The most common mesothelioma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Clinical trials also continue to test emerging treatments. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment can provide symptom relief and extend life expectancy.
Medical advisor Dr. F. Perry Wilson discusses some of the treatment options available for mesothelioma patients.
Key Facts
Pleural mesothelioma 1-year survival rate with multimodal treatment:
79%
Percentage of pleural mesothelioma patients in the U.S. who receive treatment:
58%
Number of ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials:
300+
World leader in mesothelioma clinical trials:
U.S.A.
01. Standard Treatments
How Is Mesothelioma Treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma cancer typically involves a combination of therapies. Doctors will determine an individual’s treatment plan based on cancer type, stage and patient characteristics. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following mesothelioma treatment options:
Surgery
Surgery can partially or fully remove cancerous tumors and affected lymph nodes.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs attack fast-growing mesothelioma cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation is used to kill mesothelioma cells and prevent cancer from spreading.
Multimodal Therapy
Multimodal therapy is a combination of two or more cancer treatments.
02. Trials & Treatments
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.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy modifies the genetic structure of cells to help kill cancer and improve the effectiveness of treatment.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
We offer assistance to those navigating mesothelioma treatment decisions and medical-related financial difficulties. Click the links to learn more about top mesothelioma doctors, cancer centers and financial support options.
03. Palliative Care
Palliative Care for Mesothelioma Patients
Palliative mesothelioma treatment is used to manage cancer symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. Palliative care may be used alongside standard treatments or as a patient’s sole form of treatment.
Common Palliative Surgeries
Pleurocentesis
A procedure that drains excess fluid from the pleural cavity.
Pleurodesis
A procedure that prevents fluid buildup by closing the pleural cavity.
Paracentesis
A procedure that drains excess fluid from the abdomen.
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
- Medical marijuana
- Mind-body therapies
- Nutritional and herbal supplements
04. Treatment by Type
Treatment 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.
05. Doctors & Cancer Centers
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.
Find Mesothelioma Doctors & Cancer Centers Near You
Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek care from doctors with extensive knowledge and experience treating the disease. Trained mesothelioma doctors understand the intricacies of the disease and are familiar with the latest trends in mesothelioma cancer research.
Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they can be referred to a specialized cancer center. These institutions are located throughout the country, and many are connected to top medical universities.
06. Treatment and Life Expectancy
Treatment and Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is 15 months. However, patients can improve life expectancy through standard and emerging treatments. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, doctors are constantly researching new ways to treat the disease. Each year, experts conduct hundreds of mesothelioma clinical trials in hopes of finding a cure.
Mesothelioma Survivorship
Mesothelioma patient and survivor Heather Von St. James talks about the treatment options her doctor presented to her when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Treatment
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How is mesothelioma usually treated?
- Mesothelioma is typically treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. The combination of treatments is referred to as multimodal therapy.
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Are there new methods for treating mesothelioma?
- Clinical trials continue to look for new mesothelioma treatments. Immunotherapy is an experimental treatment that has shown particular success.
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Can mesothelioma ever be cured?
- Researchers continue to search for a mesothelioma cure. Currently, early detection and treatment is the best way for patients to potentially improve their prognosis for mesothelioma.
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Written by
Linda Molinari Editor in Chief
Linda Molinari has more than 15 years of experience as a writer and advocate for mesothelioma patients and a ban on asbestos.
Full Bio Editorial Guidelines
James Stevenson, M.D. Thoracic Medical Oncologist
Dr. James Stevenson is an experienced medical oncologist specializing in mesothelioma and lung cancer treatment, currently practicing at the Cleveland Clinic.
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