The National Cancer Institute describes mesothelioma as a cancer that arises in the lining of the chest or abdomen. It is thought that exposure to asbestos increases the risk of later developing mesothelioma. It is a rare cancer, with the American Cancer Society estimating approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new diagnoses yearly in the United States. Currently, there are three main standard treatments for this cancer: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Sometimes a combination of these treatments are used.
Surgery
There are various different types of surgery that can be done for mesothelioma. One type is called a wide local excision, which is when only the cancer and a surrounding area of healthy tissue are removed. Another kind of surgery is called a pleurectomy and decortication, which entails removing part of the covering of the lungs, chest lining, and part of the surface of the lungs. An extrapleural pneumonectomy removes one complete lung, part of the chest lining, the diaphragm and the lining of the sac that surrounds the heart. The last surgical procedure is done chemically. It is called pleurodesis, and the medications cause a scar in the space between the pleural layers.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation can be given externally by a machine or internally with radioactive material sealed into seeds, capsules or wires. The way radiation is used to treat mesothelioma depends on the extent and type of mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs that interfere with the growth of cancer cells and help to kill them. It can be taken by mouth, given intravenously or inserted into a body cavity like the abdomen. The route of administration depends on the regimen decided upon and the drugs being given. According to the American Cancer Society, the two main drugs used in treating mesothelioma are premetrexed (brand name Alimta) and cisplatin. Other drugs that can be used include gemcitabine, carboplatin, methotrexate, doxorubicin and vinblastine.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies that enable researchers to test new types of therapies and see how effective they are in treating disease. Participants are closely monitored throughout the study, and can leave the study at any time. Current clinical trials for mesothelioma include the use of biologic therapy, which are drugs that help use the immune system to fight the cancer. If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, it is best that you talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits, and whether it is right for you.
Follow-Up
Sometimes during or after treatment, more tests are needed to reevaluate the stage of the cancer, or to monitor how effective the treatment is. After treatment ends, occasional testing may be done to monitor for any recurrence of the mesothelioma, or to see if there have been any changes due to the treatment.
Recurrent Mesothelioma Treatment
When mesothelioma recurs, treatment usually comes from clinical trials. Treatment options include a clinical trial of biologic therapy, a clinical trial of chemotherapy or a surgical clinical trial, according to the National Cancer Institute.
