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 help alleviate painful symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Clinical trials offer access to emerging therapies.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following standard mesothelioma treatment options:
Surgery
For 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. Radical 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 has been shown to be successful in treating mesothelioma and other diseases by boosting the immune system. Used on its own or when combined with standard treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy has shown promising success in the treatment of mesothelioma, in some cases extending life expectancy by months or even years. 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.
“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
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 combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a heated chemotherapy wash applied directly to the abdominal cavity, has demonstrated around a 50% survival rate or higher for peritoneal mesothelioma patients in recent clinical studies. With aggressive multimodal plans, patients should be aware of all potential treatment side effects.
When conducting a multimodal treatment plan, doctors will refer to treatments as neoadjuvant, primary or adjuvant. The three types of treatments are determined based on the order that they are performed.
- Neoadjuvant therapy: Used before the primary treatment to shrink or reduce tumor size (commonly radiation or chemotherapy).
- Primary treatment: The main treatment type, used to remove as much of the cancer as possible (commonly surgery).
- Adjuvant therapy: Treatment performed after the primary treatment to kill remaining cancer cells (commonly 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. 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.
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.
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.
Mesothelioma Treatment and Life Expectancy
Life expectancy for mesothelioma patients commonly ranges from 18 to 31 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 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.
