European Task Force Updates Mesothelioma Best Practices

The fight against malignant mesothelioma is being waged in hospitals all around the world, and steps forward taken by European physicians are watched closely in the United States. Recently, a task force of the most notable experts in the field published revised best practices for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. It is the first update to these guidelines since 2009.

Highly Respected Mesothelioma Physicians Identify What Works Best

Malignant mesothelioma presents countless challenges to the medical profession, but innovations in treatment are moving progression-free and overall survival forward. The incremental improvements being seen are the result of relentless research and modifications to long-standing protocols, and the researchers have now released their assessment of best practices.

The group of experts represent the best of Europe’s medical community and include representatives from the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS), the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), and the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). The group assessed data collected over the last several years, publishing their conclusions in order to update the world’s experts on progress since the last time guidelines were published in 2009.

Sharing Mesothelioma Knowledge is Essential

In the face of rising numbers of malignant mesothelioma in the developing world, it is essential for physicians in Europe, the United States and others on the cutting edge of medical technology to share their advancing understanding of what works best in its treatment.  The group’s conclusions are best summed up as follows:

  • Biopsies continue to be the most accurate and efficient method of diagnosis, with tissues best gathered through image-guided needle biopsy or thoracoscopy.
  • The best pathology testing for mesothelioma is BAP-1 or CDKN2A, both of which search for specific biomarkers. Standard pathology staining techniques have proven insufficient. 
  • The best way to assess prognosis is by identifying mesothelioma subtype, the patient’s overall health, and tumor volume.
  • Chemotherapy and participation in clinical trials continue to provide patients with the safest access to the most effective treatments.

For more information on access to treatment and other resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer

Terri Oppenheimer

Writer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is the head writer of our Mesothelioma.net news blog. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in English. Terri believes that knowledge is power and she is committed to sharing news about the impact of mesothelioma, the latest research and medical breakthroughs, and victims’ stories.

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