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Mesothelioma Survivors
Mesothelioma doctors and researchers have made significant advancements in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. As diagnostic tools and treatments advance, mesothelioma survival rates continue to improve. Mesothelioma survivor stories can be a source of inspiration and hope for anyone navigating this difficult disease.
Key Facts
- More mesothelioma patients than ever are outliving their initial prognosis.
- Mesothelioma treatment is the best way for patients to potentially extend survival.
- Research shows combination treatment plans that include two or more therapies have the biggest impact on survival.
- Some mesothelioma patients have lived 10 years or longer.
Research Has Helped Mesothelioma Patients Extend Survival
Early diagnosis and treatment are two important factors in a mesothelioma prognosis. Mesothelioma researchers have helped develop better diagnostic tools that may help doctors detect mesothelioma sooner.
Treatment advances that have helped some mesothelioma patients extend survival include:
- Immunotherapy for pleural mesothelioma: The immunotherapy combination of Opdivo® + Yervoy® was found to extend pleural mesothelioma survival. The therapy had better results than traditional chemotherapy. Researchers continue to study the combination.
- Surgery with HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma: Researchers have found surgery to remove all visible tumors followed by heated chemotherapy drugs directly administered in the abdomen (called HIPEC) can extend peritoneal mesothelioma survival. Researchers continue to study this combination and other similar chemotherapies for mesothelioma.
Support for Survivors
The process of being diagnosed with mesothelioma, receiving treatment and surviving can be long, complicated and emotional. It’s important for survivors to build a strong support system or network for care. A support system may include friends, family, healthcare providers and other mesothelioma patients and survivors.Â
Survivors may also benefit from connecting with a patient advocate or finding mesothelioma support groups.Â
Follow-up Appointments
Mesothelioma patients in remission may not need the same intensity of medical care as they did while undergoing treatment. However, it remains vital for survivors to keep up with regular medical check-ups. These appointments help your care team monitor for recurrence or cancer regrowth.
Mesothelioma recurrence can be unpredictable, so patients should continue to receive medical care throughout remission, and follow any advice from their oncologist and care team.
Tracking Late- or Long-Term Side Effects
Mesothelioma survivors should discuss any side effects they are experiencing with their care team. Cancer and treatments may cause late-term side effects, or those that show up after treatment is complete. Survivors may also experience long-term side effects that linger, like nerve damage. These side effects can be both physical and mental. Care teams may be able to recommend methods or treatment options to alleviate these side effects.
Support Groups
Survivors may also benefit from mesothelioma support groups. A support group may provide emotional support for mesothelioma patients, their loved ones and medical professionals. These groups may be online or in person and can offer companionship and hope.
