A new study conducted by the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas has found that many patients grappling with malignant pleural mesothelioma are not receiving potentially life-extending treatment.
The study’s researchers pored over the records of more than 20,000 patients, finding that many of these patients are not being given trimodal treatment. Evidence has shown that trimodal treatment of pleural mesothelioma significantly extends a patient’s life.
For example, a study conducted from the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle found that pleural mesothelioma patients using trimodal therapy had a median survival rate of more than 14 months after receiving a cancer diagnosis. Patients who were not given trimodal treatment survived for just over 8 months.
These significant findings show why trimodal therapy is essential for any patient suffering from the harms of pleural mesothelioma.
What Is Trimodal Treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?
The term "trimodal" refers to using at least three treatment options to combat the disease of pleural mesothelioma. Since researchers and medical professionals are constantly seeking new and more effective ways to combat this deadly disease, trimodal treatment is often a meaningful way to discover which therapies and treatments a patient’s body responds to most effectively.
Specifically, trimodal treatment most often refers to implementing chemotherapy and radiotherapy in addition to the more standard cancer-directed surgery for pleural mesothelioma. Used in tandem, this trimodal approach has been shown to double a pleural mesothelioma patient’s two-year survival chances.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma treatment patterns nationwide are so variant that too few patients are receiving trimodal treatment.
Many Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients Are Not Given Trimodal Therapy
Of the more than 20,000 patients included in the MD Anderson Cancer Center study, a mere 2.6% of the patients received trimodal treatment. Research has revealed that older patients who do not have private insurance are far less likely to receive the potential survival benefits of trimodal treatment.
However, even receiving these innovative and often helpful treatments are no guarantee of survival. And, these treatments are often expensive and require ongoing care for a mesothelioma victim.
As such, mesothelioma victims dealing with the life-threatening disease of pleural mesothelioma should talk to a mesothelioma lawyer who helps victims and loved ones pursue legal compensation for a wrongful asbestos exposure.
Talk to a Mesothelioma Lawyer
The Ledger Law Firm represents the victims of pleural mesothelioma and their loved ones who are suffering from this deadly disease because of a wrongful asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure is a known cause of mesothelioma cancer, which is why a wrongful exposure by a responsible party can entitle mesothelioma victims to compensation that holds those parties accountable.
Our team works to build a strong case that proves your mesothelioma was caused by a responsible party exposing you to asbestos. Contact us online today to receive dedicated legal representation that will pursue your right to receive the compensation your family deserves and needs.
