Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that targets parts of the body that were developed for fighting off diseases. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system allowing it to do its job and attack the cancerous cells within itself. Active immunotherapy uses immune memory to recognize any foreign mesothelioma cells and know how to deal with them. By using a more active approach, the effects can be a longer-lasting response. Passive immunotherapy uses synthetic immune proteins to trigger a reaction. When the immune memory is not triggered, more treatments may be necessary.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy treats mesothelioma by using new DNA to replace any genes that have gone missing or have been affected by cancerous mutations. Sometimes this replica can restore the original function of the gene. Gene transfer introduces new genes to slow tumor growth and kill the cancer cells. Oncolytic virotherapy introduces a virus into the system allowing the mesothelioma cells to leave the healthy cells.
Epigenetic Therapy
Epigenetic therapy targets change in DNA rather than altering the DNA sequence. Drugs are used to target these changes and reverse any damages during them to a typical DNA sequence. Epigenetic therapy is being tested for mesothelioma and several other cancers and is waiting for FDA approval.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is showing success within the mesothelioma treatment world rapidly. Photodynamic therapy uses light and drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are known as photosensitizing agents. What interests doctors about this technique is the lack of side effects improving the quality of life for most patients. Photodynamic therapy is still in the experimental stages but could potentially extend a patient’s life expectancy significantly.
Cryotherapy and Cryosurgery
Cryotherapy and cryosurgery kill mesothelioma cells by freezing them. Cryotherapy can shrink or reduce mesothelioma symptoms by exposing cancer cells to extreme cold. There has been a success in the past; however, doctors are still studying the effectiveness. A patient must discuss with their doctor if this treatment would be beneficial for them.
Multimodal Treatment
Multimodal treatment is a widely used and successful approach to mesothelioma treatment. Multimodal treatments combine different types of therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. It is a case-by-case treatment where doctors observe a patient’s specific case and use other techniques. Most of the time, a patient we’ll go through surgery and then use chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ensure that all the not removed cells are affected. The traditional multimodal treatment is available to most mesothelioma patients; however, researchers are still testing different techniques and ways of administration to find more effective ways to treat the disease.