Mesothelioma is a rare and very aggressive cancer that spreads over the linings of the lungs, heart, or testicles. While no cure has yet been conclusively established for mesothelioma, a number of treatment options offer improved quality of life with extended survival. Presented below are five top options for mesothelioma therapy:
1. Surgery
Surgery can be considered if you qualify, depending on the type and the stage of mesothelioma. The objective is to increase patients’ life expectancy by removing the tumors. Surgery is most effective when combined with other therapies to eliminate remaining cancer cells. You can have the following surgery, depending on the location of the cancer.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)
This procedure consists of taking out the affected ling, sections of the diaphragm, pericardium, and other tissues. It’s an intensive, aggressive procedure generally reserved for fit patients with pleural mesothelioma who desire long-term control of the disease.
Pleurectomy/ Decortication (P/D)
As a lower-impact, lung-sparing option, P/D surgery involves the removal of the pleura and any visible tumors. It’s considered the preferred choice for those patients who want symptom relief and faster recovery.
Before settling on surgery in Florida, for instance, it is crucial to seek different medical opinions on the best option for you. Your doctor will also help you know Florida mesothelioma treatment options and the top cancer centers in your area specializing in mesothelioma treatment to ensure the best results.
2. Radiation Therapy
External beam radiation therapy delivers high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is frequently used alongside other therapies for maximum effectiveness. In some cases, doctors use radiation before surgery to shrink tumors, allowing them to be excised more easily.
Radiation is used post-operatively to kill off residual cancer cells and decrease the risk of recurrence. For patients not fond of surgical procedures, palliative radiation can ease pain, improve breathing, and increase comfort.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells or stop their growth. The conventional treatment frequently consists of a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed, which is given intravenously across multiple cycles. It may be given before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to kill any remaining cells, or as a frontline treatment for inoperable cases.
Side effects include nausea, fatigue, or hair loss, which are common, but they can be managed through supportive care. Continued research is optimizing drug combinations for improved efficacy and tolerability.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular pathways or proteins involved in cancer growth. For mesothelioma, agents such as bevacizumab block vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which breaks the window on the blood supply needed for tumors to flourish.
Other agents being looked at attack genetic mutation or signaling pathways unique to mesothelioma cells. While it’s not standard treatment, targeted therapy precision holds promise for individualized treatment that may be used along with chemotherapy or immunotherapy in clinical trials for better outcomes.
5. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
In this approach, a photosensitizing drug, which homes in on cancer cells, is injected and activated by exposure to a narrow wavelength of light, leading to the death of targeted cells. Compared with chemotherapy, PDT can reduce tumor burden and recurrence rates at lower systemic side effects.
However, it is only used in advanced centers and clinical trials, so while available but less common, it is an exciting possibility for eligible patients willing to push ahead with the best care.
Endnote
For those affected by the diagnosis, a mesothelioma specialist shall define the road ahead, as managing patients with this disease requires expertise in novel treatments and clinical trials not offered in general medicine. Patients and families would have to weigh the advantages of treatment and its downsides, considering success and quality of life while remaining cognizant of the rapidly growing world of medicine.
The owners of Cinnamon Hollow and many of its authors are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
