Archive for category Treatment
Alternative vs Complementary Mesothelioma Treatments
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Treatment on October 9, 2009
There can be some confusion when discussing alternative and complementary treatment options for mesothelioma and other serious illnesses. While I can’t give you medical advice, I can give you information and things to consider when exploring these types of treatment options. Please always consult your doctor before trying any alternative or complementary treatments to avoid potential problems.
Some basic information:
Alternative Medicine
- Typically used in place of conventional medicine
- Often these methods are unproven
- Can be invasive
- Are potentially harmful (safety and effectiveness have not been studied)
- Examples include megavitamins, herbs, and homeopathic teas
Complementary Medicine
- Typically used together with conventional medicine
- May be helpful in supporting the patient during treatment
- Can decrease patients side effects and discomfort while undergoing treatment
- Have data to support their effectiveness
- Examples include Tai Chi, massage, mind-body techniques, and counseling
As more patients are looking into alternative and complementary therapy, medical providers have asked for increased research in these areas. Some sources say up to 50% of patients explore or participate in these types of therapies. As medical providers learn more they are incorporating these methods into their practices. Integrative medicine – combining complementary treatments with conventional care is being more common as these therapies prove to be effective.
More information can be found at the Mayo Clinic – Complementary and alternative medicine: What is it?
Chemoimmunotherapy: A New Strategy for the Mesothelioma Treatment
Posted by Sherry@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Research, Treatment on October 3, 2009
Whether or not the immune system can recognize malignant (cancerous) and pre-malignant cells and eliminate them to prevent the development of cancer is currently under investigation within the medical community and the evidence is favoring the concept.
According to a 2009, study conducted by investigators McCoy, et al. and published in Tissue Antigens, chemoimmunotherapy has become the most recent strategy for the treatment of cancerous mesothelioma. Chemoimmunotherapy is a treatment strategy that combines chemotherapy, which uses different drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells with immunotherapy, which uses treatments to restore the ability of the immune system to fight cancer.
This recent study has revealed the fact that a cancer such as mesothelioma has been found to effectively interact with the immune system and this makes it a good candidate for immunotherapy. Several immunotherapies have been investigated to date and the investigators have determined that immunotherapy should be combined with conventional chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy as a treatment method that is proving itself, although modestly, to be effective.
The investigators are gearing up to begin a Phase I clinical trial using immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as it is becomes more and more clear that careful drug selection, dosing and scheduling will be significant when designing a chemoimmunotherapy for mesothelioma.
Increased Survival in Lung Cancer Patients
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Research, Treatment on September 24, 2009
The Lancet published a study on Monday showing a increased survival rate for patients with lung cancer. The study revealed patients suffering from nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with Alimta and best supportive care on the average had over five months increased survival than patients who received the placebo plus best supportive care after the received initial chemotherapy.
This study is important because it suggests maintenance therapy as a regular practice and highlights the important of histology in choosing treatment options for nonsquamous NSCLC patients. Maintenance therapy is used with other types of cancer, but is not standard practice for non-small cell lung cancer. Histologies refer to the various tumor types which fall under the NSCLC category.
Read the about the study: Significant Survival Benefit for Patients Facing Deadly Form of Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Treatment on August 9, 2009
A commonly heard story from my clients is when they were first diagnosed with mesothelioma and their provider gave them a poor prognosis. Some of my clients have been misdiagnosed or delayed in diagnosis because their providers were unfamiliar with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer local medical providers may be unfamiliar with current diagnosis and treatment standards. Clients diagnosed with mesothelioma are strongly encouraged to consult with a doctor and a treatment facility that has experience with this disease.
There are a small number of doctors and treatment facilities across the US that specialize in mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. My clients often tell a whole different story after they have met and been treated by an MD who has experience treating this rare disease.
Anne Tsao, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology at M.D. Anderson, talks about her experience with mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment in this interview with Cancer Newsline.
New Imaging Technology for Patients with Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Mesothelioma, Treatment on August 5, 2009
In the Spring, I had the honor of hearing Michaul Harbut, MD, MPH (co-director of the National Center for Vermiculite and Asbestos-Related Cancers at the Karmanos Cancer Institute and chief of the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine Wayne State University) speak about a new imaging technology for use with patients suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The new radiography technology uses the Vitrea imaging software program which translates traditional CT scan images into 3D images. This new system may aid medical providers and scientists in the diagnosing and treatment of asbestos-related conditions.
Dr. Harbut and his team were recently in the news for using this technology to determine a likely reason for chronic chest pain in some patients with asbestos-related diseases and cancers. He reports they were able to diagnose and improve treatment decisions with this sophisticated approach.
This new approach could mean earlier detection of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases as well as increasing treatment options. It’s an example of how research can improve the treatment and quality of life for patients suffering as a result of asbestos exposure and disease. I look forward to hearing more about this new process and the implication for the mesothelioma community.
Read more about Dr. Harbut and the new imaging technology at the Karmanos Cancer Institute website.
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Welcome to the Mesothelioma Resource Center blog - a source of information and support for patients and their families. Learn More
Mellissa Hayon is the Senior Clinical Social Worker at Sokolove Law, and she's here to provide you with the latest information and updates as well as address any questions or concerns you may have.