How are statistics useful in making a prognosis?When doctors are in the process of making a mesothelioma prognosis, they carefully look into all factors that can potentially influence the patient’s disease and treatment. After this, they try to make a prediction of what might happen in the future. A prognosis is usually based on information that researchers have gathered over many years related to thousands of individuals diagnosed with cancer. Whenever possible, the doctor will try to use statistics relevant to specific groups of people whose condition and situations may be most similar or comparable to an individual patient. Different types of statistics can be used to make a prognosis. Here are some of the most commonly used statistics:
Survival rates cannot be used to make predictions as to what would happen to an individual patient because they are defined on the basis of information gathered from large groups of people. Each patient is different, and treatment regimes and response to treatment vary from patient to patient. The doctor may make a favorable prognosis if there is a likelihood that the disease will respond to treatment. Similarly, if the doctor feels that the disease will be difficult to control, it may lead to an unfavorable prognosis. However, it is important to understand that a prognosis is basically just a prediction. Moreover, doctors cannot say it with absolute certainty as to what would happen to an individual patient. What is the prognosis in case the patient decides to forgo treatment?Since no two patients have the same situation, it is difficult to answer this question. Prognostic statistics are often based on studies that compare new treatments with the most effective existing treatments, and not with “no treatment”. As a result, it is difficult for doctors to accurately make a prognosis for patients who may have decided to forgo treatment. However, as mentioned earlier, the doctor who may be most familiar with the specific situation of a patient is the right person to discuss the prognosis, after considering the patient’s individual characteristics that may influence the overall situation. There are a variety of reasons as to why patients decide to forgo
treatment. One of these may relate to the concerns people often have
about the side effects of treatment. Patients need to discuss these
issues with their doctor and cancer nurse. There are a number of medications
available that can help prevent or control the side effects resulting
from cancer treatments. The decision to forgo treatment may also come
from the realization that the specific type of cancer has a poor prognosis,
even when the best available treatment may be administered. In such
cases, patients need to consider clinical trials (research studies).
By enrolling for clinical trials, patients can have access to new
drugs and treatment regimes that may be more effective in comparison
to available standard treatment protocols.
This website is sponsored by Brad Cooper* of The
Cooper, Hart, Leggiero, & Whitehead, PLLC. Cooper, Hart, Leggiero, & Whitehead is located in The Woodlands, Texas
(Greater Houston Area) and can be reached toll free at 1-800-998-9729
for more information on mesothelioma. Brad Cooper is not a medical
doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of mesothelioma
patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal
options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor.
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use of chemotherapy in patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma:
a clinical practice guideline.
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