Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It affects the lining of the lungs and can be difficult to treat. However, recent breakthroughs in medical treatments are offering patients new hope.
The most common treatment for pleural mesothelioma is surgery, which involves removing the cancerous cells. In some cases, additional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy are used to target the cancerous cells.
Recently, researchers have developed a new type of immunotherapy called immunocytokine therapy. This therapy works by targeting the specific cancerous cells and stimulating the body’s own immune system to attack them.
Other breakthroughs include the use of targeted therapy drugs. These drugs target specific molecules on the cancerous cells and block their growth and spread. Targeted therapy drugs are often used in combination with chemotherapy and radiation to attack the cancer from multiple angles.
In the past few years, researchers have developed novel treatments using stem cells. Stem cells can be used to create new healthy cells to replace those that were damaged by the cancer. They can also be used to help the body’s immune system fight the cancer.
Finally, new treatments using nanotechnology are being developed. Nanotechnology involves using tiny particles to target cancer cells. These particles can be used to deliver drugs directly to the cancerous cells without harming surrounding healthy cells.
These breakthroughs offer new hope for those suffering from pleural mesothelioma. While these treatments may not be the cure, they can help to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life for those affected.