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Understanding Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Mesothelioma treatment typically involves a combination of therapies, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. The primary treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging immunotherapy options.
1. Surgery
Surgical procedures aim to remove tumors and affected tissues to slow disease progression. Common surgeries include:
- Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): Removes the lung lining while preserving the lung itself.
- Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): Removes the affected lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium.
- Cytoreductive Surgery: Used for peritoneal mesothelioma, often combined with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC).
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is commonly used to shrink tumors or slow progression. Pemetrexed (Alimta) and Cisplatin are the standard drug combinations. Some patients also receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery or adjuvant chemotherapy post-surgery.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy targets and destroys cancer cells using high-energy rays. It is often used alongside surgery or chemotherapy to improve survival rates and reduce tumor size.
4. Immunotherapy
New immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are helping boost the immune system to fight mesothelioma cells. Clinical trials are actively testing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in combination with traditional treatments.
5. Multimodal Therapy
A combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is often used to improve patient outcomes. This multimodal approach has shown promising results in extending survival rates.
Leading Mesothelioma Treatment Centers in the U.S.
Patients should seek care from specialized mesothelioma cancer centers that offer advanced treatments, experienced oncologists, and access to clinical trials.
| Treatment Center | Location | Specialties | Notable Physicians |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham and Women’s Hospital | Boston, MA | Surgery, Clinical Trials, Multimodal Therapy | Dr. Raphael Bueno |
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, TX | Immunotherapy, Radiation Therapy | Dr. Anne Tsao |
| Mayo Clinic | Rochester, MN | Personalized Treatment Plans, Palliative Care | Dr. Tobias Peikert |
| UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center | Los Angeles, CA | Chemotherapy, Emerging Therapies | Dr. Robert Cameron |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | New York, NY | Surgery, Genetic Research, Advanced Diagnostics | Dr. Valerie Rusch |
Choosing the Right Mesothelioma Treatment Center
When selecting a treatment center, consider the following factors:
- Expertise in Mesothelioma Care: Choose a facility with specialists who have extensive experience treating mesothelioma.
- Access to Clinical Trials: Many centers offer cutting-edge experimental treatments that could improve survival rates.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Leading centers provide a combination of treatments tailored to individual patient needs.
Conclusion
Advancements in mesothelioma cancer treatments have improved patient outcomes, and choosing a leading mesothelioma treatment center can make a significant difference. By exploring options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, patients can find the best possible care and support.
