Mesothelioma Treatment Options Explained

Mesothelioma treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, giving patients more options than ever before. While the disease is aggressive and often diagnosed late, modern therapies — including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and emerging treatments — can help extend life, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Understanding each option empowers patients and families to make informed decisions about care.

How doctors choose the right treatment

Mesothelioma treatment is highly personalized. Doctors consider several factors before recommending a plan, including:

• The type of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular)
• The stage of the cancer
• The patient’s age and overall health
• Cell type (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic)
• Whether surgery is possible

Most patients receive a combination of treatments — known as multimodal therapy — to improve results.

Surgery

Surgery is most effective when mesothelioma is diagnosed early and the cancer has not spread extensively. Surgical options include:

• Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): Removes the lining around the lungs and visible tumors while preserving the lung.
• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): Removes the affected lung, diaphragm lining, and surrounding tissue. Used in select cases.
• HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy): Used for peritoneal mesothelioma. After tumor removal, heated chemotherapy is applied directly inside the abdomen.

Surgery can significantly extend survival for eligible patients, especially when combined with chemotherapy or radiation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for mesothelioma. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. The standard combination is:

• Pemetrexed (Alimta)
• Cisplatin or Carboplatin

Chemotherapy may be used before surgery (to shrink tumors), after surgery (to prevent recurrence), or as the primary treatment when surgery isn’t an option.

Radiation therapy

Radiation uses high‑energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often used to:

• Reduce tumor size
• Relieve pain and pressure
• Prevent cancer from spreading along surgical incisions

Modern techniques allow doctors to deliver radiation more precisely, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It has become one of the most promising treatments for mesothelioma.

Common immunotherapy drugs include:

• Nivolumab (Opdivo)
• Ipilimumab (Yervoy)

These drugs are especially helpful for patients who cannot undergo surgery or whose cancer has returned after other treatments.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies focus on specific genetic changes in cancer cells. While still emerging for mesothelioma, ongoing research shows promise in:

• Blocking tumor‑growth pathways
• Preventing cancer cell replication
• Enhancing the effects of other treatments

Palliative care

Palliative care focuses on comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life. It may include:

• Pain management
• Breathing support
• Fluid drainage procedures
• Nutritional support

Palliative care is not end‑of‑life care — it can be used alongside aggressive treatments at any stage.

Emerging and experimental treatments

Researchers are exploring new therapies that may improve survival, including:

• Gene therapy
• CAR‑T cell therapy
• Photodynamic therapy
• New immunotherapy combinations

Clinical trials offer access to cutting‑edge treatments and may be an option for eligible patients.

FAQ: Mesothelioma treatment

What is the most effective treatment?

There is no single “best” treatment. The most effective plans combine surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy when possible.

Can mesothelioma be cured?

Mesothelioma is difficult to cure, but early treatment can extend life and improve quality of life.

Should every patient get a second opinion?

Yes — mesothelioma is rare, and specialists offer the most accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options.

Are clinical trials worth considering?

Absolutely. Clinical trials provide access to new therapies that may not be widely available yet.

Conclusion: Treatment is evolving — and hope is growing

Mesothelioma treatment has come a long way. With modern therapies, specialized cancer centers, and emerging research, patients have more options than ever before. Understanding each treatment helps families make informed decisions and pursue the best possible care.