Multiple Treatments Combined with Surgery and Heated Chemotherapy
Posted on: October 15, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024Systemic Chemotherapy
Systemic chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with CRS and HIPEC. It may be administered before the surgical procedure (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors and make them easier to remove, or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to kill off any remaining cancer cells. Common drugs used in chemotherapy for mesothelioma include cisplatin, carboplatin, and pemetrexed.
Dwell Chemotherapy
Dwell chemotherapy involves leaving the ports used for HIPEC in place postoperatively. This allows for further delivery of chemotherapy agents directly into the peritoneal cavity over an extended period. This technique aims to target any remaining cancer cells with a more prolonged exposure to chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is another treatment option that is increasingly being considered for mesothelioma. It involves using medications designed to boost the patient’s immune system to better recognize and combat cancer cells. Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) are examples of immunotherapeutic agents being researched for their effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.
Benefits and Risks
Each of these treatment options has benefits and risks:
- Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC: This approach can be effective but is also very invasive and comes with risks like infection, bleeding, and complications related to chemotherapy.
- Systemic Chemotherapy: Effective for treating widespread disease but has side effects like nausea, fatigue, and immunosuppression.
- Dwell Chemotherapy: Allows for targeted treatment but may have similar side effects to systemic chemotherapy and additional risks associated with the ports.
- Immunotherapy: Generally less toxic than chemotherapy but is not effective for everyone and can have side effects like autoimmune reactions.
Choosing the right treatment plan is a complex decision that involves multiple factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the potential side effects of treatment. Consult a medical team specializing in peritoneal mesothelioma for the most personalized and effective treatment plan.