W. Charles Conway II, M.D. is a surgical oncologist specializing in abdominal cancers, including peritoneal mesothelioma. He currently treats mesothelioma patients at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara. Dr. Conway is part of a multi-disciplinary team treating patients with mesothelioma. Education and Training Dr. Conway received his undergraduate degree from Hope College, located in Holland,
David Sugarbaker, M.D. was a leading mesothelioma expert who passed away in August of 2018. A pioneer in research and treatment, he built a comprehensive mesothelioma center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. He later led the Lung Institute at Baylor University’s College of Medicine. Early Education and Career
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal form of cancer that is caused by exposure to the carcinogenic mineral asbestos. Though many women are diagnosed with the condition, it is far more common in men, and this is largely due to the fact that asbestos was most frequently used in male-dominated occupational settings such as steel mills, shipyards,
Researchers around the world are continuing to look for alternative protocols, including state-of-the-art technological breakthroughs. Among those treatment options that are currently being tested is photodynamic therapy, a technique that kills cancerous cells by first photo sensitizing drugs and then activating them with light. Mesothelioma patients are provided with very few options for treatment. The
Complementary and alternative medicine (also known as CAM) includes body-based therapies for mesothelioma. Body-based therapies utilize massage and musculoskeletal adjustments. They are mostly used to ease symptoms and side effects of the disease and difficult treatments like chemotherapy. Mesothelioma Treatments There are many different therapies, or treatments, used for mesothelioma. Body-based therapies are not direct treatments
The dream of anyone living with mesothelioma, or who loves someone with this terrible disease, is to have a cure, but curing any cancer has proven difficult. A mesothelioma cure does not exist, but new treatments have extended life expectancy and quality of life. Many specialists now focus on managing mesothelioma rather than curing it.
Multimodal therapy for mesothelioma is a combination of two or more cancer treatments. A common combination is surgery with chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Multimodal therapy is currently considered to be the best treatment approach for mesothelioma. What Is Multimodal Therapy? Multimodal therapy refers to a care strategy that involves multiple treatment types. Instead of just
Common side effects of mesothelioma radiation therapy include skin rashes and fatigue. Side effects for pleural mesothelioma patients include difficulty swallowing and pneumonitis. Peritoneal patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or incontinence. What Is Radiation Therapy? Radiotherapy uses a beam of high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. A machine produces X-rays, gamma rays,
The side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, anemia, fatigue, hair loss, bleeding, and digestive problems. Medical teams help patients manage these and other side effects with medications, holistic care, and complementary and alternative therapies. Treating Mesothelioma with Chemotherapy Oncologists and medical teams often use multiple treatment strategies for patients with mesothelioma. Known
The side effects of mesothelioma surgery are infection, pain, organ damage, bleeding, blood clots, cardiovascular complications, and respiratory effects. It is important to weigh the risks of surgery against the potential benefits before making decisions regarding your treatment options. Common Mesothelioma Surgery Side Effects Mesothelioma patients might undergo one of many different types of procedures.