Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and the prognosis for those diagnosed is often grim. However, recent advances in treatments are giving mesothelioma patients renewed hope.
The first breakthrough in mesothelioma treatment came with the development of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a powerful drug treatment that uses drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment has been used to great effect in mesothelioma patients, and many have seen their tumors shrink or even disappear after a course of chemotherapy.
More recently, researchers have developed immunotherapy treatments. These treatments use the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses to target and destroy cancer cells. One of the most promising immunotherapy treatments is called CAR-T therapy, which uses a patient’s own immune cells to specifically target and kill cancer cells.
In addition to these treatments, a number of clinical trials are underway that are exploring other potential treatments for mesothelioma. These include targeted therapies that use drugs to target specific cancer cells, gene therapy, and even radiation therapy. Some of these treatments are still in the early stages of development, but they offer mesothelioma patients the potential for new treatments and hope for a longer life.
Overall, the prognosis for mesothelioma patients has steadily improved over the past few years, thanks to these new treatments. While there is still no cure for mesothelioma, patients now have access to treatments that can help them fight the disease and extend their life expectancy. With these advances, mesothelioma patients have renewed hope for a longer, healthier life.