Experimental Treatments of Mesothelioma

Patients with malignant mesothelioma may qualify for experimental treatments, also known as clinical trials. Experimental treatments can involve new forms of surgery or chemotherapy or a newer type of radiation. A new type of research for mesothelioma involves biologic treatments. Biologics include medicine that is developed at the cellular and genetic level.

Researchers have been searching for years to find a way for the body to fight off cancer. The problem is in the way the immune system operates. Antibodies are specific to a certain pathogen. They can recognize malaria as a foreign body that has invaded from the outside. However, because cancerous cells grow and multiply from the body's own cells, the immune system does not see them as foreign invaders. Researchers are trying to find ways to trick the antibodies into fighting cancer cells without harming the normal tissue.

Research into tricking the antibodies is focused on changing specific elements of the immune system. Some research shows promise in the use of vectors, which are genetically modified viruses and bacteria that are utilized as delivery systems of pathogens that will stimulate the body’s immune system and trick it into destroying cancer cells.

For more information on clinical trials, call the National Cancer Institute’s Information Service at 1-800-4CANCER during regular business hours on the east coast, Monday through Friday.