Local chemotherapy for mesothelioma involves delivering cancer-fighting drugs directly to the affected area. There are a few different types of local chemotherapy commonly used for mesothelioma:
Intracavitary Chemotherapy
This method involves administering chemotherapy drugs directly into the body cavity where the cancer is located. For mesothelioma, this often means intrapleural chemotherapy (into the chest cavity) or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (into the abdominal cavity). The drugs are usually given through a catheter or a surgically implanted port.
Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC):
HIPEC involves delivering heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity during surgery. After the bulk of the tumor is removed, a heated chemotherapy solution is circulated throughout the abdomen to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Intratumoral Chemotherapy
In this approach, chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the tumor itself. This method targets the cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and organs.
Pleural Catheters and Chemotherapy
Some patients with pleural mesothelioma may have a pleural catheter placed to drain fluid buildup in the chest. Chemotherapy drugs can be administered through this catheter directly into the pleural space, targeting the cancer.
These localized chemotherapy methods aim to improve the effectiveness of treatment while reducing systemic side effects commonly associated with traditional systemic chemotherapy, where drugs circulate throughout the entire body. They may be used alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery and radiation therapy, depending on the stage and type of mesothelioma.
The choice of local chemotherapy method depends on various factors, including the patient’s overall health, the extent of the disease, and the treatment goals. Treatment plans are typically personalized based on individual circumstances and may involve a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists.