Mesothelioma Guide’s registered nurse and patient advocate, Karen Ritter, compiled a list of questions people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their loved ones should ask their doctor about mesothelioma treatment options. For more information on mesothelioma treatments and any questions, contact Karen at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
Receiving mesothelioma treatment can save your life if you have been diagnosed with this rare cancer. Many patients can achieve months or years in remission thanks to the treatment options available, like surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease that spreads quickly through the body. Treatments can stop the cancer in its tracks and even defeat it.
Patients are more successful in the fight against mesothelioma when they understand the different treatment options. This includes an open dialogue with their doctor about the benefits, risks, potential side effects, and which treatment options to try first.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Mesothelioma?
Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation for mesothelioma are the top treatment options that doctors consider. Selecting a treatment plan for your specific diagnosis – including the type of mesothelioma, cell type and stage – provides the best chances of success.
Is a Mesothelioma Specialist Needed for Treatment?
Finding a mesothelioma specialist is one of the most crucial steps after receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Not all healthcare providers have the knowledge and experience needed to treat this rare cancer. Seeking out a medical professional who specializes in treating mesothelioma can significantly improve the quality of your care. Ask your doctor if they can refer you to a mesothelioma specialist or a mesothelioma cancer center with the expertise needed.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatments?
All cancer treatments carry potential side effects. The same is true of the treatment options available for mesothelioma patients. Understanding the expectations and potential side effects of treatments can be vital to properly preparing and managing any symptoms you may experience. It is important to discuss all possible side effects with your medical team and understand their strategy to minimize the side effects’ impact on your life.
What Clinical Trials Are Available for Mesothelioma?
All medications and medical treatments are stringently tested through clinical trials to ensure effectiveness and safety. Due to the rarity of mesothelioma, many treatment options and therapies are still in the clinical trials stage. These clinical trials can offer access to new and developing therapies that have shown positive outcomes. Ask if there are any ongoing clinical trials or experimental treatments available for your specific diagnosis.
What Are the Benefits of Each Mesothelioma Treatment Option?
Receiving treatment for mesothelioma is the best way to improve your prognosis. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation are the top treatment options doctors use to fight this aggressive cancer:
- Surgery is used to remove visible tumors and diseased tissue. Removing the tumor burden from the body can decrease mesothelioma symptoms and allow systemic treatment to work better to fight any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy has been a first-line mesothelioma treatment for decades. This systemic treatment attacks cancer cells by circulating chemotherapy medication through the bloodstream. There is evidence that this is a beneficial treatment to slow the progression of mesothelioma by killing cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy has become a new front-line treatment for pleural mesothelioma in the last few years. It is available for people with peritoneal mesothelioma through clinical trials. This treatment boosts the patient’s own immune system to fight the cancer. There is evidence showing immunotherapy can provide results similar to or better than chemotherapy.
- Radiation is used for pleural mesothelioma to promote disease suppression, decrease tumor size, and relieve mesothelioma symptoms. This treatment is not used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma due to the risk of damaging vital organs in the abdominal cavity.
How Will We Know if Treatment Is Working?
Mesothelioma specialists closely monitor patients throughout the treatment process. CT scans, PET scans and blood work help medical staff evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness and the status of the cancer.
If the doctors do not see an adequate response from a specific treatment, they will discuss with their medical team and the patient other options to achieve better outcomes.
How Often Will I Have Follow-Up Appointments and Scans to Evaluate My Cancer?
Regular follow-ups with your physician are necessary. During these meetings, inform your doctor of any new or worsening symptoms, side effects from treatments, and your overall health status. Scheduled appointments may vary with each patient, but you should report any health changes to your doctor right away.
CT and PET scans will be repeated as necessary depending on your symptoms and during the treatment process. These scans are the best way to evaluate the response to treatments and the status of the cancer.
What Are the Expected Costs and Insurance Coverage?
Cancer treatments can cause a lot of financial strain. It is important to contact your health insurance company to get details on the costs of mesothelioma treatment and how much is covered through your insurance plan. You may need to research financial assistance programs or resources for help with the costs of your treatment and care.
What Support and Resources Are Available?
Receiving treatment for mesothelioma can leave you feeling physically and mentally exhausted. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor about your experiences before, during and after treatment.
Do not neglect your mental health during the treatment process. Your emotional and mental status can greatly impact your well being. Ask your medical team about counseling services, support groups and other resources offered at the cancer center or a nearby institution. These resources can help you and your family navigate the treatment journey.
If you need help finding a mesothelioma specialist for treatment, contact our nurse navigator and patient advocate Karen Ritter at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com.
