A new study from the British Journal of Cancer reports that the mesothelioma survival rate is largely influenced by three key factors: location of cancer, mesothelioma subtype and age at time of diagnosis. The results come from a Netherlands-based population study where 1353 patients were observed between 2005 and 2008.
The findings respective to age and survival rate only confirm what is generally understood from previous research. Younger mesothelioma patients favor longer survival rates when diagnosed. This can possibly be explained by better overall health and the ability to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Half of the patients examined where 70 years or older when diagnosed. The median time from initial asbestos exposure was 49 years. The survival rate after one year from time of diagnosis is 47 percent. This number dramatically changes at year two, with a 20 percent survival rate. The difference in year three is not as significant, with a 15 percent survival rate.
The three subtypes of mesothelioma also impact the survival rate of patients. The sarcomatoid subtype of mesothelioma had the poorest response to treatment among the three subtypes. Patients with the biphasic subtype did respond better to treatment, but various studies confirm that patients with the epitheloid subtype display the highest survival rates among the tree subtypes. The epitheloid subtype is also the most common type of mesothelioma diagnosed.
Patients whose cancer is only located in the pleura, or the thin membrane encasing the lungs, had a better survival rate than those whose mesothelioma has spread or has formed in other areas. Mesothelioma predominately occurs in the pleura, but can spread to other parts of the body. Peritoneal is found is the peritoneum, the cell membrane that surrounds the abdominal organs, when asbestos has been ingested. The pericardium, or the lining that surrounds the heart, is also where malignant mesothelioma is known to develop.
Treatments for mesothelioma, regardless of type, are steadily improving. There are a variety of options, whether curative or palliative, that improves the lives of mesothelioma patients. In addition to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiology, new methods are being developed to address the specific nature of mesothelioma. Immunology and gene therapy are currently being tested as possible alternative treatments for mesothelioma. Recent scientific developments have spurred breakthroughs in treatment. New chemotherapy drugs such as Altima and Ciplatin have shown favorable results.
The study also reported that mesothelioma predominately occurs in males, and the vast majority of cases are caused by occupational exposure to asbestos.
For more information the British Journal of Cancer study, visit www.nature.com/bjc/journal.
