Innovations in Treating Mesothelioma

In recent years, there has been development and testing of new approaches used in the treatment of mesothelioma. Some of these methods combine traditional means or medicines. The following lists innovative procedures and treatments that are currently being tested.

• Anti-Angiogenesis Agents- these drugs are aimed at targeting tumors without harming healthy surrounding tissue, which would decrease the chance of one having severe side effects as a result of chemotherapy.

• PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) - this treatment uses light exposure and photosynthesizing drugs to eliminate cancer cells. With this process the photo synthesizers help to single out cancer cells that are later destroyed by a laser. With this treatment, possible side effects include sensitivity to light, nausea, and a metallic taste of the mouth.

• Gene Therapy- this method attempts to use DNA to correct disease by altering one’s gene expression. Two types are currently being tested, Replacement and Knockout. Replacement Gene Therapy replaces missing or transformed genes with normal ones to promote healthy cell growth. Knockout Therapy attempts to deactivate tumor formation inducing genes called oncogenes to prevent further growth of cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy- this type of therapy concentrates on the immune system by enhancing, restoring, or fueling its natural cancer fighting function with the use of BRMs or biological response modifiers. These include antibodies and other defenses that are naturally occurring in the body that can now be imitated in laboratories.

• Alternative Medicine- alternative medicine can be used separate or as a complement to conventional methods. Alternative treatments encompass a wide range of practices including massage, homeopathy, and acupuncture. This type of treatment is not typically in hospitals, nor is it regulated by the FDA, and therefore requires no prescription to use. Some patients have been shown to benefit from the use of alternative treatments in regards to helping manage side effects. Before using alternative medicines, patients should become knowledgeable about their effects on or interference with other anti-cancer medications or possible adverse reactions.