Mesothelioma Prognosis

What is a Mesothelioma Prognosis?

Prognosis refers to the likely progression of a disease. In general, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis for most patients. However, the prognosis of any disease is merely a forecasting tool and not an exact science. There are emerging treatments and therapies that may offer mesothelioma patients a way of dealing with their condition and hope and for an improved quality of life.

The disease develops as a result of exposure to asbestos and can take years, or even decades, to develop. Symptoms are not always obvious, which means mesothelioma is often diagnosed in later stages when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. A late-stage diagnosis can lead to a poor prognosis, so it’s essential for patients to visit a doctor immediately if they notice any signs associated with the disease. As with many cancers, early detection and treatment contribute to a better mesothelioma prognosis.

What is the Life Expectancy for Mesothelioma?

To date, the medical community doesn’t have a definitive answer for how long patients can live with mesothelioma. Patients with mesothelioma generally live less than a year, but life expectancy depends on the individual. Every mesothelioma diagnosis is different.

Patients or family members researching mesothelioma survival statistics may find the results overwhelming and disappointing. However, these numbers don’t necessarily provide an accurate snapshot of life expectancy with mesothelioma. Statistics merely represent past outcomes for other patients. They may not include factors like the type of mesothelioma, stage, or general health of the individual. There are new therapies that offer curative treatment for those diagnosed early, as well as options to improve the quality of life for late-stage mesothelioma patients.

Mesothelioma is rare, so it’s crucial to find a doctor who specializes in treating this particular cancer. Each patient requires individual care and treatment options.

What Affects a Patient’s Prognosis?

Several factors can affect a mesothelioma prognosis. A qualified cancer treatment doctor can explain how each one affects individual patients.

Mesothelioma Type and Location

Mesothelioma tumors develop in the mesothelium: the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or, in rare cases, the heart or testicles. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma (which develops in the abdominal cavity) often have a better prognosis than those with other types.

Of the three types, those diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma tend to have the worst prognosis. This type of mesothelioma is usually discovered during surgery for other conditions or after the patient has died

Mesothelioma Tumor Cell Type

The types of cells that make up tumors also play a significant role in a patient’s prognosis. There are two main types of mesothelioma cells: epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Some tumors contain both and are considered biphasic tumors.

Studying the microscopic tissue within tumor cells helps doctors determine a prognosis and create a targeted treatment plan. For example, patients with epithelioid tumors have an average survival rate of 18 to 24 months, compared to the 4 to 6 months for patients with sarcomatoid tumors. Patients with biphasic tumors fall somewhere in the middle, with a median survival rate of 10 to 15 months. Why? Epithelioid cells don’t metastasize as quickly as sarcomatoid cells and respond better to treatment.

Mesothelioma Stages

There are four stages of mesothelioma. Patients who are diagnosed in the early stages, before the cancer has spread, usually have a better prognosis.
Unfortunately, because mesothelioma takes decades to develop and resembles the symptoms of other common diseases, it often isn’t discovered until later stages, when the cancer has reached the lymphatic system and spread to different parts of the body.

Similar to other cancers, mesothelioma responds better to first-line therapy (like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) in stages 1 or 2. Once it has spread, the prognosis worsens, and patients may have to rely on palliative care to alleviate symptoms, as opposed to curative treatments to eradicate the tumors.

Treatment Options

Those who try a multimodal treatment program that includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and potentially other therapies usually have a better prognosis than patients with late-stage mesothelioma (who, typically, have access to fewer treatment options). Additionally, some people may be eligible for specific clinical trials or experimental therapies that have the potential to improve prognoses.

General Health

The healthier a patient is, the better their prognosis. A robust immune system often means the body is more receptive to cancer treatments. Mesothelioma patients who engage in unhealthy behaviors — like smoking, eating a poor diet, or living a sedentary lifestyle — are likely to have a worse prognosis than those who refrain from smoking, eat well, and exercise regularly.

Genetics

According to researchers, genetics may also play a role in a patient’s prognosis. Several studies from 2011 showed a link between a genetic mutation called BAP1 and the development of mesothelioma. Nearly 70 percent of mesothelioma patients have this mutation. Clinical trials at the University of Hawaii are now targeting the BAP1 gene to determine how to prevent and treat mesothelioma.

Demographic factors:

• Age – Younger patients often have higher survival rates than older patients, most likely because their bodies can withstand more intensive treatments (like chemotherapy and surgery). Those who are older and those with other, pre-existing conditions may struggle with aggressive therapies. Younger patients also tend to recover from treatment more quickly.
• Gender – The majority of mesothelioma patients are men. However, women who are diagnosed with this disease have a better prognosis than their male counterparts. According to a study from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, women showed a survival rate of 13.4 percent, compared to only 4.5 percent for men. Researchers can’t pinpoint the exact reason but some believe hormones play a role. Women were also more likely to see a doctor as soon as they noticed symptoms, while men waited longer.

How to Improve a Mesothelioma Prognosis

Treatment options for patients depend on the type of mesothelioma they have and how far the cancer has spread. Some curative treatment options can improve a mesothelioma prognosis significantly.

Early-stage mesothelioma that hasn’t spread is easier to treat than advanced-stage tumors. For early-stage patients, doctors recommend a multimodal treatment approach, which includes surgery followed by radiation, chemotherapy, or both.

As mesothelioma spreads, there are fewer treatment options available, leading to a prognosis that’s worse for the patient. The majority of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed at stage 3, often ruling out curative surgery. Cases of stage 4 mesothelioma have likely entered the lymphatic system and spread throughout much of the body. Some traditional treatment options are still available but are instead used to relieve pain and make patients more comfortable. Other health benefits are also available through the VA for veterans.