Metastatic mesothelioma, which is defined by the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body, is one of the most severe types of mesothelioma. This particular form of mesothelioma has a dismal prognosis and is very challenging to cure. However, recent discoveries and developments have given people with metastatic mesothelioma fresh reasons to be hopeful.
Specialized treatments
A new class of medications known as “targeted therapies” interfere with particular chemicals involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These medications aim to be less harmful and more efficient than conventional chemotherapy.
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy medicine that aids the immune system in battling cancer cells, is one of the most promising targeted therapeutics for metastatic mesothelioma. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved pembrolizumab for the treatment of metastatic mesothelioma as a result of research demonstrating its efficacy in reducing the disease’s progression.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy combined with cytoreductive surgery (HIPEC)
As much of the malignancy as is possible is removed during cytoreductive surgery. This is frequently paired with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which includes administering chemotherapy medications straight to the abdominal cavity while heating them to high temperatures. Patients with advanced, metastatic mesothelioma that has progressed to the abdominal cavity are given this medication.
A photodynamic treatment (PDT)
In photodynamic therapy (PDT), cancer cells are killed using a light-sensitive medication and a specific light. A laser light activates the medication after being put into the patient’s bloodstream. PDT has been demonstrated to be successful in reducing the spread of metastatic mesothelioma and enhancing patient quality of life.
Radiotherapy
High-energy radiation is used in radiotherapy to kill cancer cells. It is frequently used to extend survival and alleviate symptoms brought on by metastatic mesothelioma. Radiotherapy therapy can be administered either internally or externally (with a machine outside the body) (using a small radioactive source placed inside the body).
Clinical trials
Patients with metastatic mesothelioma have a number of options, one of which is to take part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research projects that examine brand-new cures and treatments. They give patients access to novel and cutting-edge therapies that aren’t yet broadly accessible.
Supportive care
Patients who are receiving supportive care can better control their advanced mesothelioma symptoms. It is a crucial component of the total therapy provided to patients with metastatic mesothelioma and can enhance their quality of life. Pain management, nutritional support, and emotional support are examples of supportive care.
Immunotherapy
A type of treatment called immunotherapy aids the body’s immune system in battling cancer cells. The treatment of metastatic mesothelioma has shown promising outcomes with this relatively new kind of cancer therapy. In addition to or instead of other therapies like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, immunotherapy is an option.
Gene therapy
In order to increase the patient’s cells’ capacity to combat cancer, a type of treatment called gene therapy modifies or replaces specific genes in the patient’s cells. The application of gene therapy to improve the immune system’s reaction to cancer cells is one potential area of research in the treatment of metastatic mesothelioma.
CAR-T treatment
CAR-T treatment is a form of gene therapy that alters a patient’s T cells (a subset of white blood cells) so that they can detect and combat cancer cells. Research is ongoing to ascertain whether this therapy is useful in treating metastatic mesothelioma, which has shown encouraging outcomes in the treatment of other types of cancer.
Inhibitors of angiogenesis
New blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, is a critical step in the growth and dissemination of cancer cells. Drugs known as angiogenesis inhibitors function by obstructing this process, denying the tumor the blood supply it needs to spread. In the treatment of metastatic mesothelioma, this kind of therapy has demonstrated promise.
Treatments based on microRNA
MicroRNAs are tiny molecules that control how cells’ genes function. According to recent studies, certain microRNAs play a role in the onset and spread of mesothelioma. Antagomirs are one type of microRNA-based therapy that aims to target these microRNAs and decrease their activity to halt or stop the proliferation of cancer cells.
Treatments based on nanoparticles
Extremely tiny particles called nanoparticles can be utilized to deliver medications directly to cancer cells. In order to increase their efficacy and lessen their adverse effects, researchers are looking at the use of nanoparticles to transport chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy drugs, and other therapies to cancer cells.
Stem cell treatment
Stem cell therapy is a type of medical care that involves replacing diseased or damaged cells with healthy stem cells that have been transplanted into the patient’s body. Although research on this therapy is still in its early phases, it has shown encouraging results in the treatment of other cancers, and scientists are looking into its potential to cure metastatic mesothelioma.
HIFU treatment
High-energy ultrasound waves are utilized in HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) therapy to heat and kill cancer cells. Although research on this therapy is still in its early phases, it has shown promise in the treatment of other cancers, and scientists are looking into its potential to cure metastatic mesothelioma.
Combining therapies
Combining various therapies, such as immunotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy may be more efficient at treating metastatic mesothelioma than utilizing a single therapy by itself. Combination therapy is being studied by researchers as a way to enhance treatment efficacy and lessen negative effects.
In conclusion, metastatic mesothelioma, a serious and challenging kind of cancer that affects the lining of the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs, is a disease that is spread to other organs. There are currently numerous novel medications and treatments available for people with metastatic mesothelioma, thanks to recent research and developments that have given them fresh hope. Metastatic mesothelioma patients should examine all available therapy options with their oncologist, including taking part in clinical trials, to figure out the best course of action for their particular situation. Given the constant efforts in research and development, it is necessary to be informed of the most recent developments and findings in the field of treating metastatic mesothelioma.
