There are approximately 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Tragically, the average life expectancy for a patient is about 12-22 months, depending on a variety of factors including the type of mesothelioma, the patient’s age, and the date of diagnosis.

Multimodal Treatments

Many mesothelioma patients benefit from “multimodal treatments,” which incorporate a combination of standard and experimental treatment methods; for example, a specialist may pair surgery with an effective form of intraoperative chemotherapy. However, while surgery and chemotherapy can triple the survival rate of patients diagnosed with peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma, the disease is always fatal.

Medical specialists utilize the following treatments options for mesothelioma patients:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Gene therapy
  • Epigenetic therapy
  • Cryotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • Mesothelioma virotherapy

The FDA Approves Novo TTF-100L

Last May, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first new malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment option since 2004. Novocure’s Novo TTF-100L is a Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) method that utilizes low-intensity electric currents to inhibit tumor growth by disrupting the reproduction of cancer cells.

The following patients can benefit from Novo TTF-100L:

  • Patients who can’t undergo surgery.
  • Patients with tumors occurring outside the lungs.
  • Patients with metastatic cancer.

The NovoTTF-100L System was approved under the FDA Humanitarian Device Exemption, an expedited approval process that allows companies to market “Humanitarian Use Devices” (HUD) that treat rare diseases and conditions. During clinical trials, mesothelioma patients treated with the NovoTTF-100L System survived six months longer than subjects who only received chemotherapy treatments. Specialists are hopeful because there were no reported side effects or cases of system toxicity.

In September 2018, Dr. Eilon Kirson, the chief science officer at Novocure, discussed the NovoTTF-100L with members of The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. His statement was included in a recent article posted by Matt Mauney of Asbestos.com: “Our mission is to improve patients’ survival without the toxicity you get with systemic chemotherapy. It’s not the cure we’re all looking for, but it means that some patients are seeing a significant benefit. It’s a jump forward. It can change the outcome of this disease, make it that much less horrific.”

The NovoTTF-100L System represents an incredible breakthrough for mesothelioma patients. At present, only 20% of mesothelioma patients qualify for – and can survive – tumor-removing surgeries. The NovoTTF-100L System serves as a continuous at-home treatment option for the 80% who previously lacked life-extending options.

Have You Been Diagnosed with an Asbestos-Related Disease?

The mesothelioma and asbestos litigators at The Ferraro Law Firm are thrilled to learn about this new treatment option. Because our firm is committed to obtaining justice for victims of asbestos-exposure, we have an inclusive understanding of the physical, personal, and financial challenges associated with this devastating condition. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please contact our firm as soon as possible. With our assistance, you can recover compensation that facilitates your treatment process and alleviates your financial hardships.