As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, mesothelioma treatment options were continually evolving with ongoing research and clinical trials. Some emerging treatment options and approaches that were being explored for mesothelioma included:
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves using drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab were being studied in clinical trials for their efficacy in treating mesothelioma.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific abnormalities within cancer cells. Drugs targeting certain mutations or pathways involved in mesothelioma growth, such as drugs targeting mesothelin or angiogenesis inhibitors, were under investigation.
- Gene Therapy: Gene therapy aims to modify or replace defective genes within cancer cells. This treatment approach was being explored in clinical trials to assess its potential effectiveness in treating mesothelioma.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT involves the use of a photosensitizing agent that is activated by light to kill cancer cells. This therapy was being studied as a way to improve outcomes in mesothelioma patients, particularly in combination with other treatments like surgery.
- Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields): TTFields are low-intensity electric fields that interfere with cell division and can slow the growth of cancer cells. They were being investigated in combination with other therapies for mesothelioma treatment.
- CAR T-cell Therapy: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s own immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells. While primarily used in hematologic cancers, research was ongoing to explore its potential in solid tumors like mesothelioma.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery Techniques: Advancements in surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), were improving the ability to remove tumors with reduced invasiveness and quicker recovery times.
Clinical trials continue to be essential for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of these emerging treatment options for mesothelioma. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are encouraged to discuss these potential treatments, along with their risks and benefits, with their healthcare providers and consider participating in clinical trials if suitable. It’s also essential to stay updated with the latest advancements in mesothelioma treatment by consulting healthcare professionals or reputable medical sources.