Innovative mesothelioma treatments like immunotherapy, gene therapy, and targeted drugs are extending survival and improving patient outcomes.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you may qualify for financial compensation to help cover the costs of these life-saving treatments and mesothelioma therapies. Our legal team is here to fight for you.
Free Case Review
There are several types of mesothelioma, including malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common and affects the lungs. There’s also peritoneal mesothelioma, and along with location, there are different cell types the disease can be diagnosed as.
Regardless of the type of malignant mesothelioma development someone is facing, treating it has always been tough, mostly because the disease is incredibly aggressive and stubbornly resistant to standard therapies.
While chemotherapy and radiation therapy are commonly effective in fighting other types of cancer since they attack and kill the cancer cells, they don’t work as well against mesothelioma.
They can temporarily shrink tumors or slow their growth, but rarely do they kill cancer cells completely, leaving the disease lurking beneath the surface even when it initially appeared to have responded to treatment.
Because of this, mesothelioma frequently comes back even after aggressive treatment.
This constant cycle—tumor shrinkage followed by recurrence—can be emotionally and physically depleting for patients and their loved ones and families, leaving them facing uncertainty and ongoing stress.
Surgery is another traditional approach, but it comes with its challenges.
For surgery to be truly effective, mesothelioma needs to be detected at a very early stage. Unfortunately, that’s rare. Early symptoms of mesothelioma—such as mild coughing, fatigue, or shortness of breath—are subtle and often mistaken for common ailments.
By the time clear symptoms emerge and a diagnosis is finally made, the cancer is usually advanced, making surgery less effective or sometimes not possible at all.
In short, traditional mesothelioma treatments often provide some limited relief but seldom a lasting solution, underscoring the urgent need for new and more effective therapies, which is true of the battle to treat cancer in general.
The limitations of traditional mesothelioma treatments have motivated researchers to explore innovative, cutting-edge options.
Today, medical teams are focusing on personalized, targeted therapies designed specifically for each patient’s unique genetic makeup and tumor characteristics.
One of the most significant breakthroughs has been immunotherapy, which empowers the immune system of the patient to fight cancer cells.
Newer immunotherapy drugs, like checkpoint inhibitors, have already shown encouraging results.
These medications help the immune system more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells, resulting in longer survival periods and better quality of life for many patients.
Another area of promise is gene therapy, a revolutionary method that fights mesothelioma at the genetic level.
Doctors can use advanced techniques, such as CRISPR gene editing and suicide gene therapy, to alter cancer cells directly or disrupt their ability to multiply and grow.
Although these therapies are still in the experimental phase, early results have been very promising, giving patients and researchers alike a genuine sense of hope.
Together, these advancements are dramatically reshaping the possibilities for mesothelioma treatment and the lives of patients with mesothelioma.
They are making a real difference in patients’ lives by meaningfully improving survival rates and quality of life, which means we’re starting to see more long-term mesothelioma survivors.
Mesothelioma has long been one of the toughest cancers to treat, but recent breakthroughs in 2024 are bringing new hope to patients and their families.
Groundbreaking therapies like immunotherapy, gene therapy, targeted therapies, and innovative technologies are significantly improving survival rates and enhancing patients’ quality of life.
Below, we highlight some of the new treatment options for mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy has emerged as a tool in the fight against mesothelioma.
It works by boosting the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
Checkpoint Inhibitors
Checkpoint inhibitors such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) have revolutionized cancer care in recent years.
These drugs function by blocking proteins on cancer cells that normally help tumors evade the immune system.
With FDA approval already granted for several cancers, clinical trials involving mesothelioma patients are demonstrating promising results, extending survival periods beyond what traditional therapies have achieved.
CAR T-Cell Therapy for People Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
CAR T-cell therapy takes immunotherapy a step further by genetically engineering a patient’s immune cells to recognize and aggressively target mesothelioma tumors.
While this therapy remains somewhat experimental for mesothelioma, early-stage trials have shown impressive outcomes in select patients, dramatically reducing tumor size and improving survival rates.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) Therapy
Another exciting development in immunotherapy is Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, which essentially transforms a patient’s immune system into a cancer-fighting powerhouse.
Here’s how it works: doctors extract immune cells directly from a mesothelioma tumor, supercharge them in a lab to make them stronger, and then reintroduce them into the body to hunt down and destroy cancer cells.
Early clinical trials are promising, especially for patients with advanced mesothelioma. Because TIL therapy uses the body’s own defenses, it has the potential to work even when other treatments have failed.
If ongoing research continues to show positive results, this therapy could be a game-changer for mesothelioma patients. It would offer a more targeted, personalized approach to fighting the disease.
Among emerging mesothelioma treatments, gene therapy addresses mesothelioma at its genetic roots, offering groundbreaking approaches to combat this disease directly at its source.
CRISPR & Genetic Engineering
One of the most exciting new treatments for mesothelioma involves CRISPR gene editing, a groundbreaking technique that allows scientists to pinpoint and alter genes directly involved in tumor growth.
By precisely editing or disabling these cancer-related genes, researchers hope to halt mesothelioma progression at its genetic roots.
While still in the early phases of study, CRISPR technology has already shown promising results in laboratory and initial clinical settings.
Early findings suggest that doctors may soon have a powerful tool for slowing or even stopping tumor growth by specifically targeting and disrupting genetic mutations unique to mesothelioma.
Suicide Gene Therapy
Another promising approach, known as suicide gene therapy, involves genetically modifying mesothelioma cells to essentially “self-destruct.”
This innovative treatment inserts therapeutic genes into cancer cells, which activate a lethal response specifically within those cells.
Early clinical study results suggest that this therapy can effectively shrink or eliminate tumors without significantly harming the surrounding healthy tissue.
Virotherapy
Newer treatments include virotherapy, which uses genetically modified viruses to selectively infect and then destroy cancer cells.
These engineered viruses replicate within tumors, causing cancer cells to burst and trigger an immune response that further attacks remaining cancer cells.
Current clinical trials are evaluating how safe and effective virotherapy is, and early findings indicate that it holds considerable potential for reducing tumor burden and enhancing immune response.
A unique, noninvasive approach known as Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields) is gaining attention as a powerful tool against cancer.
TTFields use carefully tuned electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division, effectively slowing or halting tumor growth without harming healthy cells.
Already FDA-approved for certain types of brain and lung cancers, TTFields are now being evaluated in mesothelioma-specific clinical trials.
Preliminary findings suggest this approach significantly extends survival times and can improve patients’ quality of life when used alongside traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
Targeted therapies zero in on specific pathways or molecular markers within cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and improving treatment precision.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Like other cancers, mesothelioma tumors rely heavily on blood vessels to supply the oxygen and nutrients needed for the rapid growth of cancer cells.
Angiogenesis inhibitors, such as bevacizumab (Avastin), block the formation of new blood vessels feeding these tumors, essentially starving them. Already used successfully in other cancers, these drugs are showing encouraging results in mesothelioma clinical trials.
When combined with chemotherapy, they could extend survival and enhance treatment effectiveness.
PARP Inhibitors
PARP inhibitors target DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, exploiting genetic vulnerabilities specific to mesothelioma.
These drugs interfere with the cancer cell’s ability to repair DNA damage, causing cell death.
Researchers are putting these treatments to the test in clinical trials, and early results are promising.
The evidence suggests that they could make a real difference for mesothelioma patients, especially when combined with a personalized treatment plan that targets the disease from multiple angles.
Mesothelioma has historically been challenging to treat, but cutting-edge therapies currently in clinical trials are offering new possibilities for patients.
As of 2024, innovative approaches, including immunotherapy, combination therapies, and unique targeted treatments, are emerging as game-changers in the fight against this aggressive cancer.
Working with a mesothelioma specialist is the best way to have access to new treatment options.
Immunotherapy is a relatively new treatment that represents one of the most exciting frontiers in cancer care. Checkpoint inhibitors like Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Opdivo (nivolumab) are two well-known examples.
These medications work by enabling the immune system to recognize and attack mesothelioma cells, overcoming the cancer’s typical defensive mechanisms.
FDA approvals and extensive ongoing clinical trials have highlighted these treatments’ potential to significantly extend survival times.
Another immunotherapy method, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, takes the process even further.
It involves extracting and genetically modifying a patient’s immune cells to specifically target mesothelioma cells.
Although this therapy is still experimental for mesothelioma, early trials are showing remarkable tumor shrinkage and improved patient outcomes.
Gene therapy goes straight to the source, targeting the genetic foundations of tumor growth. It is aimed at mesothelioma.
One powerful method, CRISPR gene editing, allows scientists to modify or deactivate genes that fuel mesothelioma cells directly.
Early studies show that researchers could slow or even stop tumors from spreading by precisely editing or disabling these cancer-related genes.
Another promising approach is suicide gene therapy. This technique genetically engineers cancer cells so they contain instructions that cause them to self-destruct when activated.
Initial trials are already showing positive results, showing how effectively gene manipulation can shrink tumors without harming healthy cells.
Virotherapy adds another layer of hope.
In this method, scientists use modified viruses specifically designed to infect and destroy mesothelioma cells. They spare healthy tissues and stimulate the immune system to attack the remaining cancer cells.
Early findings suggest that this innovative method could significantly enhance existing gene therapy approaches.
One of the most promising treatments being explored is Tumor-Treating Fields, or TTFields.
This innovative therapy uses gentle electrical currents to disrupt the way mesothelioma cells divide, effectively halting tumor growth without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
TTFields have already earned FDA approval for treating other cancers, including aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma. Now, researchers are testing its effectiveness specifically in treating pleural mesothelioma and other types.
Early clinical trials are delivering encouraging results. They show that patients treated with TTFields experience slower tumor progression, fewer side effects, and better overall quality of life.
Because it’s completely non-invasive—simply delivered through wearable devices placed on the skin—this approach provides new hope for patients who might not tolerate traditional treatments or who need additional options after chemotherapy or surgery.
With further research, TTFields could become an essential, life-extending tool in mesothelioma treatment.
Targeted therapies are changing the game for mesothelioma treatment by zeroing in on the cancer’s specific weaknesses.
One notable example is angiogenesis inhibitors—drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin)—which cut off the tumor’s blood supply, essentially starving the cancer cells by preventing new blood vessels from forming.
What’s special about these treatments is that they are customized to target unique molecular markers found specifically in mesothelioma cells, leaving healthy tissue mostly untouched.
Because they are highly precise, targeted therapies typically cause fewer side effects than treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
Another promising category is PARP inhibitors, which work by disrupting the cancer cells’ DNA repair mechanisms.
Mesothelioma cells depend on these repair processes to survive after chemotherapy-induced damage.
By blocking these pathways, PARP inhibitors amplify the effectiveness of chemotherapy, potentially making it easier to destroy stubborn mesothelioma cells.
Together, these targeted treatments represent a powerful new direction in mesothelioma care, offering patients not just longer lives but a better quality of life.
When diagnosed with mesothelioma, finding advanced treatments can make a huge difference. Fortunately, breakthroughs in mesothelioma care are now within reach—if you know where to look and how to access them.
Clinical trials are carefully controlled studies designed to evaluate promising new treatments before they are widely available. They offer many innovative therapies, including new drug options.
Clinical trials give access to emerging treatments for mesothelioma rather than only the standard treatment options.
Clinical trials offer mesothelioma patients access to cutting-edge therapies that have yet to be approved for general use.
Being in a clinical trial can give you early access to revolutionary treatments such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, targeted therapies, or personalized cancer vaccines.
To get started, visit ClinicalTrials.gov, an extensive online database managed by the National Institutes of Health.
This resource lets you search specifically for mesothelioma clinical trials and filter by location, treatment type, trial phase, and more. Each trial listing provides clear eligibility requirements, treatment details, and contact information.
When exploring clinical trials, keep these factors in mind:
Eligibility Criteria: Trials often have requirements based on your stage of cancer, treatment history, age, and overall health. Some trials will accept only newly diagnosed patients, while others may seek those who’ve had previous first-line or second-line treatments, for example.
Potential Benefits vs. Risks: Clinical trials can offer early access to groundbreaking therapies like immunotherapy, gene therapy, or targeted treatments, potentially extending survival or improving quality of life. However, experimental therapies can also have risks, such as unknown side effects or uncertain outcomes.
Location and Logistics: Most advanced mesothelioma research occurs at major cancer centers. Participating in a trial may require travel or temporary relocation, though many centers offer logistical support or financial assistance.
Several renowned institutions are leading the charge in mesothelioma treatment innovations:
MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX): Known worldwide for pioneering mesothelioma research, MD Anderson frequently hosts cutting-edge clinical trials for emerging therapies, including gene therapy and immunotherapy.
Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic researchers specialize in personalized medicine, combining traditional treatments with advanced therapies such as targeted drugs and tumor-treating fields (TTFields).
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK): Located in New York City, MSK is a leader in experimental treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, photodynamic therapy, and personalized cancer vaccines.
If you’re interested in receiving treatments at these facilities, start by speaking with your oncologist or specialist. You can also contact organizations like the American Cancer Society to explore available options.
Many of these new treatments are becoming available to a wider set of mesothelioma patients.
They can connect you with top specialists at these leading cancer centers, help you navigate the enrollment process, and make sure you have the best chance of accessing cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials
Despite advancements, several hurdles remain in making new mesothelioma treatments widely available.
One of the biggest barriers is the high cost associated with cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy, gene therapy, and targeted medications.
Because these treatments are often still experimental or recently approved, their costs can be prohibitively high—sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars for every treatment cycle for people with mesothelioma.
While clinical trials can sometimes help cover the cost of treatment, not everyone qualifies, and many patients simply can’t afford these cutting-edge therapies.
This creates a major roadblock for those who need them the most.
Another big challenge is the long time it takes for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve new treatments.
Even when a promising therapy shows real potential, the approval process can take years, leaving patients waiting while their disease progresses.
Treatments like CAR T-cell therapy, gene editing with CRISPR, or targeted drugs can take years of rigorous clinical trials before gaining widespread approval.
This slow process, necessary for patient safety, delays access for many patients who urgently need effective therapies today.
Additionally, mesothelioma patients outside major urban areas or renowned cancer centers often face geographic challenges.
The majority of specialized treatment options and advanced clinical trials are concentrated at leading cancer centers in larger cities. Traveling to these centers for ongoing treatments can be difficult, stressful, and costly for patients in rural areas or smaller communities, ultimately limiting their access to potentially life-extending care and lowering survival rates for mesothelioma patients.
Despite the challenges, the next few years could be a game-changer for mesothelioma treatment—even for patients who aren’t candidates for surgery or haven’t responded well to traditional therapies.
New treatments look promising as does clinical research in terms of their use in mesothelioma care.
In particular, immunotherapy and targeted treatments are expected to take center stage.
Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) are likely to become standard frontline treatments, helping more patients live longer and have a better quality of life.
Tumor-treating fields (TTFields), a noninvasive therapy that uses electrical fields to slow tumor growth, is also expected to gain wider approval, making it more accessible to those with mesothelioma.
Gene therapy is another exciting area of progress.
Techniques like CRISPR gene editing and suicide gene therapy—both designed to attack cancer at its genetic core—are advancing quickly and could receive FDA approval soon.
These treatments could be life-changing for patients whose tumors don’t respond to chemotherapy or radiation.
Looking ahead, researchers are also exploring cutting-edge options like personalized cancer vaccines and virotherapy, which use a patient’s immune system or specially designed viruses to target and destroy mesothelioma cells.
With so many promising developments on the horizon, the future of mesothelioma treatment looks brighter than ever.
There are options beyond conventional treatments becoming available.
For example, the medical industry offers much more than mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Some of the newest treatment options available for mesothelioma include immunotherapy, Tumor-Treating Fields (TTFields), and gene therapy. Immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy, boosts the immune system’s ability to attack cancer.
TTFields use electric fields to prevent cancer cells from multiplying, while gene therapy directly modifies genetic factors contributing to tumor growth.
For many people, a multimodal treatment approach is ideal. This approach might include merging mesothelioma treatments and new therapies with conventional first-line treatment options.
There is no definitive cure for mesothelioma, but recent breakthroughs are significantly extending survival and improving the quality of life for many patients.
Innovative treatments such as immunotherapy and gene therapy are showing great promise in clinical trials. They offer new hope and improved outcomes for mesothelioma patients.
Insurance coverage for new and experimental mesothelioma treatments can vary widely. Treatments provided through clinical trials are often partially or fully covered by trial sponsors, though insurance companies differ in their policies.
Before starting treatment, it’s crucial to consult your insurance provider and the clinical trial coordinators to clarify what costs will be covered.
Clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments are listed at ClinicalTrials.gov, a comprehensive database maintained by the National Institutes of Health.
You can search for trials based on your location, type of mesothelioma, or treatment preference.
Additionally, top mesothelioma cancer research centers, such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, regularly offer clinical trials and cutting-edge treatment options for patients with pleural mesothelioma and other types of malignant mesothelioma.
Immunotherapy effectiveness varies among mesothelioma patients, including pleural mesothelioma patients.
Some individuals experience remarkable, long-lasting responses, which significantly extend survival and improve overall well-being.
However, outcomes depend on various factors, including tumor type, stage of the disease, and patient health. It is also relevant to determine whether a combination treatment approach can be used.
Ongoing research aims to increase the number of patients who can benefit from these innovative treatments.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, don’t wait to take legal action. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and secure the compensation you deserve.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you have no upfront costs that come with your mesothelioma claims.
We don’t get paid unless we win your case and receive compensation.
Fill out the form below and get your free case review