Several experimental therapies are currently being performed for the treatment of mesothelioma cancer, one of the most promising is a technique called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).
Mesothelioma or commonly called asbestos cancer, is a very aggressive and deadly cancer, it affects the lining of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) and the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma), is generally less responsive to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. A number of other treatments, such as gene therapy, immunotherapy and alternative approaches can provide hope for mesothelioma cancer patients.
Photodynamic therapy or photodynamic therapy is one type of mesothelioma treatment that is very promising in the future. This method combines three separate elements: nontoxic, photosensitizing compound, oxygen and visible light. Photodynamic therapy targets mesothelioma cancer cells. Usually given during or after surgery to remove the remaining part of the tumor.
Unlike the case with chemotherapy and radiation, which tend to have a burning effect on the patient's body, Photodynamic Therapy gives a clear advantage that it does not kill healthy cells-non-cancerous cells. This means that the side effects of mesothelioma cancer treatment can be reduced and of course the prognosis of mesothelioma will be better.
In America, Photodynamic Therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration - a POM agency such as in Indonesia - for some cancers, although its use to treat mesothelioma is still in the experimental stage.
There are about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, and around the world, and there have been 20,000 people dying of the disease each year. Nearly all mesothelioma diagnoses are associated with contact with asbestos, a mineral material that has been incorporated into a variety of commercial products that can make fireproof. Although the use of asbestos peaked in the 1970s, mesothelioma has a very long latent period for diagnosis and therefore can not be diagnosed within just a year, or even decades after contact.
Credit:
www.asbestos.net
Photo: www.burtonhospitals.nhs.uk
Mesothelioma or commonly called asbestos cancer, is a very aggressive and deadly cancer, it affects the lining of the chest (pleural mesothelioma) and the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma), is generally less responsive to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. A number of other treatments, such as gene therapy, immunotherapy and alternative approaches can provide hope for mesothelioma cancer patients.
Unlike the case with chemotherapy and radiation, which tend to have a burning effect on the patient's body, Photodynamic Therapy gives a clear advantage that it does not kill healthy cells-non-cancerous cells. This means that the side effects of mesothelioma cancer treatment can be reduced and of course the prognosis of mesothelioma will be better.
In America, Photodynamic Therapy has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration - a POM agency such as in Indonesia - for some cancers, although its use to treat mesothelioma is still in the experimental stage.
There are about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, and around the world, and there have been 20,000 people dying of the disease each year. Nearly all mesothelioma diagnoses are associated with contact with asbestos, a mineral material that has been incorporated into a variety of commercial products that can make fireproof. Although the use of asbestos peaked in the 1970s, mesothelioma has a very long latent period for diagnosis and therefore can not be diagnosed within just a year, or even decades after contact.
Credit:
www.asbestos.net
Photo: www.burtonhospitals.nhs.uk
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