Mesothelioma - New Treatment Approaches

A determination that you or someone close to you has Mesothelioma is very unfortunate. This form of cancer is usually discovered very late in its growth, which makes treatment extremely difficult and often renders it a terminal disease. There are, however, some new treatment approaches being researched.
Mesothelioma is a fairly rare cancer. It is general term that refers to cancer growths in the area of the Mesothelium. This is a lining found throughout the chest and abdomen area. The lining creates support for organs such as the lungs and heart while also creating a lubricated surface that allows them some movement. Mesothelioma is associated most closely with exposure to asbestos fibers that get into the lungs and then into the chest cavity.
The standard treatments for Mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. Radiation and chemotherapy are definite musts. Surgical procedures are also very common. Still, these three more often than not fail to overcome the cancer and death often occurs within one year of diagnosis. All is not lost. There are a number of new therapies being researched. Let's take a closer look.
Cancer is the mutation of the DNA in cells. Given this, Gene Therapy is a very new treatment being considered for use with Mesothelioma and most cancers. There are two approaches being investigated. The first is to replace the genetic structure of the cancerous cells and thus wipe out the cancer. The second approach is to use a knockout approach where genetic manipulation removes the genes that give rise to tumor growth. In theory, this would terminate tumor and cell growth and stop the cancer in its tracks.
Photodynamic therapy is as unique as it is hard to explain. There are certain chemicals that are very light sensitive. The body can absorb some of these chemicals into cells and then expel them. Cancerous cells, however, cannot expel the chemicals. A patient is given a dose and then the cells are exposed to a laser light. The chemicals kick out an active form of oxygen that destroys the cancerous cells. There is a downside, however. The patient becomes very light sensitive and often must stay out of the light for as long as six weeks.
Anti-angiogenesis treatment is another interesting area of treatment. It works by attacking the tumors created by Mesothelioma. It does this by eliminating the ability of the tumors to create blood vessels. Without such vessels, the tumors cannot get blood and cannot grow. Drugs such as Cisplatin, Pemetrexed and Bevacizumab are in clinical trials to determine if they can be used on Mesothelioma tumors.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but very serious form of cancer. While past treatment methodologies produced disappointing results, the new treatments being tried show some major promise. Make sure to discuss them with your oncologist and physician.