Mesothelioma And Its Non- Traditional Treatments
Like any other cancer treatments, mesothelioma too is treated by Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. But these are the traditional treatments. But the patients in New York have witnessed three forms of non- traditional treatments too. These are Photodynamic therapy, Gene Therapy and Immunotherapy.
The Photo dynamic therapy is based on the concept of destruction of cancerous cells by using light energy. This therapy has been successful in other forms of cancer and it is now being experimented in case of Mesothelioma. A photosensitizer is a drug, which is given to the patient to make the cancer cells sensitive to particular wave lengths of light. After this sensitization process, an open chest surgery is conducted to insert fiber optic cables through which the desired frequency of light is focused on the tumor. The photosensitizer drug generates toxic Oxygen when it gets exposed to light. This Oxygen then kills the cancer cells.
Gene Therapy is a modern approach in which the defects in the gene, which cause tumors, are detected for performing the necessary alterations. A "Suicide Gene" is inserted into the tumor to make it sensitive to a drug, which has been ineffective in the past. The sensitized cells would now respond to the drug. It is focused only at the cancerous cells and the normal cells ate left unharmed. This therapy is also in the experimental stage as its application in the treatment of Mesothelioma. The University of Pennsylvania is engaged in such a research.
Biological Therapy and Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs) are the other names of Immunotherapy. This therapy uses the body's own immune system to battle its way against the cancer cells. Clinical studies are on their way to establish the effectiveness of this therapy in treating Mesothelioma. Some patients are also opting for spiritual healing which boosts up confidence and mental strength.