Mesothelioma Treatment Options
The treatment plan for mesothelioma depends on a number of factors. Your cancer treatment team will discuss the best options for you.
Mesothelioma-targeted therapies slow cancer cell growth by depriving them oxygen. They can be employed in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs.
Doctors should be cautious when performing cytoreductive surgery for patients with epithelioid histology. The procedure does improve the chance of survival.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a popular treatment for mesothelioma and can increase the chance of survival. It makes use of anti-cancer drugs to kill mesothelioma cancer cells and stop growing. Typically, doctors administer chemotherapy through injections. They can also administer it intravenously (through through a vein). Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma will be most commonly treated with pemetrexed and cisplatin or carboplatin. It is typically given every 3 weeks during an entire series of treatments known as cycles. Patients may experience side-effects that can be severe or mild during chemotherapy. They may experience nausea, vomiting and fatigue. The majority, if not all of these side effects will subside once the treatment stops.
For peritoneal mesothelioma, chemotherapy is often delivered directly into the abdomen via a procedure known as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy or HIPEC. It is usually done in conjunction with surgery.
It is important to discuss all available mesothelioma treatment options with a specialist doctor. This can help patients know the risks, benefits and potential negative effects of each treatment option. A mesothelioma expert with a good track record will have plenty of experience treating mesothelioma. They will also be competent to provide a wide range of details. They should also be in a position to answer any questions patients and their family members may have.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease and it is vital to find the best mesothelioma specialist. This will help ensure that patients receive the highest quality treatment possible.
It might be worthwhile to seek an additional opinion if you are uncertain about the treatment options that your mesothelioma doctor suggests. This will allow you to feel more confident about the program your doctor has laid out.
Many people with mesothelioma qualify for clinical trials that test new treatments. These trials can be an ideal option for those who have exhausted all other options. If you are interested to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial, consult your physician to determine if you are eligible. Visit our Clinical Trials section for more details on mesothelioma.
Radiation Therapy
The spread of mesothelioma can make it difficult to eradicate with surgery or other therapies. There are a few palliative treatments that can ease symptoms, such as pain. Some of these procedures require minimal intervention. Doctors can flush excess fluid out of the affected area. This alleviates pressure on the chest, lungs or stomach organs, and can alleviate pain.
Another treatment option is chemotherapy, which utilizes drugs to kill cancerous cells or slow their growth. The systemic chemotherapy is distributed throughout the body and kills cancerous cells. Doctors may use systemic chemotherapy prior to mesothelioma surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to make them less difficult or after surgery to decrease the chance of the recurrence.
Radiation therapy, which uses radiation beams to destroy mesothelioma cancers or slow their growth, is a treatment for both peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma. In addition to killing cancer cells, radiation also can help with symptom management like chest pain or breathing problems. For patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma radiation is administered following the procedure known as cytoreduction that involves chemotherapy that is heated.
In a cytoreduction operation, surgeons remove the abdominal tumors and then cleanse it with a heated chemotherapy known as HIPEC. The radiation can be given to the area by doctors, which helps relieve symptoms and improves survival rates.
Patients with mesothelioma in stage 1 or 2 may be candidates for surgical resection, a process that removes a part of the tumor from the pleura. Surgery involves removing as the amount of tumor tissue as is possible as well as nearby tissues, such as diaphragms and pericardiums. Some specialized centers also offer heated intraoperative chemotherapy to eliminate any remaining tumors that remain after surgery.
A combination of treatments is generally the best strategy for mesothelioma patients. Most doctors favor a multimodal approach, which includes chemotherapy, surgery, and sometimes radiation along with immunotherapy. Many of these treatments are considered experimental and have not yet been approved by the FDA. Speak to your doctor about the possible benefits of these therapies. Be aware of any potential side effects, such as fatigue, infection risk and nausea.
Surgery
For mesothelioma of the pleural region, doctors have a variety of surgical options to eliminate cancerous tissue or improve symptoms. Mesothelioma is more common in the lung tissue (pleura) however it can also begin in the the chest cavity or the tummy (peritoneum).
Before surgery the doctor will determine the stage of mesothelioma. This allows them to select the right treatment. Physical examinations, chest X-rays and CT scans are the most common tests. Other tests may include blood tests or biopsy to assess the health of your organs.
The procedure involves inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest area to collect fluid or tissue samples. They are then examined under a microscope to see whether they are mesothelioma cells. Furthermore doctors can utilize the MRI to obtain images of your mesothelioma, without surgery.
After the biopsy, mesothelioma specialists can discuss the results with you. They may suggest a multimodal therapy plan. This is the best way to extend survival and improve the quality of life.
In a multimodal plan of treatment, doctors will combine different kinds of treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. They will create a personalized treatment plan that will meet your needs and goals. The doctor will provide you with details about the treatment and any possible side effects.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to eliminate cancerous cells and stop their growth or division. It is the most common form of systemic treatment for mesothelioma. It is often employed in conjunction with other treatments. Patients with mesothelioma should be aware of the side effects that chemotherapy drugs could cause, from nausea and hair fall to vomiting and fatigue. It is essential to keep your doctor informed on any new prescription medications you’re taking and any herbs, supplements or vitamins you’re taking.
It is important to discuss your goals with your doctor before deciding on the best treatment plan. Many people find that their mesothelioma treatment prolongs their lives well beyond the original prognosis. Pleural mesothelioma patients have survived for decades after having EPP which is a major surgery to remove the affected lung. Others have lived for more than a decade after receiving cytoreduction with HIPEC A combination that removes as the most cancerous tissue as it is possible.
Treatment of Symptoms
The standard treatment for mesothelioma consists of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. The choice of treatment depends on a variety of variables such as the stage (extent) of the cancer, whether it’s not resectable, and the patient’s general health and preferences. Some patients with mesothelioma could opt to take part in clinical trials that evaluate new treatment options or doses of the existing ones.
A lot of people with pleural asbestosis report chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. They also experience other symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and fatigue. These symptoms result from the accumulation of fluid within the pleura. This can press against the chest and limit airflow. In most cases, doctors can alleviate these symptoms by prescribing medications.
A doctor will evaluate a patient with suspected mesothelioma and order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. They may also examine the patient’s blood and urine to determine if they have certain proteins that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also request a procedure called thoracentesis or paracentesis to remove the fluid sample from the lungs. In mesothelioma new treatment may also remove the fluid using an operation known as pleurodesis, or decortication.
A doctor may order further tests to determine the extent of the disease. These tests are used to assign a mesothelioma stage. A lower numeral indicates the mesothelioma is localized in the lungs’ surrounding area, while a higher numeral indicates that it has spread to other areas.
Many people with mesothelioma can improve their quality of life through lifestyle changes. Patients can ensure they eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. They may also consider nonpharmacological treatments like massage and physical therapy to control their symptoms. Certain patients with mesothelioma found acupuncture to be helpful in managing their pain. A support network can help patients navigate their treatment and recovery. They can help a patient with transportation, meal preparation and other tasks. They can also offer emotional assistance.
