Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is always considered fatal. But patients’ overall survival varies significantly: some patients die within weeks of diagnosis and others can enjoy multiple years more life. A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open suggests that those differences are often impacted by social disparities and lack of access to specialized care.
Study Notes Many Mesothelioma Patients’ “Poor Access” to Specialized Care
The mesothelioma study was conducted by researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, who analyzed the results of nearly 1,400 patients included in the 2017 National Cancer Database registry. Though all the patients were determined to have operable mesothelioma and despite the fact that having surgery improves overall survival by 30%, not all of them were referred to that life-prolonging surgery. The study pointed to clinician unawareness of treatment options as a possible reason for the lack of referral.
Though the study noted a wide range of ethnicities among the patients included in the study, lead author Estelamari Rodriguez, M.D., M.P.H., and Associate Director of Community Outreach in Thoracic Oncology wrote, “There is no clear link between ethnicity and the risk of mesothelioma, but there are many things about living in communities with limited access to high-level care that can explain these differences.”
Lack of Physician Familiarity with Mesothelioma Leads to Inadequate Care, Lower Survival
Dr. Rodriguez notes, “We found that mesothelioma patients who receive treatment in a timely fashion – and have access to specialized care, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy – have better outcomes. Unfortunately, many patients have poor access due to health disparities and geographical factors.”
This study echoes previous findings showing better mesothelioma outcomes from treatment at high-volume academic hospitals. While Rodriguez’ team is working to inform communities in South Florida about Miami’s mesothelioma program, she notes that physicians also need better education. “We need to get past the point where physicians tell their mesothelioma patients there’s nothing they can do for them. We know that patients who receive comprehensive care have better outcomes. It’s our job to make sure everyone has access.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
