Mesothelioma may be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, pleurectomy, or radiation therapy. In more severe cases, such as stage 4 lung cancer, the survival rate is so low that the treatment may simply consist of palliative procedures, focusing on the symptoms rather than curing the disease. Side effects of chemotherapy can be severe and the aggressive treatment may be more devastating than simply managing the symptoms through palliative care.
The following are surgical treatments for mesothelioma:
Pleurectomy/Decortications – During the earlier stages of mesothelioma, there is the attempt to remove all tumors. If the tumor cannot be removed without the lung’s surface, then the whole lung must be removed, which is known as a pneumonectomy.
Extra Pleural Pneumonectomy – This is the surgical removal of the entire lung. Many health care professionals say this is the best treatment for survival, but the side effects are internal bleeding and respiratory failure.
Non-surgical treatments include the following:
Radiation Therapy – this treatment involves the use of high-dose radiation to eliminate or reduce malignant tumor cells. The radiation used can be high-energy x-rays, neutrons, photons, cobalt or other sources of radiation. Radiation can be administered by way of internal radiation therapy, external-beam radiation therapy, or radioisotopes. Internal radiation treatment delivers radiation through, needles, wires, or catheters and placed nearby or directly into the tumor being targeted.
Radiation therapy may be used exclusively or in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery. As with all forms of cancer treatment, radiation therapy can produce side effects. Possible side effects from radiation treatment include temporary or permanent hair loss in the targeted area, skin irritation, temporary change in skin pigmentation in the treated area, and fatigue.
Chemotherapy– this treatment uses specific chemical agents or drugs that are supposed to kill malignant cancer cells and tissue. Alimta® (pemetrexed), plus cisplatin is used for malignant mesothelioma. It is an injection that reduces cellular protein stimulation in cancer cells.
The purpose of chemotherapy is to regulate cancer cells by preventing them from spreading into other parts of the body or slow its growth rate. It is used to decrease the size of tumors prior to surgical treatment. It is also used to kill remaining cancerous cells. Any symptoms of pain are relieved too.
Our attorneys are also familiar with new mesothelioma treatments, including:
Photodynamic Therapy - This treatment utilizes photo sensitizers and light to form oxygen to kill infected cells. The photo sensitizer is injected into the bloodstream. Then it is absorbed by the cells, staying in the infected cancer cells for approximately 24 to 72 hours. After, the tumor is exposed and absorbs light that forms oxygen attacking the surrounding cancer cells.
Immunotherapy - Developed to repair, rejuvenate, and enhance the body’s immune system through the function of biological response modifiers. Biological response modifiers influence the body’s immune system, which improves the ability to fight disease. They contain various hormones, antioxidants, and cytokines aiding in the functions of the immune system.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy - Regulated doses of radiation are delivered to the malignant tumor site. It conforms to the shape and the size of the tumor, while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. It also reduces the side effects.
Gene Therapy - This is a newer form of treatment that contains the introduction of a new gene into a cell. The new gene is used to replace the functions of the older and defective genes.
For more information or to speak with an experienced Newark, New Jersey asbestos and mesothelioma lawyer, contact Keefe Bartels .
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