Asbestos exposure is the largest contributor to people developing mesothelioma. Exposure to the toxic substance occurs when one either inhales or ingests asbestos fibers. In most cases, this happens when asbestos-containing materials become damaged or disturbed and release the fibers into the air.

Once inhaled or ingested, these fibers commonly attach themselves to the mesothelial linings of the lungs, which is known as pleural mesothelioma. However, these fibers can also attach to the mesothelial linings of the heart and abdomen.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can take several decades to appear. As a result, most cases are diagnosed during a late stage of development and at a time when curative mesothelioma treatments are no longer an option. A variety of palliative treatments have been proposed to treat the disease, but few have made a significant impact in a patient’s life.

Recently in a study from Perugia, Italy, a 49-year-old woman with mesothelioma has found relief through a medical treatment called laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (LHIPEC). In the study, ascites, which is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, were dramatically reduced from within the woman’s abdomen.

Following the procedure, the woman experienced complete abdominal symptom relief. In fact, ascites did not even recur during a follow-up period of six months.

Researchers believe LHIPEC has the potential to be a great therapeutic option to palliate malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Medical professional A. Patriti of the University of Perugia says, “It’s an option in cases not eligible for radical treatments, but further studies are needed to standardize dosage and perfusion parameters.”

The fact that positive results have been concluded is outstanding for both future and present patients dealing with mesothelioma. If further testing on laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy continues to promote positive results, it could eventually become a great therapeutic tool for patients when other medical therapies have already failed.

Content provided by Mesothelioma Cancer Center