A recent study offers new hope as it uncovers promising improvements in the survival rates of mesothelioma patients. Over the years, mesothelioma has not just been a complex medical condition but also a restless battle against time. This rare and aggressive disease is a tough challenge to patients and medical professionals alike, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Thus, each breakthrough in treatment is even more vital.

Mesothelioma And Its Impacts

Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that develops in a thin layer of tissue that covers particular internal organs. One form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the protective lining of the lungs. This disease is attributed to exposure to asbestos, a group of mineral fibers utilized by numerous US industries for its affordability, durability, heat and fire resistance. Even the military uses asbestos to construct aircraft, boats, and vessels. While the dangers of asbestos are now recognized, the detrimental legacy of its widespread use has already affected millions of lives. Veterans and industrial workers, specifically, are highly susceptible to developing mesothelioma due to significant exposure in their workplace.

The Detrimental Legacy of Asbestos Exposure

The invisible dangers of asbestos exposure have left a profound mark on communities nationwide. Sadly, many cities in California, like Elk Grove and Sacramento, are no exception.

From 1999 to 2017, the Golden State reported 27.080 asbestos-related fatalities, including 5.100 deaths from mesothelioma. The issue also resonates closer to home in Sacramento County, which hosts 72.693 veterans. Of these, 7.143 servicemen are in Elk Grove, while 20.482 personnel are in Sacramento. Such statistics show a significant demographic potentially at risk due to historical asbestos use in military and industrial applications. In fact, recent data revealed that the entire county has logged 1,066 related fatalities.

This issue is personal for Sacramento and Elk Grove. Numerous affected veterans long to receive appropriate help and resources, such as medical screenings and financial benefits. As California grapples with its asbestos legacy, these two cities and many more serve as stark reminders of the enduring need to protect our servicemen and all communities against this silent enemy. 

The Survival Rates in Mesothelioma Patients 

Mesothelioma has long established a grim reputation for providing a low chance of recovery for diagnosed patients. Its symptoms do not manifest immediately, and this disease may take up to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Standard treatments, such as the usual chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, have marked limited success, and worse, no cure is known to be available. Nevertheless, a new clinical trial is making a significant stride. 

Researchers found that combining pegargiminase, an anticancer agent, with first-line chemotherapy that uses drugs called pemetrexed and platinum can provide favorable results for mesothelioma patients. The novel therapy aims to break down arginine, an amino acid stimulating the growth and survival of many cancer cells. This deprivation allows pegargiminase to 'starve' the cancer cells, disrupt their progression, and make them tolerant to standard chemotherapy. 

The new clinical trial results are striking, as these underscored a notable improvement in the survival rate of mesothelioma patients. Accordingly, the median overall survival of those who received pegargiminase in addition to the first-line chemotherapy was 9.3 months compared with 7.7 months with placebo chemotherapy. The new medication has also improved the median progression-free survival from 5.6 to 6.2 months. The vital turning point is that pegargiminase-based chemotherapy can quadruple the survival of mesothelioma patients at 36 months. 

Breakthrough Study Calls for Stronger Advocacy

This breakthrough study presents profound implications. The integration of this new chemotherapy proves that the potential for extended survival of mesothelioma patients is on the horizon. However, it is critical to recognize that the battle against this disease is far from over. In addition to having a new treatment option, the success of this clinical trial urges the government and community to invest more in research, programs, and advocacies addressing deadly diseases, particularly mesothelioma. 

About The Author

Jonathan Sharp is the CFO of Environmental Litigation Group, PC, a law firm in Birmingham, Alabama, dedicated to helping individuals claim compensation after environmental toxic exposure.