New Mesothelioma Cancer Treatments
There are a variety of new and alternative approaches to malignant mesothelioma treatments. These therapies often work in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments or include a completely different approach. Below is a list of some of the newest mesothelioma treatment options for patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as biological therapy, is a more recent approach to cancer treatment, including the mesothelioma treatment. Immunotherapy is the use of the body’s own defense mechanisms to fight tumor cells. Medical experts are exploring how elements of the immune system can be restored, enhanced, mimicked, and manipulated to destroy cancerous cells.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy for the mesothelioma treatment is based on the idea that single-celled organisms will die when exposed to light at a specific frequency if they have first been treated with certain photosensitive drugs. In PDT, the drug concentrates in the area of cancerous cells, while being eliminated from normal cells. The diseased cells are then exposed to a laser light, which activates the photosensitizing agent. Once the light is delivered to the cancer site, an active form of oxygen kills the surrounding cancer cells.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
IMRT is a radiation technique, which allows x-rays to be delivered to complex shapes and to tumors with close proximity to vital organs. IMRT uses rays of different frequencies in conjunction with computer generated images to plan and emit targeted radiation directly to diseased tissue, while decreasing the amount of radiation to surrounding healthy cells.
New Chemotherapy Agents
New chemotherapy agents and combinations of agents are being developed and tested to improve treatment results for patients with mesothelioma cancer.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy for the mesothelioma treatment works to modify and correct an individual’s genes at the DNA level. This treatment also includes replacement gene therapy, which replaces a diseased or missing gene with a normal copy to control cell growth and division. Knockout gene therapy targets genes that may induce tumor growth to make them inactive.
Alternative Mesothelioma Treatments
There is a wide range of alternative and holistic approaches to mesothelioma treatments including acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs, massages, etc. These therapies may be used as an alternative form of treatment or in conjunction to traditional treatments.
New Mesothelioma Treatments (english) / Mesotelioma Tratamiento Nuevos (spanish)
