Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. This cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, and its symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Unfortunately, the prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, with many patients only living a few months after diagnosis.
However, there is hope on the horizon. Advances in treatment options have been made in recent years, and new treatments are offering patients with mesothelioma the possibility of longer survival.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Treatment options for this type of mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is often used to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and radiation therapy and chemotherapy can help shrink the tumor and reduce symptoms. Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option that uses the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer.
In addition to these treatments, there are also clinical trials that are testing new treatments for mesothelioma. These treatments include targeted therapies, which target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, and immunotherapies, which use drugs or other substances to boost the body’s own immune system.
The prognosis for mesothelioma is still poor, but the availability of new treatments is giving patients hope. With more research and clinical trials, the outlook for mesothelioma patients may improve in the future. In the meantime, patients should talk to their doctor about their treatment options and clinical trial availability.