Select Mesothelioma Patients Still Benefit from EPP Surgery

The controversial extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) surgery should remain a viable option for select patients with malignant mesothelioma, despite a growing reluctance today among thoracic surgeons to recommend the procedure. When combined with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the EPP still can benefit some patients and improve survival times significantly, according to a recent study at the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. The retrospective look at 18 patients who underwent the EPP/IMRT combination found an average, overall survival rate of 38.2 months and a median relapse-free survival of 24.4 months — well above the norm for this aggressive and incurable cancer. “This form of treatment is not dead yet and should not be buried before it’s dead,” lead author radiation oncologist Dr. Sameer Jhavar told Asbestos.com. “Our research shows this is actually a very, very good combination for a select group of patients with this disease.” Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology recently published the report. Other Mesothelioma Specialists Disagree with EPP The results were in contrast to the opinions of several specialists who have moved away from performing the EPP in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. Dr. Tom Treasure at the University College London, for example, told Asbestos.com in March that “the EPP can’t be justified anymore. One more of these is one too many.” The EPP, which surgeo...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: extrapleural pneumonectomy intensity modulated radiation therapy mesothelioma life expectancy mesothelioma surgery mesothelioma survival rates Source Type: news