What treatment options are available to mesothelioma patients?
Several treatment options are available for patients with mesothelioma. The most common forms of treatment utilized by patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery may be used to remove affected areas or to provide relief from mesothelioma symptoms. Chemotherapy uses medication to target and kill cancerous cells. Radiation uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and control the growth of new cancerous cells. Patients will typically undergo several different treatment options to combat the cancer. Many patients also wish to participate in a clinical trial, organized to test up-and-coming treatment options. Treatments such as photodynamic therapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy have demonstrated positive results in clinical trials. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage have also been used by mesothelioma patients to improve the quality of life.
