painful breathing

* painful coughing

* chest pain under the rib cage

* unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest

* unexplained weight loss

* dry cough

* abdominal pain

* abdominal swelling

* change in bowel habits

* lumps of tissue in the abdomen

If an individual develops any of the above side effects, it is imperative that they receive immediate attention from a doctor. Because of the high rate of fatalities associated with mesothelioma, it is necessary for a victim to begin receiving treatments prior to the onset of symptoms, as their risk for fatality will decrease the earlier they are diagnosed by a qualified physician.

Support For Mesothelioma Victims

Mesothelioma sufferers face many challenges as a part of their diagnosis. However, receiving the most appropriate treatment methods can assist a victim in decreasing pains commonly associated with the condition.

Additionally, it may be necessary to receive details about the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit from an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Developing this type of litigation will enhance an individual's ability to receive costly treatments, as a mesothelioma lawsuit may result in monetary compensation for a mesothelioma victim and their family. To learn more about the legalities surrounding a mesothelioma lawsuit, an individual can retrieve a free legal consultation with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.

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Comments

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 at 4:10 AM, by Scott
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

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