Cancer Combination Therapy and Improved Nutrition Provide Hope for Mesothelioma Patients

Recent cancer studies performed by various hospitals and research centers around the world have provided new hope for patients facing the asbestos-related illness mesothelioma.

Developed through exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a rare but severe form of asbestos lung cancer which accounts for three percent of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines the area around the heart, chest cavity and abdominal cavity, as well as the outer surface of most organs.

Due to an intense latency period associated with mesothelioma, many individuals will not experience related symptoms until 20 to 50 years after exposure, when the disease has already progressed to its later stages. Though a cure for mesothelioma does not exist, treatment options such as radiation, chemotherapy and surgery have been the most frequent options selected by patients to combat the disease.

In Mexico City, the National Institute of Cancerologia is in the midst of a two year study, determining whether the use of liposomal doxorubicin and Cisplatin, two chemotherapy medications, could improve the survival rates of mesothelioma patients.

Typically, a single drug chemotherapy treatment has demonstrated a 20 percent success rate for mesothelioma patients, while the combination therapies have produced a slightly higher response of 25 percent.  Physicians are hopeful the results will offer a brighter future for patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.

Lead by Doctors at the Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire, researchers are using two chemical agents to protect healthy cells, while destroying the malignant tumors in patients. Thioguanine is a highly potent drug that can damage both healthy and cancerous cells, while fluorouracil protects healthy tissues from the first drug’s toxicity.

Though in its early stages, the study has already revealed that the agents demonstrated the possibility of attacking tumors that may be resistant to these drugs, while still protecting healthy tissue. The continued research in these types of combination therapies may hold the key to higher survival rates for mesothelioma patients.

Additionally, many cancer specialists believe improving a mesothelioma patient’s nutrition can also help fight the progressive disease. Eating a well balanced diet is vital in preventing cancers and other health problems. Medical experts suggest eating simple organic foods while avoiding avoid junk foods and fried foods. Eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables daily is also advised.

Dark green leafy vegetables are packed with necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that provide important cancer-fighting benefits. These vegetables also contain folate which is essential for the proper repair and replication of DNA. Without folate, damaged cells would be unable to repair their own DNA. Beta-carotene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin are also powerful antioxidants that help protect the body against all forms of cancer by destroying free radicals.

Mesothelioma patients are encouraged to speak with a doctor to learn about more ways to combat the cancer through various treatment options.

Additional information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatments may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 9:52 am and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.