Malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease that can take several different forms based on where it appears in the body. Though the cause of each is the same — exposure to asbestos — the treatment varies significantly. The complexities and challenges of this terminal disease demand unique approaches from physicians, and a team of international oncology researchers have devised a useful linguistic tool to help guide important surgical decisions.
Cancer Researchers Say PAUSE Can Help Mesothelioma Surgeons Make Better Decisions
When confronted with patients suffering from malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, many surgeons are quick to suggest surgical resection of the highly aggressive tumors. But researchers from India’s Christian Medical College and Basingstoke Hospital in the United Kingdom are suggesting that a more measured approach that assesses several important factors be applied.
Writing in the journal Insights into Imaging, the scientists noted that not every mesothelioma patient is a good candidate for cytoreductive surgery and suggest that a review of all relevant elements should be undertaken before making decisions about the best protocol to use for each patient.
Mesothelioma Researchers Suggest Five Factors be Weighed Before Proceeding with Surgery
The researchers identified five specific factors that should be assessed prior to making recommendations about the best approach to treating malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, and taking the first letter of each of the five, had suggested using the acronym PAUSE as a helpful reminder for treating physicians. The letters stand for:
- Peritoneal cancer index [how much cancer is in the abdomen]
- Ascites [fluid buildup] and abdominal wall disease
- Unfavourable sites of involvement
- Small bowel and mesenteric disease
- Extraperitoneal disease [cancer outside the peritoneal membrane]
In writing about the positive impact that relying on the acronym may have on patient outcomes, the authors wrote, “Despite limitations of CT in accurately depicting the volume of disease, describing findings in terms of PAUSE plays an important role in excluding patients who might not benefit from CRS and HIPEC.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease, seeking help from experienced professionals can make a significant difference in your outcomes. For access to resources, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.