Potential Emerging Mesothelioma Treatments
Posted on: October 18, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs. Given the challenging nature of treating this disease, researchers are continually exploring new treatment methods. Some emerging therapies include tumor treating fields, gene therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Here’s a brief explanation of each, along with how they might be used in conjunction with established treatments:
Tumor Treating Fields (TTF)
Tumor Treating Fields are a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of electric fields to disrupt cell division in cancer cells. These electric fields are applied using adhesive patches that contain electrodes. For mesothelioma, TTF is often studied in combination with chemotherapy to enhance the efficacy of the treatment.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy involves altering the genes inside cancer cells to stop them from growing and spreading. For mesothelioma, gene therapy might be used to repair, replace, or silence specific genes responsible for the tumor’s growth. Gene therapy could also be used to make the tumor cells more susceptible to other treatments, like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Oncolytic viruses are genetically engineered or naturally occurring viruses that selectively infect and destroy cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. In the case of mesothelioma, these viruses might be administered intrapleurally (into the space between the two layers of the pleura) or intravenously. Oncolytic virus therapy can be used in conjunction with other therapies to improve outcomes.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy involves injecting a photosensitizing agent into the bloodstream, which gets absorbed by cells all over the body but stays longer in cancer cells. When the affected area is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, the agent absorbs the light and produces a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells. PDT is often used after surgical removal of tumors to kill any remaining cancer cells and may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Multimodal Treatment
In many clinical trials, these emerging therapies are used in combination with standard treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy to improve efficacy. Some studies also pair different emerging therapies together to examine synergistic effects.
However, it’s crucial to note that many of these therapies are still under investigation, and their long-term safety and effectiveness have not yet been established. Consult your healthcare team for the most current and personalized advice.