Beyond Chemotherapy: Exploring Other Therapies for Mesothelioma
Last updated on August 15, 2024
Beyond Chemotherapy: Exploring Other Therapies for Mesothelioma
For years, chemotherapy has been the go-to treatment for mesothelioma. But it’s no secret that this cancer is resistant to most traditional chemotherapy drugs. That’s why researchers have been exploring other therapies, including immunotherapy, interferon-based treatments, and experimental drug combinations.
In this guide, we’ll break down some of these alternative treatments, explain what the research says, and discuss how they may shape future mesothelioma treatment.
The Role of Immunotherapy in Mesothelioma
Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting areas of cancer research today. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly attacks cancer cells, immunotherapy helps the body’s own immune system fight the cancer.
How Immunotherapy Works
The immune system is designed to detect and destroy abnormal cells. But mesothelioma, like many cancers, finds ways to evade the immune system. Immunotherapy drugs work by removing these defenses so the immune system can recognize and attack mesothelioma cells.
Checkpoint Inhibitors: Boosting the Immune Response
One of the most promising forms of immunotherapy for mesothelioma is checkpoint inhibitor therapy. These drugs block proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer.
Key Checkpoint Inhibitors in Mesothelioma Research:
| Drug | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nivolumab (Opdivo) | PD-1 | Shown to improve survival in mesothelioma. |
| Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) | PD-1 | FDA-approved for some cancers; being tested in mesothelioma. |
| Ipilimumab (Yervoy) | CTLA-4 | Often used in combination with other immunotherapies. |
In clinical trials, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab has extended survival in mesothelioma patients, leading to FDA approval in 2020 for some cases.
Cytokine Therapy: Using the Body’s Signals to Attack Cancer
Cytokines are proteins that regulate immune responses. Researchers have tested interferons and interleukins to see if they can enhance the immune system’s ability to fight mesothelioma.
One of the most studied cytokines is alpha-interferon (IFN-α). In laboratory models, adding IFN-α to cisplatin-based chemotherapy made the treatment more effective against mesothelioma cells.
Interferon Therapy in Mesothelioma
Interferon therapy involves using proteins that boost immune activity to help control mesothelioma growth. Alpha-interferon (IFN-α) has shown potential when combined with chemotherapy.
Key Studies on Interferon Therapy
France (25 Patients)
- Treatment: Weekly cisplatin (60 mg/m²) and alpha-IFN (3 million units subcutaneously)
- Results: 40% response rate; median survival 12 months
- Best responders: Patients with epithelioid mesothelioma
National Cancer Institute (36 Patients)
- Treatment: Cisplatin (25 mg/m²) 4 times weekly, alpha-IFN (5 million units) 3x weekly, tamoxifen (20 mg orally, twice daily)
- Results: 19% response rate; median survival 8.7 months
- Poor prognostic factors: Thrombocytosis (high platelet count) and non-epithelial mesothelioma
France (12 Patients)
- Treatment: Cisplatin (60 mg/m² weekly), alpha-IFN (6 million units daily for 4 days, every 4 weeks)
- Results: 1 complete response, 4 partial responses; median survival 16.5 months
These results suggest that adding interferon to chemotherapy may improve outcomes, though further trials are needed.
Other Experimental Therapies for Mesothelioma
Researchers continue to explore alternative therapies to improve survival rates and quality of life.
Tamoxifen: A Drug for Drug Resistance?
Tamoxifen, typically used for breast cancer, has been tested in mesothelioma patients to see if it can reduce chemotherapy resistance. Results have been mixed, and it is not yet widely used.
Radiotherapy as a Preventive Tool
Although radiation therapy alone does not cure mesothelioma, it has shown promise in preventing tumor spread after biopsies or surgeries.
- A French study (40 patients) tested localized radiation therapy after invasive procedures (like pleural biopsy or chest tube insertion).
- Results: None of the radiation-treated patients developed tumor seeding at the procedure site, compared to 40% of patients who did not receive radiation.
This suggests that radiotherapy could be useful in preventing local tumor recurrence.
Combining Therapies: The Future of Mesothelioma Treatment
Since no single therapy has been highly effective, researchers are exploring combination treatments to attack mesothelioma in multiple ways.
Examples of Combination Therapies Being Studied
| Therapy Combination | Goal |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy + Immunotherapy | Boosts chemotherapy’s effectiveness by activating the immune system. |
| Radiotherapy + Surgery | Reduces tumor burden before or after surgery. |
| Checkpoint Inhibitors + Chemotherapy | Improves immune response and slows tumor growth. |
Why Combination Therapies Matter
- Mesothelioma is aggressive, so using multiple treatment approaches may slow progression.
- Some therapies reduce side effects of others (e.g., immunotherapy helping chemotherapy work better at lower doses).
- Combination approaches may extend survival compared to single-agent treatments.
The Road Ahead: What Patients Should Know
What These Findings Mean for You
- New treatments are emerging, but chemotherapy remains the standard of care.
- Clinical trials are essential—consider participating to access new therapies.
- Immunotherapy and interferon therapy show promise, but need further research.
- Combination therapies are the future—ask your oncologist about available options.
Considering Alternative Treatments?
If you or a loved one is battling mesothelioma, it’s important to discuss all available options with a specialist. Many of these new therapies are available through clinical trials, and early access to experimental treatments may improve survival.
To learn more, consider:
- Asking your doctor about ongoing clinical trials
- Exploring mesothelioma centers that specialize in experimental therapies
- Joining a patient support group for updated information and resources
The future of mesothelioma treatment is evolving, and patients today have more options than ever before. While there’s still no cure, new therapies are paving the way for better outcomes.