Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy & Emerging Therapies

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer of the mesothelial lining (lungs, abdomen, heart). Treatment depends on stage, patient health, and preferences.

Standard Treatments

• Surgery: Remove as much tumor as possible (pleurectomy, extrapleural pneumonectomy, cytoreductive surgery).
• Radiation Therapy: Shrink tumors pre-surgery, eliminate residual cells post-surgery, or palliate symptoms.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic drugs (often pemetrexed + cisplatin) used alone or combined with surgery/radiation.

Emerging & Supportive Therapies

• Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific cancer pathways (e.g., angiogenesis inhibitors).
• Immunotherapy: Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab) or CAR-T cells to harness immune response.
• Supportive Care: Pain management, nutrition, respiratory therapy, psychological counseling.

Discuss all options with your oncology team to tailor a plan aligned with goals and values.