Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Patients

The approach to treating mesothelioma and lung cancer is multifaceted, taking into account various factors such as cancer type, stage, patient’s age, and overall health. While there is no known cure for these diseases, several treatment modalities can provide relief from symptoms and potentially extend survival.

Standard Treatment Options

  1. Surgery: Surgical interventions play a pivotal role in treating both mesothelioma and lung cancer. However, the removal of tumors can be complex, and the choice of surgery depends on the specific condition:
    • Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): This procedure involves removing the pleura, the lining of the lungs, to eradicate the disease.
    • Extra-Pleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): A more radical approach, EPP entails removing the pleura, the entire lung, and, in some cases, parts of adjacent structures like the diaphragm and pericardium. It should only be performed by specialized medical centers.
  2. Chemotherapy: Both mesothelioma and lung cancer can be treated with chemotherapy. Drugs are administered systemically to target and destroy cancer cells, inhibiting their spread. Effective chemotherapy drugs include doxorubicin, gemcitabine, cisplatin, carboplatin, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, vinorelbine, paclitaxel, and methotrexate.
  3. Radiation: Intense x-rays are used to shrink tumors and eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy can provide relief from localized pain but requires precise targeting to avoid harming nearby organs such as the lungs, heart, and liver.

Non-Traditional Therapies

Innovative approaches are under investigation and may offer promise:

  • Photodynamic Therapy: Patients receive light-sensitizing drugs and undergo surgery to implant fiber optic cables. Light energy is directed at the tumor, although this method is experimental for mesothelioma.
  • Gene Therapy: Genes are directly inserted into tumors, making cancer cells susceptible to specific drugs. This approach is in clinical trials.
  • Immunotherapy: Harnessing the patient’s immune system to combat cancer cells is an emerging therapy. Clinical studies are ongoing to assess its effectiveness.

Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer treatment options vary depending on the tumor’s characteristics and the patient’s condition. Treatment approaches include:

Surgical Treatments

  • Lobectomy: Surgeons may remove a portion of the lung containing the tumor.
  • Wedge Resection: This surgical procedure involves removing a small section of the lung with the tumor when the disease is localized within the lung.

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Chemotherapy: In cases where surgery is not possible, oncologists may recommend chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation may also be used to reduce tumor size, and it is administered by oncologists.

Immunotherapy

Emerging treatments like KEYTRUDA® (an immunotherapy drug) are being explored by oncologists as potential options for lung cancer. Patients are encouraged to discuss the benefits of KEYTRUDA® compared to chemotherapy with their treating cancer doctor.

Palliative Procedures for Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

In situations where curative treatments may not be effective or are not an option, palliative procedures focus on alleviating symptoms and enhancing the patient’s comfort. Chest tube drainage and pleuroperitoneal shunt are examples of palliative measures that aim to improve the patient’s quality of life while managing the disease’s effects.