How is mesothelioma treated?
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the most common forms of cancer treatment. Surgical resection of a mesothelioma tumor can either be accomplished through an extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) where the entire affected lung and sacs are removed or through a less radical pleurectomy decortication (P/D) where only the affected lining is removed leaving the lung in place. Much debate and research exists regarding these two methods of surgical resection. Other forms of surgical treatment options include a pleurodesis where a sclerosing agent such as talc powder is injected into the chest to prevent further fluid accumulation. Surgery with hyperthermic chemotherapy is another option where heated chemotherapy agents are washed through the incision to eradicate remaining mesothelioma cells. Chemotherapy and radiation are also frequently administered for mesothelioma patients. Most patients undergo chemotherapy using a combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and carboplatin (Cisplatin). Oncon
