Exceedingly rare and aggressive, mesothelioma is a form of cancer that takes root in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen, in response to asbestos exposure. Patients have a survival rate of less than one year after learning they have mesothelioma, which has no known cure. In recent years, certain individuals with mesothelioma participating in clinical trials have found success in prolonging life with immunotherapy.
Active immunotherapy involves triggering an immune response through the administration of antigens. With passive immunotherapy, immune compounds, including antibodies such as pembrolizumab (Keytruba) and bevacizumab (Avastin), are injected into the patient, providing immediate protection against tumor antigens. Non-specific immunotherapies and adjuvants stimulate the immune system, also showing signs of success.
Immunotherapy is considered an alternative treatment. Active immunotherapy, passive immunotherapy, and non-specific immunotherapy are often administered in conjunction with chemotherapy. In a Phase II clinical study, the monoclonal antibody Amatuximab extended survival of mesothelioma patients up to 14.8 months. Similarly, researchers who combined bevacizumab with Alimta and cisplatin, two popular chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of mesothelioma, found that clinical trial participants lived an average of 15.3 months’ post-diagnosis, again exceeding the average mesothelioma survival rate.
Mesothelioma Sufferers Deserve Compensation
Most patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma developed the disease in response to exposure to asbestos at a time when asbestos use in the United States was unregulated. To that end, construction workers, plumbers, firefighters, factory workers, shipyard workers, automobile mechanics, carpenters and their spouses and children are at a higher risk of receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. The use of asbestos on Navy ships and other applications involved in all branches of the military has sickened countless servicemen and women. Nearly one-third of all mesothelioma sufferers are veterans.
Fortunately, the cost of treating mesothelioma can be recouped through civil litigation. It is important that mesothelioma patients assert their rights in court if they so desire. Not only can an award of damages help defray the cost of treatment, but it can also better position the financial future of a surviving spouse and children.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Seek Justice for Mesothelioma Victims
Although immunotherapy is proving beneficial in clinical studies, a cure for mesothelioma continues to elude researchers. Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law understand the unique concerns of individuals recently diagnosed with this devastating disease. Our team will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. We serve clients throughout the Philadelphia and New Jersey regions at our offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey. Call 877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.