New Elderly Mesothelioma Treatment Found

According to recent research, a combination of two medications could be effective in treating elderly patients who are living with mesothelioma cancer.

The research and study conducted was reportedly led by several researchers in Italy and will be published in the British Journal of Medicine.

Living with Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Each year, an estimated 2,500 people are diagnosed with the illness and symptoms often aren’t apparent until 30-40 years after the initial exposure.

No treatment has been found for mesothelioma cancer yet, although chemotherapy has been used as a treatment to prolong the lives of patients.

Study Shows Promising New Mesothelioma Treatment

The current study analyzes the benefits of Alimta and Paraplatin in 178 patients that have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

The median age for the study is 65 and 48 of the patients are reportedly over 70 years of age.

Thus far, the researchers have found that combining these two medications as a treatment for the cancer in older patients can be just as effective, if not more, in comparison to younger patients who have experienced longer and more severe exposure to asbestos.

(Source: Cancer Consultants)

Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer? If so, please contact mesothelioma center to speak with someone about the resources available to you.