Treatment Options Flashcards
6 cards from real Mesothelioma Support practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Treatment Options flashcards as text
What is 'photodynamic therapy' (PDT) in mesothelioma treatment?
Answer: Using light to activate a photosensitizing drug that kills cancer cells
PDT involves administering a photosensitizing drug that accumulates in cancer cells, then activating it with light to destroy the cells.
What does 'resectable' mean when describing a mesothelioma tumor?
Answer: The tumor can be surgically removed
A resectable tumor is one that can be surgically removed, often indicating earlier-stage disease with better treatment options.
What is the primary goal of a 'cytoreductive surgery' for peritoneal mesothelioma?
Answer: To remove all visible tumors from the abdominal cavity
Cytoreductive surgery (debulking) aims to remove all visible tumors from the peritoneal cavity, typically followed by HIPEC.
Which factor most significantly influences a mesothelioma patient's eligibility for aggressive surgery?
Answer: The patient's age and overall health status (performance status)
A patient's overall health, organ function, and performance status determine whether they can tolerate the physical demands of major surgery.
What is 'talc pleurodesis' used for in mesothelioma care?
Answer: To seal the pleural space and prevent recurrent fluid buildup
Talc pleurodesis uses talc powder to irritate the pleural layers, causing them to fuse and preventing recurrent pleural effusion.
What does 'bevacizumab' add when combined with standard mesothelioma chemotherapy?
Answer: It is an anti-angiogenic agent that inhibits tumor blood vessel growth
Bevacizumab (Avastin) targets VEGF to block the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread.