New York’s Presbyterian Hospital, along with Columbia University Medical Center, announced Thursday that they are seeking individuals who are suffering from mesothelioma to participate in a trial for a newly developed targeted-radiation treatment. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that attacks the pleural lining of the lungs and has been conclusively linked to prior exposure to asbestos.
Dr. Robert Taub, Director of The Mesothelioma Center at New York-Presbyterian, stated that current treatments, including intense chemotherapy and painful surgery to remove the patient’s affected lung, may prolong the life of an individual. However, the quality of life associated with these treatments is poor, and the patient generally continues to suffer greatly until they succumb to this deadly disease.
The newly developed treatment, which involves the targeted injection of radioactive isotope P-32 in mesothelioma patients, will hopefully eliminate the need for serious surgery. Dr. Rashid Fawwaz, a Radiologist at New York-Presbyterian, believes that the implementation of P-32 could prove to be a “significant and effective therapeutic approach” for those suffering from mesothelioma.
Patients that are chosen to participate in the upcoming clinical trial will receive a combination of two of the cancer drugs Cisplatin, Pemetrexed, and Doxorubicin during several chemotherapy sessions. In addition, all patients will undergo targeted radiotherapy involving the injection of P-32. Individuals can also opt to have their affected lung removed, and will also have access to additional chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. Previous related studies showed an average survival rate for participants of seventy months. After three years, the survival rate was approximately 67%.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center recognizes the joint efforts of New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center and commends them for their continued research in the field of thoracic oncology. The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is widely recognized as the web’s leading resource for information related to mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment, and top physicians. For additional information, please visit the MAA Center website.
