Researchers continue to explore treatments for rare illnesses in order to extend patients’ lives or cure them. One of those illnesses is peritoneal mesothelioma, which has no cure. However, treatments can make individuals suffering from it more comfortable or extend their lives. For instance, some patients here in Ohio and elsewhere may qualify for a surgical procedure called Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.
This surgical procedure ordinarily occurs after the removal of any abdominal tumors the surgeon can see. Thereafter, heated chemotherapy drugs are pumped through the peritoneal cavity. The “bath,” which is maintained at 108 degrees, circulates through the abdomen to deliver a high dose of the medication. This procedure allows doctors to deliver the drugs directly to the cancer cells.
The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes. Once completed, the surgeon will wash out the chemotherapy drugs and close up the patient’s incisions. The medical community believes this delivers a far better concentration of medication with fewer side effects, since it is localized to the abdominal cavity. The technique is said to target more cancer cells than traditional chemo. Ohio patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may have the opportunity to undergo this procedure.
The more researchers discover regarding treatments for rare illnesses such as mesothelioma, the more hope that patients receive. However, even less specialized treatments can be costly. Cost should not be an impediment to obtaining the best medical care possible for this or any other illness. Speaking with an attorney experienced in helping mesothelioma patients receive much-needed benefits could help.
