A study out of the UK says more doctors should consider using a minimally invasive surgical technique called PCC in mesothelioma pain management. They also say it should happen earlier.
Percutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) uses an electrode to destroy a small set of nerves in the spinal cord. These nerves send pain signals to the brain.
Although the evidence for PCC is limited, the researchers say their study shows it is safe and effective for mesothelioma pain management. Unfortunately, the patients who do have PCC tend to have it late in their illness.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin tissue that encases the lungs. There are no nerves in this tissue, so patients do not usually feel any pain in the early stages of mesothelioma. This is part of why many people are not diagnosed until they have more advanced mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma and tumors usually continue to grow. As mesothelioma progresses, the cancer may invade the chest wall. At this stage, patients often do need mesothelioma pain management.
Doctors have a number of ways of treating cancer pain, including opioid medications. But opioids come with their own risks and side effects. Also, most mesothelioma patients experience one-sided pain, which cannot be addressed by medication alone.
The UK study suggests that PCC may be a viable alternative for mesothelioma pain management, especially in people who do not get adequate relief from medication.
During a PCC procedure, a surgeon inserts a needle into the spine. The needle acts as a guide for a tiny electrode. The electrode passes through the needle to direct a burst of radiofrequency waves into the nerves that transmit pain messages from the chest.
The UK researchers note that there are not many studies on PCC for mesothelioma pain management. But the studies that do exist suggest that it is effective and helps reduce opioid use.
The UK study ran from 2012 to 2017 and included 159 patients with cancer pain. Fifty-seven percent of the patients had pleural mesothelioma. The median time from diagnosis to PCC was 13 months, with the longest being nearly two years.
Before the procedure, patients had an average cancer pain score of six out of 10. On follow-up (an average of 9 days later), the average score had dropped to just two. Other issues linked to mesothelioma pain management were also positively impacted.
The median reduction in strong opioid dose at follow-up was 50 percent, writes researcher Marlise Poolman of Bangor Institute for Health and Medical Research at Bangor University. With the exception of activity, all health-related quality of life scores either improved or were stable after PCC. Only six patients had any PCC-related adverse events.
The team concludes that PCC is effective for mesothelioma pain management but that PCC referrals tended to be late in patients disease trajectories.
In addition to more studies on the earlier use of PCC, they say a consensus from cancer doctors on the procedure will further enhance opportunities to improve patient care.
Source:
Poolman, M, et al, Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for cancer-related pain: national data, March 27, 2020, https://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2020/03/26/bmjspcare-2019-002057
Originally posted here:
Mesothelioma Pain Management with PCC - Surviving Mesothelioma
- Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma with Lung Fluid: The Battle of the Biomarkers - Surviving Mesothelioma - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Republican Health Care Bill Includes Asbestos Exposure Funding for Libby Residents - Mesothelioma.com - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Pembrolizumab shows promise in treatment of mesothelioma - Science Daily - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Veterans with Mesothelioma Benefit from Telephone Triage - Asbestos.com - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Survival Rates Slowly Improving - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Understanding Mesothelioma Caregiver Styles - Asbestos.com (blog) - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Patients Turn to Cannabis - AlterNet - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma | Overview, Treatment Options and Survivor Stories - March 24th, 2017 [March 24th, 2017]
- Accelerated Approval Granted to Drug in Mesothelioma Research Pipeline - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- New Study Affirms Mesothelioma Survival Benefit with Post-Surgical IMRT, According to Surviving Mesothelioma - Benzinga - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- The Key to Mesothelioma Treatment Success with Immunotherapy - Surviving Mesothelioma - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- New Evidence Supports Post-Surgical IMRT for Mesothelioma Treatment - Surviving Mesothelioma - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Shorter Mesothelioma Survival Linked to High Platelet Count - Asbestos.com - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Appeals to All Diagnosed ... - Yahoo Finance - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Early research suggests first immunotherapy for mesothelioma on the horizon - Medical Xpress - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Bristol-Myers Squibb's Opdivo, Yervoy put the brakes on mesothelioma in phase 2 - FiercePharma - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Methanol from African Plants Kills Mesothelioma Cells - Asbestos.com - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Patients to be Celebrated on National Cancer Survivor's Day - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- IO Strategy In Mesothelioma Finally Gets Mapped Out | Seeking Alpha - Seeking Alpha - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- New Blood Test Could Mean Earlier Mesothelioma Diagnosis - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Using Viruses to Boost Mesothelioma Immunotherapy - Asbestos.com - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Resilience Can Help Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families ... - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Janet Stanton Schnitzer Remembers Her Father's Mesothelioma Battle - Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center (blog) - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Treating Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive caner - ABC2 News - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits: What to Expect | Nolo.com - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Urges a Roofer/Insulator With Mesothelioma to Call About Why It Is Necessary to ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Patients May Have Another Treatment Option With FDA Expanded-Use Approval of Lung Cancer Drug - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- A Breath Test for Mesothelioma? - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts - Asbestos News - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma - NHS Choices - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- 15-year Mesothelioma Survivor Living Life By Design - Asbestos.com (blog) - June 9th, 2017 [June 9th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Cancer Overview | Experienced Lawyers Here to Help - June 11th, 2017 [June 11th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Urges a Diagnosed Machinist to Call for Direct Access to Journeyman-Level ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Honeywell Fails in Appeal Against Mesothelioma Verdict - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Patients Can See Improved Survival By Reporting Side Effects - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- What is Mesothelioma? | Surviving Mesothelioma - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- Cases of Pleural Mesothelioma - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 13th, 2017 [June 13th, 2017]
- The Importance of Cancer Research in Immunotherapy - Mesothelioma.com (blog) - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Hopes High for Mesothelioma Immunotherapy Treatment ... - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Asbestos Sprayers Face Higher Lifetime Mesothelioma Risk ... - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Remembering Loved Ones Lost to Mesothelioma, Looking Forward to Progress in Treatment - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 14th, 2017 [June 14th, 2017]
- Chicago Public Schools Ignoring Asbestos Problem - Mesothelioma.com - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Length of Time Between Surgeries a Marker for Mesothelioma Survival - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Survivor Deals with Pain 15 Years After Surgery - Asbestos.com (blog) - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Nivolumab and Ipillimumab Show Promise in Treating Mesothelioma Recurrence - Mesothelioma.com - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Patients Should Heed FDA Warnings Regarding Miracle Cures - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 16th, 2017 [June 16th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Patients May Benefit from Marijuana Research - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- The Challenges of Research in Immunotherapy - Mesothelioma.com (blog) - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Despite Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Dad Loved Father's Day - Asbestos.com (blog) - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- I Want to Keep Writing About Mesothelioma and My Family's Journey Because It Matters - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Opens with High Expectations - Asbestos.com - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- Cediranib May be Safe Supplement to Mesothelioma Treatment - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 17th, 2017 [June 17th, 2017]
- New Trial Finds VEGF-Inhibitor May Safely Boost Mesothelioma ... - Benzinga - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Symptoms - Identify Early Warning Signs - June 18th, 2017 [June 18th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Urges a Diagnosed Construction Worker or Plumber to Call for Instant Access to the ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Treatment May Benefit From New Discovery ... - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- The Influence of BAP1 on Mesothelioma Survival - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Clinical Trial to Assess If Radiation Therapy Can Bring Effective Relief from Mesothelioma Pain - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Asbestos Exposure Attorneys - Mesothelioma Lawsuits ... - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Can a Breath Test Diagnose Mesothelioma in the Early Stages? - Asbestos.com - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Compensation Center Now Urges an Electric Utility Worker or Electrician with Mesothelioma to Aim High ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Nurse Explains Mesothelioma Staging - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- 5 Questions: Treatment options exist for mesothelioma - Las Vegas Review-Journal - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Steve McQueen's Wife Pushes for Asbestos Ban - Mesothelioma.com - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Remembering Mesothelioma Victims in the UK - Mesothelioma.com (blog) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Peritoneal Cancer Index: What it Means for Mesothelioma Patients - Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center (blog) - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Risk Continues to Rise for Decades After Asbestos Exposure - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 21st, 2017 [June 21st, 2017]
- Nintedanib Combination Delayed Progression in Malignant Mesothelioma - Cancer Network - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Polish Study Confirms That Mesothelioma Risk Only Increases With ... - Mesothelioma.net Blog (blog) - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- The Mesothelioma Victims Center Now Urges a Diagnosed Navy ... - PR Newswire (press release) - June 22nd, 2017 [June 22nd, 2017]
- Targeted Therapy May Soon be Primary Approach for Mesothelioma Treatment - MesotheliomaHelp.org (blog) - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Time Between Surgeries Helps Predict Mesothelioma Survival - Asbestos.com - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Testicular and Cardiac Mesothelioma - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Veterans Center - Access Benefits & VA Claims - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Malignant Mesothelioma (Asbestos Cancer) > The Mesothelioma ... - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Law Firm | Sokolove Law - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- MicroRNAs May Be Key to Better Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma - Surviving Mesothelioma - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Mesothelioma Survival Rate | Factors Affecting Survivorship - June 24th, 2017 [June 24th, 2017]
- Scientists "Turn Off" Tumor-Protecting Protein in New Mesothelioma Study, According to Surviving Mesothelioma - Benzinga - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]
- Symptoms of Mesothelioma - Critical Signs to Watch For - June 26th, 2017 [June 26th, 2017]