The scourge of pleural mesothelioma is a global challenge, and researchers from around the world are working hard to evaluate existing treatments to find the best answers for their patients. A collaborative group of physicians and scientists recently conducted a meta-analysis of 14 different studies that compared multimodal therapies for early-stage malignant pleural mesothelioma, with a specific eye to the impact on physical function, social function, and lethargy.
Meta-Analysis Finds Only Limited Improvements in Mesothelioma Quality of Life
The researchers evaluated the impact of multimodal surgical resection, including approaches such as extrapleural pneumonectomy and extended pleurectomy and decortication, or with personalized targeted therapies, on patients with early-stage pleural mesothelioma. They found there were no statistically significant differences between any of the approaches and their control groups, though some therapies offered specific benefits.
The original mesothelioma studies included in the meta-analysis were conducted in a range of locations, including Canada, Japan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, the United States, and Germany. They evaluated the intervention used, as well as outcome measures ranging from quality of life improvements to complications to lethargy. There was no overall difference in complications and only moderate variability in the other measures. The researchers suggested that moderate differences in study populations or methodologies seemed to be influencing outcomes more than the treatment approach.
Researchers Conclude that More Mesothelioma Studies Are Needed
Though their findings were mixed, the mesothelioma researchers concluded that multimodal surgical resection and personalized targeted therapies are critical for treating individual mesothelioma patients. Though extrapleural pneumonectomy alleviated symptoms for some, it was also accompanied by significant risks, while lung-sparing approaches offered better preservation of pulmonary function and the possibility of superior quality of life outcomes.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, research like this can provide important guidance for how best to proceed. For more information, contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
