Fact 7: Treatment Options are Varied
When diagnosed with mesothelioma, one of the initial challenges for patients and healthcare providers alike is determining the best course of action in terms of treatment. Fortunately, over the years, research has led to a proliferation of options. These range from surgical interventions to chemotherapy, radiation, and even experimental treatments in clinical trials. Tailoring the ideal treatment plan involves a careful consideration of the patient’s overall health, the type and stage of mesothelioma, and the goals of treatment – be it curative intent or symptom relief.
Surgery, often seen as the most direct approach, aims to remove the tumor from the body. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s health, surgical options might include pleurectomy or extrapleural pneumonectomy. While the former involves removing the lining of the lungs, the latter is more intensive and involves the removal of an entire lung. Naturally, the choice between the two hinges on a careful risk-benefit analysis and the potential for improved life quality post-operation.
Chemotherapy, often administered in conjunction with radiation, has been a mainstay in the fight against mesothelioma. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their multiplication, while radiation aims to destroy cancer cells using high-energy rays. Both can be used before surgery to shrink tumors or post-surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Their combined use, called chemoradiation, can amplify the beneficial effects, but it also heightens the risk of side effects.
As research delves deeper into the intricacies of mesothelioma, newer treatment modalities are emerging. These range from targeted therapy, which attacks specific cancer cells without affecting healthy ones, to immunotherapy, harnessing the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Clinical trials offer a beacon of hope, testing novel drugs or treatment combinations that could be the next big breakthrough.
When curative treatments aren’t feasible, the focus pivots to improving the patient’s quality of life. Palliative treatments address symptoms like pain, difficulty breathing, or fluid buildup. Beyond physical relief, palliative care underscores the importance of psychological and emotional support, providing a holistic approach to patient care. (7)
