Clinical Trail Investigates Use of Palliative Care with Mesothelioma Patients

Janet L. Abrahm, M.D.  is co-investigator with David Sugerbaker on a study exploring the impact of bi-weekly palliative care assessment with patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma.    This investigation is part of a larger study led by Dr. Alice Kornblith,  a senior research assistant at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  The study’s aim is to enroll 400 mesothelioma patients, compile information and identify the specific factors that make the biggest improvement in the quality of life over a period of 9 months.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive and often painful cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.  Primary cause of mesothelioma is prior exposure to asbestos.  Tumors then form in the pleura, the thin sac lining the lung, causing painful symptoms which heavily decrease a patient’s quality of life.  Not only do the tumors cause pain but so do the side effects of standard treatments for mesothelioma (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.)

As there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment regimens focus on extending survival times and enhancing quality of life.  Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms of the disease as well as from treatments in order to minimize pain.    Efforts are coordinated with all members of the treatment team to come up with the best approach to relieve suffering, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.

Palliative care is provided by a team that may include alternative medicine practitioners (such as acupuncturists), massage therapists, chaplains or other faith leaders, pharmacists, nutritionists, hospice providers, and palliative nurse specialists.   The hospital or your doctor should be able to tell you what is available in your area and what is best recommended for your particular situation.

The international study by Kornblith will be having patients fill out questionnaires that evaluate factors such as levels of pain, descriptions of ongoing symptoms, level of physical functioning, and psycho-social and emotional concerns.  The hope is that this information will help guide the primary health care team to know which treatment methods are the most effective at improving quality of life for patients who are suffering from mesothelioma.

To find out more about the study or if you are eligible to participate, contact Alice Kornblith at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Dana 1210, Boston, MA 02215 617-632-3000.

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