Main treatments for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be difficult to treat.
The treatment you have will depend on:
- the type of mesothelioma
- where it is
- if it has spread
- your general health
Immunotherapy, where medicines are used to help your immune system fight the cancer, is the most common treatment for mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive treatments may also be used to help control symptoms.
Surgery is rarely used to treat mesothelioma, but may be if the cancer is found early.
The specialist care team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
- help you prepare for treatment and manage any side effects
You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. Depending on the stage of your mesothelioma, you may have tests and scans.
If you have any symptoms or side effects you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is where medicines are used to help your immune system kill the cancer.
You may have immunotherapy for mesothelioma if:
- you're unable to have surgery
- before other treatments like chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells.
You may have chemotherapy for mesothelioma:
- to treat it if it's found early
- at the same time as other treatments, such as surgery or radiotherapy, to help make them more effective
- to help make the cancer smaller or control and improve symptoms
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells.
You may have radiotherapy for mesothelioma:
- after surgery to help stop the cancer coming back
- to help slow the growth of the cancer and control the symptoms
Surgery
Surgery is not often used to treat mesothelioma because removing all the cancer can be difficult.
You may have surgery if mesothelioma is found early or to help relieve your symptoms.
What happens if you've been told your cancer cannot be cured
If you've been diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma, it might be very hard to treat. It may not be possible to cure the cancer.
In this situation, the aim of your treatment will be to limit the cancer and its symptoms, and help you live longer.
Finding out the cancer cannot be cured can be very hard news to take in. You'll be referred to a special team of doctors and nurses called the palliative care team or symptom control team.
They'll work with you to help manage your symptoms and make you feel more comfortable.
The clinical nurse specialist or palliative care team can also help you and your loved ones get any support you need.