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Mesothelioma Treatment Options in the United Kingdom

It is common for countries to have differing levels of treatment centers for mesothelioma, but treatment options for the disease in the United Kingdom are very similar to those used in the United States.

Mesothelioma specialists generally offer one or more of three standard treatment options for the disease: surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Complex cases of mesothelioma require a broader, and patients undergo several types of treatment and get help from pain specialists, oncologists, nurses, surgeons and other experts.

Surgery for Mesothelioma

Because mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it has advanced to Stage 3 or 4, doctors generally do not recommend surgery to attempt to cure the disease. In patients who qualify for surgery in the United Kingdom, thoracic surgeons may opt to perform surgical procedures such as:

• Pleurectomy: procedure to remove the outermost lining of the lungs, or the parietal pleura
• Peritonectomy: procedure to remove the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity

During these procedures, a surgeon removes as much of the diseased tissue as possible to lessen the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life.

Those with pleural mesothelioma who are deemed healthy enough may also have the option to undergo a procedure known as an extrapleural pneumonectomy, or the removal of both the pleura and the diseased lung. This is a very serious operation that demands a long and difficult recovery period. Only a handful of individuals will be candidates for this surgery, and only a few thoracic experts in the U.K. perform the procedure.

Chemotherapy and Radiation

Many chemotherapy drugs are available in the U.K. that can be used alongside surgery and radiation to help improve uncomfortable symptoms in patients with mesothelioma.

In 2007, the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) announced its recommendation of the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed (Alimta) to be used to treat advanced cases of mesothelioma. Previously, the drug was only allowed to be used in new or ongoing clinical trials. Though Alimta does not offer a cure for mesothelioma, it has shown promising results in extending the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. Other chemotherapy drugs are available as well. Chemotherapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments.

Often recommended in combination with chemotherapy is radiation therapy. Radiation can help to shrink tumors and also lessen debilitating symptoms, making it easier to breathe and improving the patient’s quality of life. Radiation can be delivered in several different ways according to what is best for each particular patient.

Clinical Trials

Doctors and researchers are continually working to find better ways to treat mesothelioma and improve life expectancy. Clinical trials are ongoing, and they allow patients an opportunity to try new medications and treatment options if they have experienced limited success with other treatments.

The National Cancer Research Network and the NHS manage all cancer clinical trials in the U.K. New clinical trials may begin recruiting at any time, and mesothelioma doctors are well-versed on the treatment options available.

U.K. Treatment Centers for Mesothelioma

Because mesothelioma is still considered a rare form of cancer, not every hospital in the U.K. has specialists who can treat the disease.

One of the best cancer hospitals in the U.K. and the one that often treats mesothelioma patients is The Royal Marsden Hospital, which has locations in London and Surrey. The Royal Marsden is the oldest dedicated cancer hospital in the world. The Lung Unit at The Royal sees more than 500 new patients each year and employs a multi-disciplinary team of experts. The facilities offer state-of-the-art treatment and participation in ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials.

Other treatment centers in the U.K. include:

• The Christie Hospital (Manchester)
• Glenfield Hospital (Leicester)
• Guy's Hospital (London)
• The London Chest Hospital (London)
• St. Bartholomew's Hospital (London)
• London Lung Cancer Centre- London Bridge Hospital (London)
• Papworth Hospital (Cambridge)

A Patient Advocate Can Help

Let the experience of others help get you through your battle against mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Center has support books to let you that others have been in your position before you. Pick your free support book.

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