Mesothelioma compensation - Chemotherapy in survival rates investigation

Asbestosis and asbestos related illnesses such as mesothelioma are all too common amongst people who worked in the construction industry. Unfortunately, mesothelioma compensation claims are still frequent and likely to increase in frequency in the coming years.

To this end, treatment options for mesothelioma are continually being studied in order to assess the benefits of various therapies for new sufferers.

According to a recent report, the use of chemotherapy on mesothelioma patients does not have any substantially positive effect on survival rates or quality of life. This unsettling finding was revealed in an article published recently in the renowned medical journal The Lancet following clinical trials funded by Cancer Research UK.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is cancer of the protective layer that covers the lungs. It is almost always fatal. Sufferers of MPM have generally been exposed to asbestos and worldwide instances of this cancer have been rising.

In the UK, it is estimated that by 2013 the yearly death rate due to mesothelioma will have reached 2200; a 10% increase on MPM deaths recorded in 2005.

Mesothelioma and chemotherapy
This recent study was carried out on 409 mesothelioma patients from 76 centres in the UK and two in Australia.

The patients were split into three groups; one group received Active Symptom Contol (ASC) methods of treatment alone, the second group received ASC & MVP (a combination of chemotherapy drugs comprising mitomycin, vinblastin, and cisplatin), the final group was given ASC & N (injections of chemotherapy drug vinorelbine).

From the three groups a slightly larger number of the ASC & N group were still alive when the data was analysed. Analysis of the quality of life for all groups looked at physical functioning, pain, shortness of breath and overall health status. All three groups responded similarly to their treatment.

The final analysis of the trial showed that, "The addition of chemotherapy to ASC offers no significant benefits in terms of overall survival or quality of life. However, exploratory analyses suggested that vinorelbine merits further investigation."

Mesothelioma compensation claims and YouClaim
Here at YouClaim we deal with sufferers of mesothelioma regularly and we understand how distressing this disease can be. Our friendly and knowledgeable advisors are waiting to talk to you about your mesothelioma compensation claim on 0800 10 757 95.

Our dedicated personal injury solicitors have years of experience in dealing with the complex issues surrounding asbestosis claims. We have already helped many people get 100% compensation from their mesothelioma claim and, as we operate on a strictly no win no fee basis, you can be sure you will never be charged for their professional litigation services.

Call our helpline now or you can request a more convenient time when we can call you back. Alternatively, fill in the online claim form and we will look into your mesothelioma compensation claim before we call you to discuss it further. Above all, at YouClaim we are here to help.