Mesothelioma cancer treatment commonly combines surgery, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. Patients may also receive radiation or supportive care. Treatment can provide symptom relief and extend life expectancy for mesothelioma patients.
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:
84%
Percentage of pleural mesothelioma patients in the U.S. who receive treatment:
71%
Number of ongoing mesothelioma clinical trials:
150+
World leader in mesothelioma clinical trials:
U.S.A.
01. Standard Mesothelioma 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. Clinical Trials & Treatments
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.
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
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.
04. Treatment by Type
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.
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.
Best 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 & Life Expectancy
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 patient and survivor Heather Von St. James talks about the treatment options her doctor presented to her when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
07. Treatment Cost
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.
08. Common Questions
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Treatment
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What is the standard treatment for mesothelioma?
- 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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What is the best treatment for mesothelioma?
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Multimodal treatments are the best treatments for mesothelioma, according to research:
- Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation extended pleural mesothelioma survival beyond 39 months.
- Surgery and heated chemotherapy extended peritoneal mesothelioma survival beyond 8.3 years.
The best treatment for each mesothelioma patient will depend on several factors. Mesothelioma specialists can help patients determine the best approach for their unique situation.
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What are the treatment options 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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