Once they receive their dire diagnosis, the first question most mesothelioma patients ask their physicians is, “How long do I have to live?” Though physicians don’t provide specific answers to this question, they do weigh prognostic contributors when providing general guidance. A new study has yielded surprising information regarding the factors previously thought to have the biggest impact on survival time.
Smoking and Age Less Likely to Impact Mesothelioma Survival Than Other Factors
Though patient age and smoking history are always considered vital metrics when assessing patient health, a study conducted by the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City has shown them to be less important than others when it comes to predicting mesothelioma patient survival. The study showed treatment protocols and the presence of specific biomarkers to be far more reliable prognostic indicators.
The researchers analyzed patient records from 136 patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. The prognostic factors from 84 men and 52 women previously treated for the disease were broken down by several variables. In addition to age and smoking history, clinical stage, gender, histological subtype, the presence of other health problems, and treatment protocol provided were all weighed to see which was most predictive of overall survival and progression free survival.
Treatment and Biomarkers Most Reliable Predictors of Mesothelioma Outcome
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the mesothelioma researchers found that the treatment chosen by mesothelioma patients, as well as the presence of specific biomarkers, were far greater determinants of survival outcomes than their age or whether they had a smoking history.
Writing in the journal Thoracic Cancer, lead study author Jordi Guzman-Casta said, “The results indicated that the most determining prognostic factors for overall survival and progression free survival were cell differentiation measured by immunohistochemical biomarkers [and] the treatment chosen.”
Mesothelioma is a mysterious and unpredictable disease. If you need information or access to resources, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Call us today at 1-800-692-8608.
