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When a patient is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and told that the condition is almost always fatal, one of the first questions they ask is how much time they have left. A new tool created by Chinese researchers may have a more accurate answer.

The tool could eventually replace the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system currently used to describe cancer as stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 to identify how far it has progressed. Researchers at Peking University believe other factors impact survival for mesothelioma patients.

Researchers use U.S. database

Chinese researchers are using information on mesothelioma patients from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) database. They have built what they’re calling a nomogram, which shows a visual image using several factors that help predict survival time, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Subtype of mesothelioma
• Stage
• Chemotherapy use
• Type of mesothelioma surgery

Results for patient test group are promising

Researchers are pleased with the tool’s accuracy after using it on a test group of 312 mesothelioma patients who have undergone surgery. They say it may be significant in finding the best course of treatment for the individual needs of each patient. They hope to develop it for use on mesothelioma patients who have not had surgery.

If you are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, massive medical bills can quickly mount, and victims may have to cut back on work or quit their jobs. If you have developed the disease as a result of negligence on the part of an employer, manufacturer or other parties, a civil lawsuit can be an effective solution for getting the compensation you deserve.