Mesothelioma is a cancer linked to asbestos exposure. While it is more rare than other forms of cancer, it has treatment options that are geared towards prolonging the life of the patient and managing symptoms. Personalized plans are usually recommended because no two patients will react the same way to treatment.
A multidisciplinary care team is also recommended to provide good patient care and manage any side effects that may result from the treatments. Multimodal approaches consider the stage of the cancer, the location, and the patient's health to recommend the appropriate treatment.
Surgery
This is the common option for early-stage mesothelioma patients. It has a five-year survival rate of 50% to 69%, which can be boosted if the cancer is discovered on time. Common surgery procedures include pleurectomy (lung-sparing) or extrapleural pneumonectomy. Surgeries are typically followed up by chemotherapy or radiation to target any cancerous cells that were missed during the surgery.
The downside is that only about 10% to 20% of patients qualify for surgeries due to comorbidities or the extent of the disease. There are also risks associated with these procedures, including infection, bleeding, and prolonged recovery. The upside is that patients who qualify for surgery have the best chance for long-term control since it usually means the cancer was spotted early, so treatment tends to be more effective.
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses drugs to shrink tumors and manage symptoms. It can be used across any stage of cancer, and 32% to 39% of patients qualify for this treatment process. It is administered intravenously in cycles of three weeks and targets rapidly dividing cancer cells. One downside about this treatment is that it also targets healthy cells and can cause side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and low blood counts.
In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, heated chemotherapy is delivered straight into the abdomen for better penetration during surgery. Chemotherapy can extend patients' lives and improve their quality of life for months. A weakness of this treatment is that patients may develop resistance, requiring a switch to other options to continue treatment.
Immunotherapy
This is an FDA-approved treatment as a first-line treatment for mesothelioma. It boosts the immune system to attack cancer cells and has been shown to increase a patient's survival to as much as 18 months. It has a better life-prolonging rate than when only chemo is used.
It is administered via IV infusion every few weeks and has fewer side effects, such as fatigue, rash, thyroid issues, and ongoing immune effects post-treatment. Some trials show two- to three-year survival rates for patients, especially those eligible for surgery. This treatment is also used in combination with chemotherapy to improve overall effectiveness.
Radiation Therapy
This cancer treatment is usually recommended for eligible patients. Using organizations like Mesothelioma Hope to get treatment will get personalized care tailored to their needs. Radiation therapy uses energy beams to target cancerous cells or areas that cause symptoms. It is often used post surgery to eliminate residual cancerous cells, fluid buildup, or to palliate pain.
This is done through daily sessions over several weeks, either with brachytherapy or external beam. This procedure minimizes damage to healthy tissues, but some side effects include skin irritation, lung inflammation, and fatigue. It is rarely used alone, but it is used to improve multimodal outcomes.
Endnotes
A mesothelioma diagnosis is challenging, but it's best when caught early, so you can achieve the best possible outcomes with your treatment. If you have lived or worked in an environment with exposure to asbestos, it is important to get checked for possible cancerous infections. Treatment should be started immediately to increase the chances of beating the cancer.