Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Posted on: October 4, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to treat, largely because it is often diagnosed in its advanced stages. However, advancements in medical science have provided several treatment options that can help prolong survival and improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients. Here are the primary treatment options for mesothelioma:

  1. Surgery: There are a few surgical procedures available, depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma:
    • Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): This involves the removal of the diseased lung, part of the diaphragm, the lining of the chest, and nearby lymph nodes.
    • Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): This is a lung-sparing surgery where the surgeon removes the lining of the lung and chest and as much of the tumor as possible without removing the lung.
    • Cytoreductive Surgery: Used for peritoneal mesothelioma, this surgery removes tumors from the abdominal cavity and is often combined with heated chemotherapy.
  2. Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing. It can be systemic (affecting the entire body) or regional (targeting a specific area). For mesothelioma, chemotherapy might be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.
  3. Radiation Therapy: This utilizes high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used after surgery to kill any remaining mesothelioma cells or as a standalone treatment to alleviate symptoms.
  4. Targeted Therapy: This newer form of treatment targets the specific genes, proteins, or other factors involved in mesothelioma tumor growth. While still in the investigational phase for mesothelioma, some targeted therapies have shown promise in clinical trials.
  5. Immunotherapy: This boosts the body’s natural defenses against cancer. Some immunotherapies help the immune system find and attack cancer cells, while others enhance its response against them. Some types of immunotherapy drugs have been approved for treating mesothelioma, and others are being studied in clinical trials.
  6. Multimodal Therapy: This approach combines multiple treatments, such as surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation. The goal is to attack the cancer from several angles, which can improve outcomes in some cases.
  7. Clinical Trials: These are studies testing new treatments or new ways of using existing treatments. They might offer patients access to cutting-edge treatments not yet available to the wider public.
  8. Palliative Care: This focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life. It is not curative but can be a crucial component of the overall treatment plan, especially in advanced stages of mesothelioma.

It’s essential for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of each treatment option with their oncologist. Factors such as the type and stage of mesothelioma, the patient’s overall health, and their treatment goals will influence the best approach.