Abdominal Fluid Retention

Encouraging news was just published about results of a clinical trial for a new treatment protocol for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Researchers were experimenting with creating a vaccination-type of treatment using special types of cells that trigger the immune system. The cells are treated with two additional immune system boosters: KLH and autologous tumor lysate.

Together, this combination is known as "dendritic cell-based immunotherapy." It activates T cells (white blood cells that are key to the immune system) and encourages the growth of B cells, another type of white blood cell that can produce antibodies. Dendritic simply refers to the shape of the cells:tree-like with branches.

The bottom line is that this new trial has established that this type of vaccination has the ability to fight tumor growth, which can help reduce the lung cancer effects that mesothelioma patients must endure. Such effects can include cachexia (muscle wasting, fatigue), pleurisy symptoms, and abdominal fluid retention (ascites). Treatments can help some, but researchers are constantly looking for better ways to fight. We try to bring you news of every promising development in mesothelioma treatment.

Call us if you have questions about your legal right to pursue compensation by filing mesothelioma litigation. 800.443.6353.