When you hear you have mesothelioma, it can feel like the world has stopped. This cancer is rare and tough, but there’s hope. With the right treatment, many people can beat it. It’s all about finding specialists who know how to fight this cancer with a plan just for you.
Imagine living more time with your loved ones, even with mesothelioma. New treatments are making that possible. They offer hope with things like advanced surgery and new medicines. These changes mean more ways to live longer and better1.
Key Takeaways
- Mesothelioma patients who get a mix of treatments like surgery, chemo, and radiation can live 21-38 months or more1.
- Drugs like Opdivo® and Yervoy® have helped pleural mesothelioma patients live about 4 months longer than chemo alone1.
- People with peritoneal mesothelioma who had surgery and HIPEC lived almost 4.5 years on average1.
- New treatments have made living with mesothelioma better over the last 20 years2.
- Vets are often hit hard by mesothelioma because they were exposed to a lot of asbestos in the military2.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lungs or abdomen. It happens in the lining of these areas, known as the pleura or peritoneum3. This cancer is mainly caused by asbestos, a mineral used for its heat resistance. It can take decades to show up, often when the cancer has spread3.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma
There are two main types of mesothelioma: pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common, found in the lungs’ lining, making up about 75% of cases3. Peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the abdomen, makes up 10-20% of cases3.
Pleural mesothelioma is more common, but peritoneal mesothelioma has a better outlook. It’s often caught early, which helps with treatment3. Pleural mesothelioma stages are labeled with Roman numerals, with lower numbers meaning less spread3.
Treating mesothelioma is tough because it’s often found late3. But, new treatments and research give hope to patients. They can manage symptoms and maybe live longer3.
Mesothelioma Treatment: Options and Approaches
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that needs a detailed treatment plan. Doctors often use a mix of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to manage symptoms and increase survival chances4.
Surgery for Mesothelioma
Surgery is key in fighting mesothelioma, aiming to remove tumors and stop cancer cells from spreading. The type of surgery depends on the cancer’s stage and location. Doctors might do extrapleural pneumonectomy, pleurectomy/decortication, or cytoreductive surgery to shrink the tumor45.
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
If surgery isn’t possible, chemotherapy is used to help patients live longer. This treatment sends anti-cancer drugs through the blood to kill cancer cells. Most patients get a mix of cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta®)6.
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma
Radiation therapy is a less invasive way to fight mesothelioma. It uses high-energy waves to kill or damage cancer cells, making tumors smaller. The Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers this treatment5.
Doctors tailor mesothelioma treatments to each patient’s needs. The treatment plan depends on the cancer stage, tumor size, fluid buildup, and overall health4.
“The best mesothelioma treatments vary based on individual factors and recommendations from mesothelioma specialists.”6
Combining two or more cancer treatments is common to improve mesothelioma treatment results6. New treatments like gene therapy and photodynamic therapy are being tested in clinical trials to help patients live longer and better6.
Working with a team of mesothelioma experts helps patients get the latest and most effective treatments. This approach aims to manage the disease and enhance life quality5.
Surgery for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. Surgery is a key part of treatment for many patients. Specialists perform surgeries to remove tumors and stop cancer cells from spreading. These surgeries can also help reduce pain for those with advanced mesothelioma7.
For pleural mesothelioma, a common surgery is Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP). This surgery removes the affected lung, chest lining, diaphragm, and heart lining. But, about 1 in 3 patients face major complications after EPP7. Many doctors now prefer Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D) because it’s less invasive and has fewer complications7.
Debulking is the main surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. It aims to remove as much tumor as possible. Sometimes, intraoperative or intraperitoneal chemotherapy, including heated intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC), is used with surgery7. Testicular mesothelioma is rare and surgery is mostly done when the tumor looks like a hernia, making full removal hard7.
The surgery type for mesothelioma depends on the hospital, surgeon, patient’s case, and health7. Not all patients can have aggressive surgery. In such cases, surgeries for symptom relief, like pleurodesis or PleurX catheter placement, may be done8.
Surgery’s role in treating mesothelioma is always changing. Clinical trials are looking into different surgical methods, often with chemotherapy9. As research grows, patients and their doctors can choose the best surgery options to manage the disease and improve life quality.
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy is a key treatment for mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos. It affects the lungs, abdomen, or heart lining10. Doctors often use it with surgery and radiation to improve treatment results and patient outcomes11.
For certain types of mesothelioma, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink tumors and remove cancer cells10. The usual treatment for pleural mesothelioma combines pemetrexed (Alimta®) and cisplatin, given every three weeks for a few cycles12. For peritoneal mesothelioma, a treatment called HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly to the abdomen during surgery10.
Chemotherapy can cause side effects like mouth sores and nausea, but these can be managed by healthcare teams10. If standard treatments don’t work, patients might join clinical trials for new treatments like immunotherapy12.
At NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, mesothelioma specialists offer full care and support during chemotherapy. They aim to give patients the best treatment and help them manage side effects10.
| Chemotherapy Drugs | Dosage and Frequency | Mechanism of Action | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisplatin and Pemetrexed (Alimta®) | Every 21 days for 2-4 cycles | Cisplatin damages DNA to kill cancer cells, while Pemetrexed disrupts cell division | Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, kidney problems |
| Carboplatin, Doxorubicin, Gemcitabine, Vinorelbine | Varies depending on the drug and combination | Different mechanisms to target and kill cancer cells | Varied side effects, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and increased infection risk |
| Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) + Chemotherapy | Combination approved for priority review by FDA in May 2024 | Keytruda is an immunotherapy that activates the immune system to fight cancer, while chemotherapy kills cancer cells directly | Immune-related side effects, as well as typical chemotherapy side effects |
“More than 80% of cancer patients receive chemotherapy, improving symptoms and quality of life.”12
In summary, chemotherapy is vital in treating mesothelioma, often paired with other treatments to improve outcomes11. At NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, specialists are skilled in giving chemotherapy and handling its side effects. They provide full care and support to their patients101211.
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma
Radiation therapy is a less invasive way to treat mesothelioma compared to surgery. It uses high-energy waves to kill cancer cells, making tumors smaller or weaker13. Photon beam radiation can shrink tumors but might harm healthy tissue13. Particle radiation, using electrons or protons, is more precise and less damaging13.
This therapy can help some patients live longer13 and is linked to good outcomes13. It can also ease symptoms, improve life quality, and avoid surgeries that could affect mental health13. Plus, it can reduce cancer symptoms and shrink tumors13.
There are different types of radiation therapy for mesothelioma, like external and internal14. External beam radiation is common and works well for pleural mesothelioma14. Other options include 3-D conformal radiation, image-guided radiation, and proton therapy14. Internal radiation methods include brachytherapy and systemic radiation therapy14.
Combining radiation with surgery and chemotherapy can improve survival chances1314. For stage 3 or 4 mesothelioma, palliative radiation is often used to reduce tumors and ease symptoms13.
Mesotheliomas are hard to treat with radiation because they don’t grow as single tumors15. But, new techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can help control radiation better15. Side effects of radiation include fatigue, skin issues, hair loss, and lung or abdominal damage, especially with chemotherapy15. A team of doctors should help manage these side effects15.
In summary, radiation therapy is key in treating mesothelioma. It can extend life, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. By knowing the different types of radiation and their effects, patients can work with their doctors to find the best treatment.
Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma
Immunotherapy is a new hope for mesothelioma patients. This rare cancer attacks the lungs or abdomen lining. It boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells better.
In October 2020, the FDA approved Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Yervoy® (ipilimumab) for pleural mesothelioma16. These drugs are given through an IV. Nivolumab comes every 3 weeks, and ipilimumab every 6 weeks16. Treatment can go up to 2 years if the cancer stays stable and side effects are manageable16.
Immunotherapy is a top treatment for mesothelioma now, showing over a year more survival than old treatments17. Many patients do better with chemoimmunotherapy, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy, than just chemotherapy17.
The Opdivo and Yervoy combo has shown great results, with a median survival of 18.1 months for some patients17. Keytruda also works well against mesothelioma when it comes back after first treatment, giving patients about 18 months more to live17.
Immunotherapy can cause side effects that need careful watching and handling16. But its benefits make it a key option for those who can’t have surgery or have used up other treatments17.
Research and trials are still looking to improve and create new immunotherapy treatments for mesothelioma patients17. These efforts aim for better outcomes and quality of life for those facing this tough disease.
“Immunotherapy has been a game-changer for mesothelioma treatment, and I’m grateful to be a survivor thanks to the Keytruda I received. It’s like a magic bullet that’s allowed me to live my life to the fullest.” – Mesothelioma Survivor
The FDA’s approval of Opdivo and Yervoy, along with Keytruda’s success, brings hope to mesothelioma patients and their families17. As research moves forward, immunotherapy is set to be a key player in fighting this tough disease.
Emerging Treatments for Mesothelioma
Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have made big steps forward. Yet, researchers are looking into new ways to fight this tough cancer18. Gene therapy and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are showing new hope for better survival and outcomes19.
Gene Therapy and Immunotherapy
Gene therapy changes cancer cells’ DNA to make them easier to treat. Studies show that gene therapy with chemotherapy can help mesothelioma patients live up to 26 months longer19. Immunotherapies like the UV1 vaccine work well with treatments like Opdivo and Yervoy, almost doubling the success rate19.
Other new immunotherapies, like the GPS and WT1 vaccines, can help control the disease and increase survival time19.
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields)
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) use mild electric fields to stop cancer cells from growing. In a study, 40% of pleural mesothelioma patients saw their tumors shrink, and 57% saw no growth18. Since 2019, TTFields therapy has been added to treatment plans for mesothelioma, especially with chemotherapy19.
Emerging Combination Therapies
Researchers are looking at mixing different new treatments for mesothelioma, such as:
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal mesothelioma, giving a 75% 5-year survival rate20.
- The SMART protocol, which combines high-dose radiation, surgery, and treatment in a week, leading to a 42.8-month median survival for pleural mesothelioma patients20.
- Trimodality treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, resulting in a 39-month median survival for those who finished all three20.
As research advances, these new treatments offer hope for better outcomes and longer lives for those fighting this tough disease19.
Role of Mesothelioma Specialists
Mesothelioma is a rare and complex disease. It can be hard for patients and their families to understand the treatment options. Your best defense is getting a treatment plan designed by a top mesothelioma doctor at a cancer center specializing in this disease.21
Mesothelioma specialists are experts in treating this aggressive cancer. They work in teams to create treatment plans for each patient. They also do research and publish their findings in medical journals21. These specialists offer support to help patients and their families during tough times21.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has over 500 skilled specialists. They include doctors like medical oncologists and surgeons21. These experts go to conferences to learn about the latest in mesothelioma research and treatments21.
Patients can get help from the Mesothelioma Center’s network. They offer over 125 patient appointments for second opinions and virtual consultations21. The center picks specialists from top cancer centers in the U.S., like Moffitt Cancer Center21.
At the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Program, a team reviews each patient’s case carefully. They create a treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs22. This program is in New Jersey and is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center22.
“Successful treatment of mesothelioma requires coordination between oncology specialists and is best conducted at centers with expertise in managing the condition.”22
Mesothelioma is tough, but some patients live for years after diagnosis. Those who get the right treatments can live up to 5 years or more1. Patients with pleural mesothelioma can live 21 to 38 months with surgery and chemotherapy1. Those with peritoneal mesothelioma can live nearly 4.5 years with surgery and HIPEC1.
Choosing a mesothelioma specialist at a cancer center with lots of experience helps patients get the best treatments. This gives them a good chance of positive outcomes21221.
Multimodal Therapy for Mesothelioma
Doctors often use a mix of treatments for mesothelioma to help patients live longer. Multimodal therapy combines chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. This approach has shown to improve survival chances for mesothelioma patients.
About 44% of patients get chemotherapy or surgery23. Around 15% get both chemotherapy and surgery23. But, a mix of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy can double survival time to 32 months23.
For those with inoperable pleural mesothelioma, a mix of chemotherapy and immunotherapy can add almost 20% to survival time24. For peritoneal mesothelioma, combining surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can also improve survival chances24. Some patients have seen their survival time increase with repeated rounds of this treatment24.
New treatments like Tumor Treating Fields therapy are also showing promise. In a trial, over 97% of patients with pleural mesothelioma saw their tumors shrink or stop growing23. Another study found that a mix of treatments, including photodynamic therapy, helped patients live up to three years, with some living over seven years23.
Mesothelioma is a tough disease, but new treatments offer hope. By combining different therapies, doctors can tackle the disease’s complexity. Research is ongoing to find more effective treatments for mesothelioma patients.
“Multimodal therapy has extended survival beyond the common range of 18 to 31 months for mesothelioma patients, with some cases showing survival rates of more than six years in peritoneal mesothelioma.”
Together, new treatments, expert doctors, and patient determination can make a big difference in fighting mesothelioma. By exploring different therapy options, patients can find hope and spend more time with their loved ones232425.
Life Expectancy with Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. But, with treatment from a specialist, it can make a big difference in a patient’s life26. Patients with mesothelioma can live 12 to 21 months with treatment, compared to just 6 to 8 months without2627.
Before, mesothelioma was seen as a death sentence. But, thanks to new treatments, many patients now live long lives28. The median survival rate is when half of the patients in a study are still alive28.
Survival rates depend on the type of mesothelioma, its stage, and the patient’s age and health282627. For instance, pleural mesothelioma patients live about 18 months with treatment. On the other hand, peritoneal mesothelioma patients can live around 31 months2826.
Younger patients, diagnosed at 44 or younger, tend to live almost six times longer than those diagnosed at 75 or older28. Women also tend to live about 8 months longer than men on average28.
Early detection and treatment by a specialist at a cancer center are key to improving life expectancy with mesothelioma2627. With the right care, many mesothelioma patients are now living longer and spending more time with their loved ones28.
“I had my mind made up when I was diagnosed, but my wife Jan really encouraged me to see a specialist. That decision ended up giving me years I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
– Arthur “Art” Putt, Mesothelioma Survivor
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma
Patients with mesothelioma might join clinical trials to test new treatments, drugs, or therapies. These trials are key to improving mesothelioma care and outcomes29.
Over 70 clinical trials are now open for mesothelioma patients in the U.S29. Yet, only 14% of people said they joined a trial in 202329. Doctors and support groups urge eligible patients to look into these trials. They’ve led to new treatments approved by the FDA30.
Ongoing Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Studies for mesothelioma are always changing, covering many treatment ways. Here are some current trials:
- The Olaparib study for pleural mesothelioma in Chicago, Illinois, started in February 202129.
- The CAR T-Cell Therapy study in New York for pleural mesothelioma, started in October 202029.
- The Pembrolizumab study in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for pleural mesothelioma, started in January 202329.
- The Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab study in Chicago, Illinois for peritoneal mesothelioma, started in March 202229.
Many trials focus on immunotherapy, a new approach that’s shown promise for mesothelioma30.
| Trial Location | Trial Name | Mesothelioma Type | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Olaparib Study | Pleural | February 2021 |
| New York, NY | CAR T-Cell Therapy Study | Pleural | October 2020 |
| Philadelphia, PA | Pembrolizumab Study | Pleural | January 2023 |
| Chicago, IL | Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Study | Peritoneal | March 2022 |
Patients wanting to learn about trials should talk to their doctors and check out trusted websites. Sites like Asbestos.com, Mesothelioma.com, and Mayo Clinic list current trials30.
“Clinical trials are key to better mesothelioma treatments and new therapies. By joining, patients help develop treatments that could save lives.”
Mesothelioma Treatment Research
Researchers are always working on new treatments for mesothelioma. These treatments can make patients live longer, lessen side effects, and improve their life quality. The National Cancer Institute leads the fight against cancer, funding studies at universities and hospitals to find better treatments and ways to detect mesothelioma31.
Even though mesothelioma is rare, researchers are tackling it from different angles. They’re looking into how asbestos increases the risk, finding blood markers for early detection, and studying genes that affect risk31. Clinical trials are key for treating all stages of mesothelioma31. Between 1990 and 2019, fewer people died from mesothelioma, showing progress in treatment and life quality32.
New treatments like Anti-Angiogenics, Cryotherapy, Gene Therapy, and Immunotherapy are being tested in clinical trials33. Researchers are also looking into combining treatments to help mesothelioma patients more33. By March 2024, over 70 clinical trials were open for mesothelioma patients32. The FDA has fast-tracked immunotherapy and the UV1 cancer vaccine for treating pleural mesothelioma32.
FAQ
What is mesothelioma?
What are the common mesothelioma treatments?
How does surgery treat mesothelioma?
What is chemotherapy for mesothelioma?
How does radiation therapy treat mesothelioma?
What is immunotherapy for mesothelioma?
What are emerging treatments for mesothelioma?
Why is it important to see a mesothelioma specialist?
What is multimodal therapy for mesothelioma?
What is the life expectancy with mesothelioma treatment?
What are clinical trials for mesothelioma?
How does mesothelioma treatment research help patients?
Source Links
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- Why Is Surgery for Mesothelioma the Best Treatment? – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/surgery/
- Surgery for pleural mesothelioma – https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mesothelioma/treatment/surgery/pleural
- Chemotherapy for Malignant Mesothelioma – https://nyulangone.org/conditions/malignant-mesothelioma/treatments/chemotherapy-for-malignant-mesothelioma
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- Learn How Radiation Can Help Increase Mesothelioma Survival Time – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/radiation/
- Radiation Therapy for Malignant Mesothelioma – https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/treating/radiation.html
- Immunotherapy for mesothelioma – https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mesothelioma/treatment/immunotherapy
- Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma: Success Rates & Side Effects – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/immunotherapy/
- New Drug to Treat Mesothelioma Hailed as a Major Breakthrough – https://www.asbestos.com/news/2024/02/21/new-drug-mesothelioma-major-breakthrough/
- New Mesothelioma Treatments: Access Emerging Therapies – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/emerging-treatments/
- Experimental Treatments | New Therapies for Mesothelioma – https://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/experimental/
- Guide to Finding the Top Mesothelioma Doctors in the U.S. – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/doctors/
- Mesothelioma Treatment and Research Program – https://www.cinj.org/mesothelioma
- Multimodal Therapy for Mesothelioma: Combining Treatment Options – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/multimodal-therapy/
- Mesothelioma Multimodal Therapy | Survival, Types & Side Effects – https://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/multi-modality-treatment/
- Multimodality treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6198256/
- Mesothelioma Life Expectancy: What Factors Affect Your Prognosis? – https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/life-expectancy/
- Mesothelioma Life Expectancy | Factors & Ways to Improve – https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/mesothelioma/prognosis/life-expectancy/
- Mesothelioma Life Expectancy | Treatments to Improve Lifespan – https://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/prognosis/life-expectancy/
- Is a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Right for Me? – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/clinical-trials/
- Active Clinical Trials | Recruiting Mesothelioma Patients – https://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/clinical-trials/recruiting/
- What’s New in Malignant Mesothelioma Research? – https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/about/new-research.html
- Finding a Cure for Mesothelioma | Research & Treatments – https://www.mesotheliomahope.com/treatment/cure/
- Mesothelioma Cure: Is Mesothelioma Curable? – https://www.asbestos.com/treatment/mesothelioma-cure/