Treating Mesothelioma - Stage II and III
Malignant mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in its middle stages, either Stage II or III. At this point, the cancer has affected the body to the point that surgical resection is no longer a viable possibility, often indicating that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While the prognosis for patients whose cancer has reached these stages will not be as long, there are still several treatment options available to make the cancer more manageable, offering patients an easier time as they battle the disease. These treatments are also important because they allow the patient to be comfortable as they spend important time with family and loved ones. Treatments used during this stage include palliative surgeries, traditional chemotherapy/radiation, and non-traditional radiation therapies.
While most patients will be ineligible for surgical resection in Stage II or III, there are small surgeries available that may make symptoms and pain more tolerable. Thoracentesis and paracentesis are smaller procedures which deal with the lungs and abdomen, respectively. These procedures aim to eliminate fluid buildup in these regions as these effusions will often be causing painful symptoms and pressure upon surrounding body structures. It should be said again that these procedures are not curative surgical resection, but are important nonetheless as they can make the cancer management much more comfortable.
Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy are the most commonly used treatments in this stage of malignant mesothelioma. Chemotherapy are drugs that will be administered over a predetermined cycle, according to the patients physical health and response to the treatments. The most common drug used in the treatment malignant mesothelioma is Alimpta, typically used in conjunction with an alkalizing agent such as Cisplatin. Radiation therapy is also often used during this period, either in conjunction with chemotherapy or unilaterally. Radiation therapy will use targeted beams of high energy radiation to alter the growth the cancer. Radiation has proven to be effective, particularly in cases where the patient may be negatively affected by chemotherapy's side effects.
Brachytherapy, which is a different type of radiation therapy, is a surgical implantation of radioactive rods, which are intended to eliminate or slow cancer cell growth in a localized area to eliminate symptoms.
Each of these treatments has proven effective in the treatment of Stage II/III malignant mesothelioma. Only the doctor, cancer specialist, and patient will be able to know the exact treatment plan that is ideal for the patient.
