Research Encourages Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients to Consider Radical Surgery

Researchers from a renowned Virginia hospital have published an essential review of outcomes for patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Their retrospective study concludes that patients who are eligible for and undergo radical surgery for their condition live significantly longer than those whose treatment is limited to non-surgical protocols.

Study Reviews Outcomes for More than 2,000 Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients

The researchers, whose conclusions are essential information for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, hail from Inova Fairfax Hospital. Their research, published in the highly respected Annals of Surgical Oncology, states, “Patients selected for and treated with radical surgery had significantly better overall survival compared with those receiving nonsurgical treatment.” 

According to Dr. Lana Bielic, first author of the paper and medical director of surgical oncology at Inova Fairfax, the study analyzed results from over 2,000 peritoneal patients treated between 2003 and 2014 and documented in the National Cancer Database. 

Radical Surgery Yields Five Times Longer Survival for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patients

Patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma represent approximately twenty percent of all those identified with the disease. This particular form of the rare, asbestos-related cancer impacts the lining of the abdominal cavity. When surgery is an option it involves opening the abdominal cavity, removing the tumors and then rinsing with a heated chemotherapy solution to kill any cancer cells left behind.

Not every patient diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma is strong enough to survive the surgery or has tumors located in places accessible by surgery. But the study showed that those who are deemed eligible have the best odds of survival, and indeed live five times longer than those who are simply treated using chemotherapy.  The study reported that 51% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients did not have surgery and had a median overall survival of just 7.1 months after diagnosis, while 34% had the surgery and had an average overall survival of 38.4 months. Those who also had a heated chemotherapy rinse added 3.4 more months to their overall survival.

For patients diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, this is essential news that can guide discussions with their oncologist. If you need further information on this or any other aspect of your condition, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.

Written by Terri Oppenheimer

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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