Malignant pleural mesothelioma NCCN Guidelines & Malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment

 

Malignant pleural mesothelioma NCCN Guidelines:

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The guidelines aim to provide patients with the best possible care, ensuring that all treatment plans are evidence-based and up-to-date.

Treatment recommendations are based on the stage of the cancer, as well as other factors such as a patient's overall health. For malignant pleural mesothelioma, these treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.

Surgery is the preferred treatment option for early stages of mesothelioma cancer. Surgical options can include removing the affected lung, or a portion of it, in order to remove the tumor. In more advanced stages, surgery may not be an option due to the extent of the tumor.

Chemotherapy is also a common treatment option for malignant pleural mesothelioma, and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies. The NCCN recommends using drugs that are specifically approved for treating mesothelioma cancer, such as Alimta and Cisplatin. Chemotherapy works by killing cancer cells and shrinking tumors, allowing them to be more easily removed with surgery.

Radiation therapy may also be used in certain cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Radiation therapy works by destroying cancer cells in a targeted area. The NCCN recommends external beam radiation, as well as internal radiation therapy when appropriate.

 

Palliative care is an important part of any treatment plan for malignant pleural mesothelioma. This type of care is focused on relieving pain and other symptoms associated with the cancer. Palliative care can include medications, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and other forms of support.

The NCCN guidelines are updated regularly and provide patients with the most current information available on treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Patients should talk to their doctors about their individual treatment plans to ensure they are receiving the best care possible. Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, different combinations of treatments may be necessary. It is important to note that there is no known cure for malignant pleural mesothelioma, so treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and prolonging life. Nutrition can play a major role in managing this type of cancer, as a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables can help keep energy levels high and reduce side effects from treatments. Exercise can also help improve quality of life by reducing fatigue, maintaining muscle strength, and reducing stress levels. There are various types of clinical trials available for those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, so it’s important to speak to your doctor if you would like to explore this option. Finally, it’s essential to seek out emotional support during this difficult time - talking to loved ones and seeking out counseling can be beneficial.

 

Malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment:

Treating malignant pleural mesothelioma can be complex and requires a combination of treatments including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The type of treatment plan a patient receives will depend on the stage and type of mesothelioma they have, as well as their overall health.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend a multimodal approach for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. Surgery is often used in combination with other treatments such as radiation and/or chemotherapy to maximize the benefit of treatment. Surgery may also be used to remove tumors and improve symptoms.

Radiation therapy may be used to shrink tumors before or after surgery. This is typically done with a combination of external beam radiation and brachytherapy (internal radiation). In some cases, radiation may be used instead of surgery.

Chemotherapy is an important component of mesothelioma treatment and is often used in combination with surgery and radiation. Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill mesothelioma cells that remain after surgery. Common chemotherapy drugs used to treat mesothelioma cancer include cisplatin, pemetrexed and gemcitabine.

Targeted therapy is another option for treating malignant pleural mesothelioma. Targeted therapy drugs are designed to target specific pathways in the cancer cells that help them to grow, survive and spread. Examples of targeted therapies used in mesothelioma treatment include bevacizumab and crizotinib.

Immunotherapy is a newer form of treatment for mesothelioma cancer that has been showing promise in clinical trials. Immunotherapy helps to boost the body’s natural immune response so that it can more effectively fight off the cancer cells. Examples of immunotherapies used in mesothelioma treatment include nivolumab and ipilimumab.

The best treatment plan for malignant pleural mesothelioma will depend on the individual patient's diagnosis, stage of disease and overall health. It is important to talk to your healthcare team about which treatment options are right for you.