There are exciting new developments in the field of mesothelioma care. New trials and standards are being developed to help make caring for mesothelioma patients even more effective and comprehensive than ever. The new drug that has caused this advancement is known as Bevacizumab, with the brand name of Avastin. Avastin has been lauded by accomplished nurses for its use in mesothelioma chemotherapy treatments.
Avastin is supplementing old treatments which mainly used a mix of premetrexed and cisplatin, which has been the standard since 2003. Rather than outright replacing these drugs, bevacizumab was included in the standard mix with very positive results. Research indicated that survival rates overall as well as median progression free survival were longer in patients receiving the combined therapy from these three drugs, as opposed to the previous standard in use.
Avastin was approved for use in colon cancer treatments alongside chemotherapy treatment in 2004, where it has proved successful. The drug works by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. In fact, it was the first angiogenesis inhibitor that was used clinically, opening up potential new avenues for research into that method. Due to the clinical trials conducted by the French Cooperative Thoracic Intergroup (IFCT), significant progress towards a cure may have been made.
Avastin is only one of the recent advancements against malignant mesothelioma. The disease, usually caused by asbestos exposure, is known for its low survival rate. Over 3,000 cases of mesothelioma per year are diagnosed in the United States, mostly due to asbestos exposure. Even though asbestos use is monitored far more closely than before, mesothelioma can lie dormant in affected individuals for 20 to 50 years. Such statistics show how important it is to continue to push the standards of care forward.
If you or someone that you know has contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos, you may be owed compensation. The skilled Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler are devoted to helping you. From our offices in Philadelphia, we represent clients from Delaware County, Philadelphia County, Chester County, and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call us at 215-569-4000 or toll-free at 1-800-369-0899.
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