The treatment of mesothelioma depends on a variety of factors and is therefore not necessarily different as with any other cancer. Important factors include the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the disease and the age and overall health condition of the diagnosed patient. Usually, a team of health care professionals together with the patient determine the treatment protocol. Mesothelioma is known as a difficult to treat health condition and it therefore comes with a rather poor outlook.

Here is an overview of the ten most common treatments:

1     Surgery can be an option if the diagnosis was done at an early stage. The goal through this procedure is to remove all cancerous tissue. The types of surgery include thoracoscopy, laparoscopy and a procedure called VATS, which stands for 'Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery'. Commonly we see the health care providers in charge advising the patient to undergo palliative procedures, such as chest drainage, pleurodesis or pleurectomy. However, all these treatments are focused on taking care of the symptoms as opposed to the cancer itself.

2     Aggressive radiation is another common treatment option for mesothelioma.
Currently, there is research being done on using either implants, or a device that works with UV light rather than the traditional radiation devices, as those can also damage the healthy tissue.

3     Only 12-20% of all patients respond to chemotherapy treatments. Chemotherapy agents are targeted to destroy the cancer cells; however, they also frequently come with severe side effects. Secondly, unlike for some other cancers, chemotherapy in mesothelioma patients is not curative. The objective is to prevent further progress of the condition and to possibly shrink the tumor prior to a surgery. Two of the drugs that are frequently used are Pemetrexed in combination with Cisplatin.

4     A biological form of therapy using the agent interleukin 2.

5     Immunotherapy, which is a therapy focused on strengthening the body's own immune system. The aim is to equip the immune system to enhance its functions.

6     There are two forms of so called gene therapy, the so called gene replacement and knockout gene therapy.

7     Lovastatin administration, a drug that is used to lower the cholesterol levels.

8     Another method using a photosensitive medication which is activated through a laser is the so called photodynamic treatment.

9     Administration of targeted medication with the objective to drain fluid off the chest or abdomen to prevent further fluid accumulation, which typically causes the mesothelioma patient intense pain.

10     Frequently we see a combination therapy that includes surgery with radiation and chemotherapy.

A mesothelioma patient may also look into complimentary treatment options that include the patient's mental and emotional health. Further to that some mesothelioma patients may qualify for the participation in clinical trials.