Mesothelioma is a particularly dangerous and deadly form of cancer. It attacks the organ linings and eventually metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma takes decades to develop to a point where someone has noticeable symptoms, but the condition will quickly accelerate in seriousness after diagnosis. There is no current cure for mesothelioma.
Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma undergo aggressive chemotherapy treatment to extend their life expectancy and improve their quality of life. Of course, chemotherapy comes with a host of side effects and can sometimes leave people feeling very sick.
Although it will be some time before research on new treatment options moves forward, there is hope for a less-aggressive form of treatment than standard chemotherapy for those with a certain kind of mesothelioma.
Genetic testing can identify possible candidates
Mesothelioma presents in several different manners, and doctors categorize mesothelioma based on its unique genetics and impact on the body. Through genetic testing, doctors can determine the type of mesothelioma. For those with p16ink4A-negative or p16ink4A-deficient mesothelioma, a pre-existing cancer drug could prove as effective as more aggressive treatments.
Abemaciclib is an existing cancer treatment used for women with metastatic breast cancer. It now also shows promise for the treatment of people with mesothelioma. An initial study looked at a small cohort of patients whose mesothelioma relapsed after platinum-based chemotherapy.
Although there were numerous adverse reactions to the first clinical trial of this alternative treatment, additional research could result in safer and more effective non-chemotherapy treatment for those with mesothelioma. This research helps give hope to those living with this deadly cancer.
Seeking compensation after your diagnosis with mesothelioma can be a way to connect with the best possible treatments now and potentially help your family later.