Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Thursday, October 9th, 2008.
Current Treatment Options in Oncology. 2008 Jun;9(2-3):180-90. Epub 2008 Oct 8. [Link]
Hesdorffer ME, Chabot J, DeRosa C, Taub R.
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Santa Barbara, CA, USA. mhesdorer@curemeso.org
Abstract
Opinion statement: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm that rapidly spreads within the confines of the abdominal cavity to involve most accessible peritoneal and omental surfaces. Current treatment options are unsatisfactory, and new approaches are needed. Recent publications have reported improved survival with an intensive loco-regional treatment strategy including cytoreductive surgery (CRS) along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). We have noted at our institution prolonged survival in selected patients after intensive multimodality treatment. Our most recently reported trial included initial laparatomy with omentectomy, resection of peritoneal implants, and placement of bilateral peritoneal Portacath; repeated courses of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with doxorubicin, cisplatin, and interferon gamma; second-look laparotomy; and intraoperative hyperthermic perfusion with mitomycin and cisplatin, followed by whole abdominal radiation. To date there have been no universally accepted treatments for MPM. Unless referred to a specialty center, patients are routinely treated with pemetrexed and cisplatin which has been shown to increase survival in pleural mesothelioma.
Sirs,
I was born in Glasgow 1949 and in my early years lived near dock area. My father worked in this field for part of his working life.
In 1973 I moved home to Majorca, Spain and have lived here until present date.
July 1996 I was diagnosed wtih Mesotelioma Peritoneal stage IV. and operated removing womb, ovaries etc.
(hystorectomia), metastisis was also found in surrounding areas. No other treatment was carried out.
I then went for some time for second opinion to the Beatson Oncology Clinic in Glasgow for check-ups where nodules continued but seemed to be dormant.
I continue with yearly check-ups at my hospital here in Palma where I have been told that there has been no
increase in size of nodules.
The only prevention which I was given at the Beatson centre was Tamoxifen which I continue to take daily.
I have lived a normal life since then.
Having read a little on this subject I consider myself very fortunate and feel I should share this and perhaps give hope to others with this illness.