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The mesothelioma attorneys at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler in Philadelphia are happy to report on a promising treatment option for those suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma. Researchers in Tampa have discovered that peritoneal mesothelioma patients who undergo a second round of cytoreductive surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) have a pronounced increase in life expectancy compared to those who only undergo one procedure. This is good news for people suffering from the disease, which currently has no cure and very limited treatment options.
Those suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma experience tumor growth in the lining of their abdomen, which causes painful physical symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose, as symptoms may not present themselves until 20-50 years after the initial asbestos exposure, and patients experience a very short life expectancy after their diagnosis. A second procedure could change that for peritoneal mesothelioma patients whose tumors reemerge after the first treatment.
The procedure is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy designed to rid the abdominal area of cancerous cells. Patients who see a recurrence of tumors within 18 months of the first procedure are generally not offered a second procedure, and are treated with standard chemotherapy. If the recurrence occurs after 18 months, however, patients could be eligible for the second debulking/HIPEC. Researchers noted that the more time between procedures, the more effective the second procedure seemed to be.
The study conducted at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa was comprised of 29 peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated at the Center between June 2004 and March 2012. Of those, 26 of them underwent an initial debulking/HIPEC procedure. Eight of them were given a second, similar procedure after their tumors began to grow again. The group that underwent a single procedure had a median survival rate of 27.2 months, while the group that received a second procedure had a median survival rate of 80 months.
Researchers are hesitant to pronounce this discovery a universal solution for all peritoneal mesothelioma patients. The sample group was small, and there were numerous variables. Additionally, not all patients were eligible for the second debulking/HIPEC; only the healthiest underwent multiple procedures, which may have contributed to their extended life span. Still, for those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, this discovery could open the door to life-saving research and better treatment options.
Along with painful physical symptoms, a mesothelioma diagnosis comes with a heavy emotional and financial burden. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this devastating disease, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at the Philadelphia law firm of Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler have been helping mesothelioma victims for almost 30 years. Our knowledgeable, professional legal team will put their experience to work to get you the maximum monetary settlement and restore your peace of mind. With offices conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Call us today at 1-800-369-0899 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced mesothelioma attorney.