/ / Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma Treatment - The most common treatment for mesothelioma involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Supportive care can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for many mesothelioma patients.

There are several types of treatment available for patients with mesothelioma, some recommended more than others. The most commonly used treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In addition, some experimental treatments are becoming more common in clinical trials. These treatments include photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, among others.

After a patient begins to demonstrate mesothelioma symptoms and a diagnosis occurs, the next step is possible. Treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy and Asbestos.com offers mesothelioma patients and their loved ones comprehensive information about current treatment options and new developments in a complimentary informational packet available here

The most common mesothelioma treatments recommended by doctors for patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients often have multiple treatments for combat the disease, which is known as multimodality therapy. The combination of aggressive treatments helps combat cancer in various ways, helping to improve the patient's life expectancy.

Experimental procedures, such as immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and gene therapy are also utilized by mesothelioma patients. However, since these treatments are still in the experimental stage, they are usually only available through clinical trials.

Recent clinical trials on mesothelioma have investigated photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy, both finding resutls that warrent further research. Patients who participate in a clinical trial contribute to the discovery of mesothelioma cure through testing and medications.

Treatment helps people live longer with malignant mesothelioma. While curative treatment results are rare, a treatment approach called multimodal therapy can help certain patients live for years with cancer.

Multimodal therapy combines treatments to kill cancer cells in various ways. Specialists consider it the best treatment for mesothelioma.

Patients diagnosed at an early stage often qualify for a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Multimodal therapy for end-stage patients may involve chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The most common treatment options for mesothelioma include:
  • Operation 
  • Chemotherapy 
  • Radiation therapy
 
New and experimental therapies are available through clinical trials. Some of these therapies include targeted therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy.

Various types of mesothelioma require special care. Various operations and chemotherapy drugs are used in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma compared to peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

Life expectancy of untreated Mesothelioma is about four to six months for the average patient diagnosed in stage 3 or stage 4. Treatment of transfer at this stage often helps patients live at least one year.

Those diagnosed in stage 1 or stage 2 who undergo aggressive treatment can live for years with mesothelioma.


What are the types of mesothelioma surgery at this time?

Current types of surgery for pleural mesothelioma include extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy and decortation (P / D). Thoracotomy is the first part of EPP or P / D surgery. This allows the doctor to operate the organs in the chest. Surgeons can also use a diagnostic procedure called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which inserts a small camera through small pieces in the chest to see the lungs. VAT allows doctors to look into the chest and take biopsy samples. The main operation for peritoneal mesothelioma is cytoreductive surgery, also known as debulking surgery.


Mesothelioma Treatment

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)

EPP removes lung cancer and all nearby areas where mesothelioma spreads. This can include nearby lymph nodes, part of the lining of the chest, lining of the heart and diaphragm.

Pleurectomy and Decortication (P / D)

P / D widens the lungs and only removes cancerous parts in the pleural layer, chest wall and diaphragm.

Cytoreductive Surgery

Cytoreductive surgery removes cancerous growth from the lining of the stomach. Also known as debulking surgery or peritonectomy, this procedure is often followed by heated chemotherapy.


What are the Options for Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma?

The standard and most effective first-line chemotherapy regimen for patients with pleural mesothelioma is a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta). The combination of pemetrexed and carboplatin often results in the same results but with fewer side effects.

These drugs are usually sent by infusion into the bloodstream. Sometimes, doctors heat chemotherapy drugs and release them locally after surgery rather than throughout the bloodstream.

In the 2016 study, researchers at Wayne State University found mesothelioma patients who received one combination of chemotherapy lasted three times longer than patients without chemotherapy.

If cancer grows, patients can undergo second-line chemotherapy with other drugs, including:
  • Carboplatin 
  • Gemcitabine 
  • Doxorubicin

Other chemotherapy drugs tested in mesothelioma include onconase, navelbine, raltitrexed and mitomycin.

HIPEC

Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the most effective treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

In this procedure, heated chemotherapy drugs are sent directly into the abdominal cavity after cytoreductive surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells.

According to a 2013 study at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, the average survival rate for peritoneal patients undergoing HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery was 41 months. Those who returned for the second procedure survived an average of 80 months.

Intrapitoneal chemotherapy can also be given without surgery and with chemotherapy at normal room temperature.

HITHOC

Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) is an experimental version of HIPEC for people with pleural mesothelioma.

HITHOC provides heated chemotherapy throughout the chest cavity after pleurectomy and decortication.

At present, HITHOC is not as successful as HIPEC, but doctors are optimistic that the procedure can be improved. Some studies have reported longer survival among patients receiving HITHOC.


Other Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Chemotherapy and surgery are mainly used to prolong survival, while radiation therapy and other therapies are mainly used to control symptoms. However, radiation therapy can reduce the risk of local recurrence in addition to increasing chest pain.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays or protons, to target cancer cells.

This is used to control chest pain by shrinking mesothelioma tumors that press against the chest wall. When combined with surgery, radiation therapy can reduce the risk of local recurrence.

Some doctors apply radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor to make it easier to remove.

Radiation often does not have strong chemotherapy side effects, and can help reduce the physical pain of mesothelioma. Sometimes palliative is used to reduce mesothelioma symptoms when surgery is no longer an option.

However, because radiation can be toxic to various organs and damage DNA when killing cancer cells, it is used with caution. Pleural mesothelioma patients are more likely to receive radiation than peritoneal patients because it is difficult to apply radiation to the stomach without damaging vital organs.

Choice of Mesothelioma Pleural Treatment

Other mesothelioma cancer treatment options control pleural symptoms and help doctors diagnose cancer. Noninvasive surgery is available to drain fluid that builds up in the chest, reducing disturbing symptoms.

Pleurodesis


Treat pleural effusion by removing fluid from the space between the visceral and parietal layers of the lung layer and closing the pleural space to prevent further buildup.


Thoracentesis

This older method for treating fluid pleural effusions drains but does not close the pleural space.


Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In addition to cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, another treatment option called paracentesis is available to relieve pain and pressure caused by excess stomach fluid.

Paracentesis

Mesothelioma Treatment

This procedure removes ascites, which is a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity. A tube drains fluid through a small abdominal incision.


Treatment Options for Pericardial Mesothelioma

There are limited treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma, a rare type of asbestos-related cancer that forms in the lining of the sac around the heart.

Pericardiocentesis

Remove excess fluid from the sac surrounding the heart using a thin needle and drainage tube.

Pericardiectomy

Pericardiectomy is a surgical removal of a tumor for pericardial mesothelioma. This procedure aims to remove as much cancer tissue as possible from the lining of the pericardial sac.

Pericardial window

The pericardial window removes part of the heart's lining to drain excess fluid around the heart.


Complementary Mesothelioma treatment

Most mesothelioma patients choose complementary therapies that improve their overall health and enhance their immune system. Examples include palliative care, alternative therapies and maintaining your physical health.

Palliative care

Palliative care involves any therapy that is used to relieve symptoms or improve quality of life.

If cancer has spread significantly, doctors usually recommend palliative care options for mesothelioma that can help relieve pain, respiratory problems and other cancer symptoms that reduce your quality of life.

Alternative therapy

Alternative and complementary treatment options do not treat the disease itself but focus on the patient mentally, emotionally and physically. They can be used with more traditional approaches to cancer treatment. This type of treatment is not a substitute for modern medicine and should not be used in a doctor's place or other medical professionals.

Massage, acupuncture, yoga, naturopathy and aromatherapy can be used to relieve pain or reduce stress that comes from traditional treatments. Patients in many countries have access to medical marijuana, which can help control cancer pain.

Physical Health Care

Many mesothelioma patients take steps to improve their overall health. Some patients focus on their emotional and mental health by joining support groups.

Others change their diet to improve nutrition. Some patients start a gentle exercise program to reduce fatigue.


New Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Some new mesothelioma treatment options in development include immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. They are used in clinical trials and can be standard treatment at some point. New treatments for mesothelioma are really tested in clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.

Clinical trial

Many mesothelioma patients are eligible for clinical trials that test for emerging treatments. Clinical trials also test new approaches to multimodal therapy and different combinations of chemotherapy drugs.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved several checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), for the treatment of various types of cancer. Mesothelioma can be next.

Photodynamic therapy

This therapy uses light energy to kill cancer cells. The doctor injects light-sensitive drugs into the patient. After a few days, special light is applied to the area, usually through a laser, to activate the drug and kill cancer cells.
 

Mesothelioma specialist

Doctors who specialize in mesothelioma include oncologists and thoracic surgeons. These doctors know how to treat mesothelioma and they often take a leadership role in mesothelioma clinical trials.

Some other types of doctors play a supportive role in mesothelioma treatments such as radiologists, palliative medicine doctors, pulmonologists, general practitioners, internal medicine specialists and occupational medicine doctors. Treating mesothelioma requires a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment.

Oncologist

A small number of oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. These oncologists always follow all the latest malignant mesothelioma treatment guidelines. Your oncologist will be the main doctor who oversees your care and chemotherapy that you may receive.

Your oncologist will also coordinate with other doctors involved in your care such as radiologists, surgeons, and palliative care doctors.

Thoracic Surgeon

A number of thoracic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures for mesothelioma. These doctors trained under other mesothelioma surgeons for years to get the expertise needed to perform this complex operation.

Care Center

Top specialists working in a recognized mesothelioma center. Some of the most famous mesothelioma specialists, such as Dr. David Sugarbaker at the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, trains young surgeons who have moved to other cities and treatment centers.

Dr. Jacques Fontaine at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Dr. Abraham Lebenthal at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston took Sugarbaker's expertise to others throughout the country.
 

How much is the average cost for Mesothelioma treatment?

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma can be expensive if you do not have health insurance or financial resources. Costs are difficult to determine because each case is unique.

The cost of chemotherapy varies depending on the type of cancer, the drug used and the patient's specific factors. The total cost for pemetrexed (Alimta) plus cisplatin - the most widely used combination of chemotherapy for mesothelioma first-line treatment - was $ 40,102, according to a 2013 cost-effectiveness study that compared drug partners with other chemotherapy regimens.

The estimated monthly cost of radiation therapy is $ 2,000, but the total cost depends on your health coverage and the amount of care you receive.

According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice, the average cost of a radiation therapy course for lung cancer patients is $ 9,000.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment - The most common treatment for mesothelioma involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Supportive care can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for many mesothelioma patients.

There are several types of treatment available for patients with mesothelioma, some recommended more than others. The most commonly used treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In addition, some experimental treatments are becoming more common in clinical trials. These treatments include photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, among others.

After a patient begins to demonstrate mesothelioma symptoms and a diagnosis occurs, the next step is possible. Treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy and Asbestos.com offers mesothelioma patients and their loved ones comprehensive information about current treatment options and new developments in a complimentary informational packet available here

The most common mesothelioma treatments recommended by doctors for patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients often have multiple treatments for combat the disease, which is known as multimodality therapy. The combination of aggressive treatments helps combat cancer in various ways, helping to improve the patient's life expectancy.

Experimental procedures, such as immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and gene therapy are also utilized by mesothelioma patients. However, since these treatments are still in the experimental stage, they are usually only available through clinical trials.

Recent clinical trials on mesothelioma have investigated photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy, both finding resutls that warrent further research. Patients who participate in a clinical trial contribute to the discovery of mesothelioma cure through testing and medications.

Treatment helps people live longer with malignant mesothelioma. While curative treatment results are rare, a treatment approach called multimodal therapy can help certain patients live for years with cancer.

Multimodal therapy combines treatments to kill cancer cells in various ways. Specialists consider it the best treatment for mesothelioma.

Patients diagnosed at an early stage often qualify for a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Multimodal therapy for end-stage patients may involve chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The most common treatment options for mesothelioma include:
  • Operation 
  • Chemotherapy 
  • Radiation therapy
 
New and experimental therapies are available through clinical trials. Some of these therapies include targeted therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy.

Various types of mesothelioma require special care. Various operations and chemotherapy drugs are used in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma compared to peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

Life expectancy of untreated Mesothelioma is about four to six months for the average patient diagnosed in stage 3 or stage 4. Treatment of transfer at this stage often helps patients live at least one year.

Those diagnosed in stage 1 or stage 2 who undergo aggressive treatment can live for years with mesothelioma.


What are the types of mesothelioma surgery at this time?

Current types of surgery for pleural mesothelioma include extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy and decortation (P / D). Thoracotomy is the first part of EPP or P / D surgery. This allows the doctor to operate the organs in the chest. Surgeons can also use a diagnostic procedure called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which inserts a small camera through small pieces in the chest to see the lungs. VAT allows doctors to look into the chest and take biopsy samples. The main operation for peritoneal mesothelioma is cytoreductive surgery, also known as debulking surgery.


Mesothelioma Treatment

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)

EPP removes lung cancer and all nearby areas where mesothelioma spreads. This can include nearby lymph nodes, part of the lining of the chest, lining of the heart and diaphragm.

Pleurectomy and Decortication (P / D)

P / D widens the lungs and only removes cancerous parts in the pleural layer, chest wall and diaphragm.

Cytoreductive Surgery

Cytoreductive surgery removes cancerous growth from the lining of the stomach. Also known as debulking surgery or peritonectomy, this procedure is often followed by heated chemotherapy.


What are the Options for Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma?

The standard and most effective first-line chemotherapy regimen for patients with pleural mesothelioma is a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta). The combination of pemetrexed and carboplatin often results in the same results but with fewer side effects.

These drugs are usually sent by infusion into the bloodstream. Sometimes, doctors heat chemotherapy drugs and release them locally after surgery rather than throughout the bloodstream.

In the 2016 study, researchers at Wayne State University found mesothelioma patients who received one combination of chemotherapy lasted three times longer than patients without chemotherapy.

If cancer grows, patients can undergo second-line chemotherapy with other drugs, including:
  • Carboplatin 
  • Gemcitabine 
  • Doxorubicin

Other chemotherapy drugs tested in mesothelioma include onconase, navelbine, raltitrexed and mitomycin.

HIPEC

Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the most effective treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

In this procedure, heated chemotherapy drugs are sent directly into the abdominal cavity after cytoreductive surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells.

According to a 2013 study at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, the average survival rate for peritoneal patients undergoing HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery was 41 months. Those who returned for the second procedure survived an average of 80 months.

Intrapitoneal chemotherapy can also be given without surgery and with chemotherapy at normal room temperature.

HITHOC

Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) is an experimental version of HIPEC for people with pleural mesothelioma.

HITHOC provides heated chemotherapy throughout the chest cavity after pleurectomy and decortication.

At present, HITHOC is not as successful as HIPEC, but doctors are optimistic that the procedure can be improved. Some studies have reported longer survival among patients receiving HITHOC.


Other Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Chemotherapy and surgery are mainly used to prolong survival, while radiation therapy and other therapies are mainly used to control symptoms. However, radiation therapy can reduce the risk of local recurrence in addition to increasing chest pain.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays or protons, to target cancer cells.

This is used to control chest pain by shrinking mesothelioma tumors that press against the chest wall. When combined with surgery, radiation therapy can reduce the risk of local recurrence.

Some doctors apply radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor to make it easier to remove.

Radiation often does not have strong chemotherapy side effects, and can help reduce the physical pain of mesothelioma. Sometimes palliative is used to reduce mesothelioma symptoms when surgery is no longer an option.

However, because radiation can be toxic to various organs and damage DNA when killing cancer cells, it is used with caution. Pleural mesothelioma patients are more likely to receive radiation than peritoneal patients because it is difficult to apply radiation to the stomach without damaging vital organs.

Choice of Mesothelioma Pleural Treatment

Other mesothelioma cancer treatment options control pleural symptoms and help doctors diagnose cancer. Noninvasive surgery is available to drain fluid that builds up in the chest, reducing disturbing symptoms.

Pleurodesis


Treat pleural effusion by removing fluid from the space between the visceral and parietal layers of the lung layer and closing the pleural space to prevent further buildup.


Thoracentesis

This older method for treating fluid pleural effusions drains but does not close the pleural space.


Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In addition to cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, another treatment option called paracentesis is available to relieve pain and pressure caused by excess stomach fluid.

Paracentesis

Mesothelioma Treatment

This procedure removes ascites, which is a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity. A tube drains fluid through a small abdominal incision.


Treatment Options for Pericardial Mesothelioma

There are limited treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma, a rare type of asbestos-related cancer that forms in the lining of the sac around the heart.

Pericardiocentesis

Remove excess fluid from the sac surrounding the heart using a thin needle and drainage tube.

Pericardiectomy

Pericardiectomy is a surgical removal of a tumor for pericardial mesothelioma. This procedure aims to remove as much cancer tissue as possible from the lining of the pericardial sac.

Pericardial window

The pericardial window removes part of the heart's lining to drain excess fluid around the heart.


Complementary Mesothelioma treatment

Most mesothelioma patients choose complementary therapies that improve their overall health and enhance their immune system. Examples include palliative care, alternative therapies and maintaining your physical health.

Palliative care

Palliative care involves any therapy that is used to relieve symptoms or improve quality of life.

If cancer has spread significantly, doctors usually recommend palliative care options for mesothelioma that can help relieve pain, respiratory problems and other cancer symptoms that reduce your quality of life.

Alternative therapy

Alternative and complementary treatment options do not treat the disease itself but focus on the patient mentally, emotionally and physically. They can be used with more traditional approaches to cancer treatment. This type of treatment is not a substitute for modern medicine and should not be used in a doctor's place or other medical professionals.

Massage, acupuncture, yoga, naturopathy and aromatherapy can be used to relieve pain or reduce stress that comes from traditional treatments. Patients in many countries have access to medical marijuana, which can help control cancer pain.

Physical Health Care

Many mesothelioma patients take steps to improve their overall health. Some patients focus on their emotional and mental health by joining support groups.

Others change their diet to improve nutrition. Some patients start a gentle exercise program to reduce fatigue.


New Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Some new mesothelioma treatment options in development include immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. They are used in clinical trials and can be standard treatment at some point. New treatments for mesothelioma are really tested in clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.

Clinical trial

Many mesothelioma patients are eligible for clinical trials that test for emerging treatments. Clinical trials also test new approaches to multimodal therapy and different combinations of chemotherapy drugs.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved several checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), for the treatment of various types of cancer. Mesothelioma can be next.

Photodynamic therapy

This therapy uses light energy to kill cancer cells. The doctor injects light-sensitive drugs into the patient. After a few days, special light is applied to the area, usually through a laser, to activate the drug and kill cancer cells.
 

Mesothelioma specialist

Doctors who specialize in mesothelioma include oncologists and thoracic surgeons. These doctors know how to treat mesothelioma and they often take a leadership role in mesothelioma clinical trials.

Some other types of doctors play a supportive role in mesothelioma treatments such as radiologists, palliative medicine doctors, pulmonologists, general practitioners, internal medicine specialists and occupational medicine doctors. Treating mesothelioma requires a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment.

Oncologist

A small number of oncologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. These oncologists always follow all the latest malignant mesothelioma treatment guidelines. Your oncologist will be the main doctor who oversees your care and chemotherapy that you may receive.

Your oncologist will also coordinate with other doctors involved in your care such as radiologists, surgeons, and palliative care doctors.

Thoracic Surgeon

A number of thoracic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures for mesothelioma. These doctors trained under other mesothelioma surgeons for years to get the expertise needed to perform this complex operation.

Care Center

Top specialists working in a recognized mesothelioma center. Some of the most famous mesothelioma specialists, such as Dr. David Sugarbaker at the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, trains young surgeons who have moved to other cities and treatment centers.

Dr. Jacques Fontaine at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Dr. Abraham Lebenthal at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston took Sugarbaker's expertise to others throughout the country.
 

How much is the average cost for Mesothelioma treatment?

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma can be expensive if you do not have health insurance or financial resources. Costs are difficult to determine because each case is unique.

The cost of chemotherapy varies depending on the type of cancer, the drug used and the patient's specific factors. The total cost for pemetrexed (Alimta) plus cisplatin - the most widely used combination of chemotherapy for mesothelioma first-line treatment - was $ 40,102, according to a 2013 cost-effectiveness study that compared drug partners with other chemotherapy regimens.

The estimated monthly cost of radiation therapy is $ 2,000, but the total cost depends on your health coverage and the amount of care you receive.

According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice, the average cost of a radiation therapy course for lung cancer patients is $ 9,000.
Mesothelioma Treatment