How Is Mesothelioma Treated?
When determining which treatment type is best for the patient, mesothelioma doctors will consider mesothelioma type, cell type and patient characteristics. The patient’s age and overall health may limit what treatment options are viable. The stage of cancer is also an influential factor. If the disease is localized, more treatment options are available than if spreading has occurred.
Key Facts About Mesothelioma Treatment
- Standard treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.
- Combination of the above treatments known as multimodal therapy has proven most effective.
- Palliative care can reduce painful symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Clinical trials offer access to emerging therapies for patients who qualify.
- Patients can improve life expectancy through standard and emerging treatments.
“Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, a medical oncologist will review all potential treatment options available to the patient. But given the rarity of the disease, patients should consult with an experienced mesothelioma expert to determine the best treatment plan for them.”
Thoracic Surgeon
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following standard mesothelioma treatment options:
Surgery
For qualified patients with an early-stage mesothelioma diagnosis, surgery can be used to remove all or most of the tumor(s). Depending on the tumor location, surgery may include removing the mesothelial lining, one or more lymph nodes, or part or all of a lung or other organ. Mesothelioma surgeries that have shown success include a pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP).
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. Often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy can kill any remaining mesothelioma cells and help prevent recurrence. Common chemotherapy drugs include Alimta® (pemetrexed), Cisplatin and Gemcitabine.
Radiation Therapy
Through the use of targeted radiation, mesothelioma cells can be killed after surgery, or in situations where tumors are causing symptoms like pain. Two primary types of radiation for mesothelioma include external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy drugs use the patient’s own immune system to kill cancer cells. They have improved survival for many mesothelioma patients. These drugs may come with more tolerable side effects than chemo.
The effectiveness of different immunotherapy drugs continues to be tested, particularly when used during a multimodal treatment plan. Opdivo and Yervoy are effective immunotherapy drugs that target different immune system checkpoints, while Keytruda is used for patients whose cancer worsens after initial treatments.
Dr. F. Perry Wilson discusses some of the available mesothelioma treatment options.
Multimodal Therapy
In many cases, mesothelioma specialists will recommend a multimodal approach, which combines surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, or even emerging treatments in some cases. In various studies, multimodal treatment has been shown to be more effective than any of the individual treatments alone.
In particular, surgery with heated chemo has had encouraging results in both main types of mesothelioma. With this approach, doctors reported 50% of pleural mesothelioma patients lived 3.5+ years. And in peritoneal mesothelioma, patients had a 5-year survival rate higher than 50%.
Chemoimmunotherapy
This newer treatment uses chemo and immunotherapy. The two types of drugs may be more effective together than alone. In a recent study, chemoimmunotherapy stopped the growth of some mesothelioma tumors.
One version of chemoimmunotherapy recently earned approval as a primary treatment for pleural mesothelioma. The approval applies to Keytruda with standard chemotherapy.
Treatment Options by Type of Mesothelioma
Doctors will consider the type of mesothelioma and cancer stage when determining the best mesothelioma treatment. Pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are the two most common types of the disease. These forms may have more treatment options available compared to rarer types of mesothelioma.
Palliative Care for Mesothelioma Patients
Palliative mesothelioma treatment is used to manage cancer symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. Many patients find it helpful in reducing mesothelioma pain. Palliative care may be used alongside standard treatments or as a patient’s sole form of treatment.
Common Palliative Surgeries
Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment
Some mesothelioma patients decide to supplement cancer treatment with alternative medicine. Alternative therapies may help relieve the side effects of standard treatments.
Common alternative treatment options include:
- Chiropractic cancer treatment
- Healing touch and touch therapy for cancer
- Herbal medicines
- Medical marijuana
- Mind-body therapies
- Nutritional therapies
Mesothelioma Nutrition and Self-Care
Some mesothelioma patients incorporate nutrition and mental health therapies into their treatment plans. Meeting nutritional needs may help support vital organ function during cancer treatment. In addition, mental health care may help patients deal with the stress and emotional toll of mesothelioma treatment.
Some patients also find mesothelioma support groups heartening. A support group may provide a comfortable environment in which patients can discuss their individual approaches to diet, nutrition and self-care.
Mesothelioma Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Researchers are continuously making advancements in mesothelioma treatment. In medical studies called clinical trials, doctors test the safety and efficacy of emerging drugs and treatments. Experimental therapies may be an option for patients who are not responding to traditional types of treatment.
Emerging Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Emerging treatments are currently only available through clinical trials. These experimental therapies could become standard treatment options for mesothelioma if proven safe and effective.
Targeted Therapy
This treatment uses drugs that target specific parts of cancer cells. Targeted therapies interfere with a tumor’s ability to grow and spread to other areas. Avastin® (bevacizumab) is a targeted therapy sometimes used to treat mesothelioma. It may help prolong survival when added to standard chemotherapy.
Mesothelioma Doctors and Cancer Centers
There are doctors and cancer centers around the United States who specialize in treating malignant mesothelioma. Working with top mesothelioma doctors can provide patients with the best treatment plan possible.
“Locating a doctor who was an expert in treating mesothelioma made all of the difference in my ability to beat this cancer.”
Heather Von St. James
Mesothelioma survivor
Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek care from experienced doctors. Trained mesothelioma doctors understand the disease and the latest research.
Best Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can be referred to a specialized cancer center. Many of these institutions are connected to top medical universities.
Finding the Best Mesothelioma Treatment for You
Mesothelioma specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the best approach even for tough cases. They consider the type and stage of cancer alongside your overall health and personal goals.
In general, mesothelioma doctors know more about its treatment than general oncologists. Working with a mesothelioma expert at a top cancer center can help you get the best care. Larger hospitals often have patient navigators who can help ease the stress of a new treatment schedule.
Mesothelioma survivor Heather Von St. James talks about her treatment options.
Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
Pleural mesothelioma treatment costs range from about $30,000 to $75,000 in the first year. Multiple factors may affect total treatment cost, including insurance coverage and treatment approach. Patients and their loved ones may find it beneficial to make financial plans early in the treatment process. This may help reduce stress and ease financial burdens.
Insurance may cover some portion of mesothelioma treatment costs. Patients may also qualify for various forms of financial assistance. A mesothelioma lawyer can help patients determine the best financial approach.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Treatment
- What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?
- What is the best treatment for mesothelioma?
Research shows multimodal treatments are the most effective for mesothelioma. Treatment plans vary based on each case, but some combos have extended survival by years:
- Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation extended pleural mesothelioma survival beyond 39 months.
- Surgery and heated chemotherapy extended peritoneal mesothelioma survival beyond 8.3 years.
Mesothelioma specialists can help patients determine the best approach for your unique situation.
- What can I do to help reduce side effects from mesothelioma treatment?
Side effects from mesothelioma treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment and may be different for each patient. While most side effects go away after treatment, there are ways to manage and reduce them.
It’s important to talk regularly and openly with your healthcare team about any side effects throughout your treatment. Based on your symptoms, a mesothelioma specialist may recommend:
- Medications: Anti-nausea drugs, pain relievers, and other prescribed medications can help ease symptoms.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet (limit processed foods and red meat and avoid alcohol) and engage in light exercise.
- Rest & Relaxation: Get enough sleep and try stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation or acupuncture.
- Support System: Seek help from family, friends, support groups, therapists or palliative care professionals.
By combining medical treatments with healthy habits and emotional support, you can better manage side effects and improve your overall well-being.
- Is mesothelioma curable if treated early?
While mesothelioma does not yet have a definitive cure, early detection provides more treatment options. This leads to better outcomes, improved quality of life and extended survival. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help manage the disease, and in some cases, lead to remission.Patients diagnosed at stage 1 tend to have a better prognosis and a longer life expectancy than those diagnosed in later stages of mesothelioma:
- Stage 1 pleural mesothelioma patients live about 21 months with treatment, with 41% surviving at least 2 years.
- Stage 1 peritoneal mesothelioma patients often survive more than 5.5 years with treatment.
Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment offer the best chance for living longer and better symptom management.
