mesothelioma new treatments
The determination that you or someone close to you has mesothelioma is very regrettable. This form of cancer is usually discovered late in its growth, making treatment extremely difficult and often makes it a terminal illness. There are, however, some new approaches to treatment are being investigated.
Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer. It is a general term that refers to the growth in the area of cancer of the mesothelium. This is a lining around the chest and abdomen. The coating creates support for organs like the lungs and heart while creating a lubricating surface that allows some movement. Mesothelioma is most closely associated with exposure to asbestos fibers that enter the lungs and then in the chest cavity.
The standard treatment for mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. Radiation and chemotherapy are definite musts. Surgical procedures are also common. However, the three most often not overcome the DNA in cells. Given this, gene therapy is a very new treatment being considered for use with mesothelioma and most cancers. There is Two approaches are being investigated. The first is to replace the genetic makeup of cancer cells and kill cancer. The second approach approach is to use a second round, where genetic manipulation eliminates the genes that lead to tumor growth. In theory, this could end up tumor growth cancer cells and stop in their tracks.
Photodynamic therapy is as unique as it is difficult to explain. There are certain chemicals that are very sensitive to light. The body can absorb some of these chemicals in the cells and then expel them. Cancer cells, however, can not expel chemicals. A patient receives a dose and then the cells are exposed to laser light. The chemicals remove an active form of oxygen that destroys the cells cancer. There is a downside, however. The patient becomes very sensitive to light and often must stay out of the spotlight during the period of six weeks.
Treatment anti-angiogenesis is another interesting area of treatment. It works by attacking the tumors created by mesothelioma. This is done by removing the ability of tumors to create blood vessels. Without these vessels, tumors can not get blood and can not grow. Drugs such as cisplatin, pemetrexed and Bevacizumab in clinical trials to determine whether they can be used in mesothelioma tumors.
Mesothelioma is a rare but very serious cancer. While treatment methodologies previously produced disappointing results, new treatments that we intend to show any significant promise. Be sure to discuss with your oncologist and physician.
About the Author:
Thomas Ajava writes for AsbestosLawsuitsTexas.com – your online resource for information on asbestos lawsuits in Texas.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Mesothelioma – New Treatment Approaches
Mesothelioma Information : New Treatments for Mesothelioma
