In this case, mesothelioma patients may elect to undergo experimental treatments for their condition. Get informed on some of these newer treatments and whether they can help a mesothelioma patient with their symptoms or prognosis.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy boosts the immune system as a method to fight mesothelioma. There are two main types of immunotherapy: active and passive.
- Active immunotherapy: This form of immunotherapy uses immune memory to allow the immune system to attack antigens. It also stimulates a long-lasting response in the immune system to attack cancer cells when they are present.
- Passive immunotherapy: This form of immunotherapy uses synthetic immune proteins to trigger a response in the immune system to fight cancer cells. This method is more temporary and multiple treatments may be required.
Immunotherapy is often not used as the sole treatment. It’s found to be most effective when used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
Gene Therapy
In the case of malignant cancer, including malignant mesothelioma, the DNA of certain cells has mutated, transforming them into cancer cells. The treatment of gene therapy attempts to introduce new DNA into the patient to replace missing genes caused by cancerous mutations. Such DNA may:
- Boost the body’s anti-tumor response or replace destroyed genes whose functions had tumor suppression.
- Induce rapid cell death in cancerous tumors.
Like immunotherapy, gene therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments like chemotherapy to provide the most benefit to the patient.
It should be noted that not every mesothelioma patient can undergo experimental treatments, particularly because they may need to be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Not every patient is strong enough to undergo harsh chemotherapy.
Such treatments can be expensive and out-of-reach for some patients. However, a treatment’s price tag should never prevent a patient from receiving the care they need. If you or someone you love developed mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, our team is here to help. We have the experience and resources needed to help mesothelioma patients recover the compensation they need for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Call Shrader & Associates L.L.P. at (713) 787-3733 to schedule a free consultation.