There is good news on the horizon for the development of mesothelioma treatment. The implementation of Tumor Treating Fields, a new cancer therapy, gives patients suffering from the aggressive cancer a chance to lengthen their survival. According to researchers, it is too soon to consider the treatment a breakthrough, but it looks promising.
The treatment introduces the Tumor Treating Field, in combination with chemotherapy, to disrupt cancer cell division in the affected area. The results of clinical studies prove the treatment’s effectiveness, and multiple patients are reaping the benefits.
Tumor Treating Fields is a treatment that uses electric fields in certain frequencies to stop cell division from occurring. In order to distribute these electrical currents, the patient receives it through their upper torso. Even though the treatment is noninvasive, it may be difficult for a patient to commit to the treatment. This is because the treatment requires use for up to 16 hours a day, especially within the first three months of taking it.
Due to the design of the treatment, patients can take it in the comfort of their own home. However, the demands of the treatment might be difficult for many patients to accept. Researchers admit that the treatment might not be the best option for every patient, but those that are willing to commit might find slower cancer progression.
The study, titled Stellar, included multiple phases to test the treatment. The study results indicated that the 80 participants had an average one-year survival rate of 62.2 percent. Similarly, the two-year survival rate was 41.9 percent. Overall, the median survival rate was 18.2 months. Researchers believed that this survival rate indicated that the treatment was a success. This information further proves that chemotherapy is not effective enough on its own. Even more shocking, there are several study participants who have even better results. Few participants showed no signs of cell division progression after three to four years of using the Tumor Treating Fields treatment.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Tumor Treating Fields treatment. Due to this approval, many U.S. medical professionals are learning about the treatment. Many medical professionals and mesothelioma patients know about the gloomy diagnosis of mesothelioma. Therefore, many feel determined to introduce as many treatment options as possible.
If you or a loved one received a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is time to consult a Philadelphia mesothelioma attorney at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. Our lawyers help clients with the necessary legal paperwork and counsel. If you are interested in speaking to one of our lawyers, contact us online or call us at 215-569-4000 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.