Curative Surgical Approaches to Mesothelioma

Dr. David Sugarbaker is widely considered the country’s leading mesothelioma expert, and is currently engaged in the most progressive clinical therapies for malignant pleural mesothelioma. His most aggressive therapy involves the use of surgical resection in the form of an extrapleural pneumonectomy in conjunction intra-operative, intrapleural chemotherapy, with adjuvant radiation therapy. Extrapleural pneumonectomy involves total pneumonectomy (removal of entire affected lung), the removal of the pericardium, the entire pleura, and the diaphragm. Following resection of these internal structures, the pericardium and diaphragm are reconstructed with prosthetic material. While the tumour mass and lung are resected, Cisplatin or other prescribed chemotherapy is applied directly to the surface of the internal organs in the hope to eliminate all remaining tumour cells. Radiation therapy is then administered following the patient’s recovery from surgery.

In patients considered ideal candidates for EPP with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, five-year survival rates have thus far been encouraging. Dr. Sugarbaker continues to advocate the use of GEMzar® (Gemcitabine) in many patients who have encountered adverse reactions to Cisplatin. Because the surgery and tri-modal approach utilised by Dr. Sugarbaker is extensive, many patients have utilised physical therapy, and other palliation therapies following treatment to regain mobility and for symptomatic pain relief.

There are also new mesothelioma treatment options that, while currently considered experimental, may provide an effective cure after further testing and research are conducted. Dr. Stephen Cantrell, as reported in Medical News Today, has combined a protein used by the immune system called interferon with cholesterol-lowering medication in a regimen called "Neo-Plas. It is thought that killer cells are activated by the interferon, and thus may help by going after the cancer cells. Early results are hopeful that this may provide a potential cure for mesothelioma and higher numbers of mesothelioma survivors.