Mesothelioma patients and their families must manage significant physical, mental, and emotional challenges. While traditional chemotherapy treatments have proved helpful in reducing cancer cells, the treatment process can be grueling, with lasting side effects. New treatment options are often requested by patients who are seeking alternatives to traditional chemotherapy treatments.
New Drugs Present New Challenges
There are now a host of new cancer treatment drugs available that are targeted at treating some of the most advanced, aggressive forms of the disease such as mesothelioma, melanoma, liver, kidney, skin, and breast cancers. These new therapies, which work by targeting specific mutations in tumors or by spurring the host’s immune system to attack the cancer cells, are being touted as an innovative way to extend patients’ lives. The drugs, often marketed as less toxic than intravenous chemotherapy, are being prescribed more frequently as they become available to the public after FDA approval.
However, while these drugs may be taken in a pill form and accepted more easily by the patients’ bodies, the side effects can be varied and serious. Many patients undergoing the new cancer treatments have experienced painful symptoms like severe acne, facial rash, fever, and extremely dry and irritated skin. Other symptoms may include:
- Bloody nose,
- Shortness of breath,
- High blood pressure,
- Acid reflux,
- Mouth sores,
- Diarrhea.
Doctors Changing Their Methods of Patient Management
These newer drug therapies also change the way doctors must approach their practice. Oncologists must be more knowledgeable about endocrinology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. With the abundance and wide variation of side effects that come from drug therapy, doctors are spending more time remedying symptoms when treating their patients than ever before. Doctors refer to the side-effects of the new drug treatments as toxicities and note that for many patients who experience them, the only other alternative is a decreased life span.
Patients Contend with Managing Side Effects for the Long Term
Traditional chemotherapy treatments often resulted in patients experiencing temporary baldness, fatigue, and nausea. However, if the patient responded well to the treatment, eradication of the cancerous cells could be achieved and the patient could then cease the chemotherapy. The new drug treatments require patients maintain treatment throughout their lives and continuously manage the side effects.
For mesothelioma patients and their families, the journey is a challenging and emotional one. Ultimately, most mesothelioma diagnoses are fatal and patients may feel that managing the side effects from new drug therapies are worth it if the treatments extend their life in a manner that does not compromise its quality too significantly.
New Jersey Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Have Dedicated Their Practice to Helping Protect the Rights of Victims of Asbestos Exposure
If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related illness, contact New Jersey mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law. We fight every day to protect the rights of victims of asbestos exposure and secure the compensation they need for comprehensive health care and to provide for their families. We are proud to represent clients throughout the Philadelphia and New Jersey regions and encourage you to call us today at 1- 877-SHEINLAW (877-743-4652) to schedule a consultation. You may also contact us online.