Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In their search for a cure, doctors and scientists explore the benefits of standard mesothelioma treatments, like chemotherapy, along with innovative and alternative treatments. In the end, combinations of these approaches, known as multimodal mesothelioma treatments, may hold the most hope for those who suffer from this disease.
Multimodal Mesothelioma Treatments: Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are often used to shrink or slow the growth of mesothelioma tumors. Unfortunately, in most cases, the benefits of chemotherapy are temporary. Doctors are now experimenting with a technique that injects chemotherapy drugs directly into tumors in the chest or abdominal cavity, typically right after surgery, to improve results and limit side effects in the rest of the body.
Multimodal Mesothelioma Treatments: Targeted Drugs
As researchers learn more about the cellular changes that cause cancer, they are developing new drugs that work differently from standard chemotherapy drugs and specifically target those changes. Targeted drugs also tend to have different and less severe side effects than standard chemotherapy drugs.
Multimodal Mesothelioma Treatments: Photodynamic Therapy
In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a light-activated drug is injected into a vein, where it spreads throughout the body, collecting in cancer cells. A few days after the injection—typically after mesothelioma surgery—a tube is placed into the chest cavity. At the end of the tube is a special red light, which activates the drug and causes chemical changes to kill the cancer cells. Because this therapy is localized, PDT may cause fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy drugs.
Multimodal Mesothelioma Treatments: Gene Therapy
A cutting-edge treatment for mesothelioma is gene therapy, which attempts to repair or replace defective genes in cancer cells. One type of gene therapy involves the use of special viruses that have been modified in the lab. Research on gene therapy is still in the early stages.
Are You Suffering from Mesothelioma? Learn Your Legal Rights.
Multimodal mesothelioma treatments may increase your treatment options, but if you’re unable to work, you may be overwhelmed by rising medical expenses. A Sokolove Law mesothelioma lawyer can determine if a manufacturer of asbestos containing products is liable for your medical bills and lost income - and then fight for the compensation you deserve. To protect your right to a claim and maximize your potential settlement, call Sokolove Law today for a free consultation.