The quest for a cure for mesothelioma continues as the United States and Canada have implemented what they consider “bans” on asbestos. However, those so-called prohibitions have their share of exemptions for both countries. Simply put, those qualified prohibitions have failed to eliminate the use of the deadly carcinogen. making it a “ban” in name only.
Meanwhile, citizens on both sides of the border continue to suffer the aftermath of asbestos exposure. One medical center, in particular, is doing what large government entities has yet to consider.
Taking a SMART, if not SMARTER approach.
The SMART protocol – an acronym for Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy – launched at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Cancer Center. The procedure calls for higher levels of radiation and more aggressive surgery for patients suffering from mesothelioma. The results were promising with a Toronto-based research team reporting 66 percent of patients averaged three-year survival rates.
Estimations for a median overall survival is currently at 51 months with disease-free survival coming in four months lower.
Not willing to rest on their laurels, they recently launched SMARTER (Surgery for Mesothelioma After Radiation Therapy using Extensive pleural Resection), the latest clinical trial for those suffering from pleural mesothelioma.
Many see it as an unconventional way to provide treatment. After determining the maximum radiation level that a patient can tolerate, that dosage is used to stimulate the immune system before surgery that is also considered aggressive.
The new process goes beyond how the United States is tackling ways to extend and save lives of mesothelioma victims. Most treatments start with chemotherapy prior to aggressive surgery. From there, radiation may or may not be used.
Yet, a complete ban may be the SMARTEST step of all.
