Mesothelioma chemotherapy tested in Japan

The theory that high levels of chemotherapy performed before other types of anti-cancer treatments are the precursor to a successful mesothelioma surgery is now under study in Japan.

Induction chemotherapy involves the administration of very high levels of chemotherapy drugs to serve as front-line cancer treatment eliminate as much cancer cells up front. This is expected to minimize if not immediately eliminate the need for more chemotherapy sessions or other types of treatment, reports Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient’s Guide. 

Mesothelioma cancer can be very nasty that a mere chemotherapy cannot immediately destroy the cancer cells. However, Japanese researchers hypothesized that while it cannot totally eliminate the cell, this form of treatment can, in one way or another, weaken their resistance, thereby improve surgical outcomes.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) reduces pulmonary function of mesothelioma patients

The Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals can reveal that patients who opt for pleural/decortication (P/D) has more chances of enjoying a more comfortable life compared to patients who undergo extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).

Pleural mesothelioma originates from the skinny lining that wraps the lungs. Since it is very near the lungs, there is a high probability that pleural mesothelioma will eventually extend to the lung itself, thus, undermining the latter’s function. In the long run, the diseased mesothelium eventually thickens and hardens, thus, preventing the lungs’ expansion every time a patient breathes.

Pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy are the two major types of surgical treatments offered to mesothelioma patients. However, the medical community is divided as to which of the two offers better relief to the patients. While both operations are invasive in nature and aim to eliminate diseased pleural tissue, studies show that only extrapleural pneumonectomy can remove the diseased lung, the lymph nodes, parts of the covering of the heart (pericardium) and part if not all of the diaphragm, too.

Mesothelioma Study Suggests Trimodal Falls Short

Radical surgery not really effective in treating mesothelioma cancer.

Surviving Mesothelioma reports that the intense trimodal treatment approach, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) does not really help patient survive mesothelioma cancer.  Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a radical surgical approach for pleural mesothelioma, wherein the diseases mesothelium is removed as well as the nearest lung, other body linings, and all or part of the diaphragm. This procedure is followed by a chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  The sad thing is, trimodal approach has a high risk of serious complications and even death, although it also guaranteed longterm survival for a few lucky patients.