If you have exhausted all conventional treatments, consider these alternative mesothelioma treatment options that are now available. Some of these nontraditional procedures have been proven to be very effective in some cases, while others are purely experimental in nature. It is up to you to decide if you want to try one or more of these alternative mesothelioma treatment options available.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma), or testicles (testicular mesothelioma). Traditional treatment options for mesothelioma typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, some individuals explore alternative or complementary treatments to complement conventional therapies or when traditional treatments are not an option. It’s important to note that alternative treatments should be discussed with a healthcare provider and should not replace standard medical care. Here are some alternative mesothelioma treatment options:

1. Complementary Therapies: These therapies are used alongside conventional treatments to help manage symptoms, improve well-being, and reduce side effects. Examples include acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
2. Diet and Nutrition: A well-balanced and nutritious diet can support overall health and potentially improve the body’s ability to cope with cancer and its treatments. Some patients explore dietary changes, such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
3. Supplements and Herbs: Some people consider taking supplements and herbs to support their immune system and overall health. It’s essential to discuss any supplements with a healthcare provider, as some may interact with medications or have adverse effects.
4. Hyperthermia: This involves raising the temperature of the tumor or the entire body to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Hyperthermia is still considered experimental and not widely available.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise in treating mesothelioma by enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells. While not considered an alternative treatment, they are relatively new and may not be available to all patients.
6. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT is a treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent and a specific type of light to kill cancer cells. It is primarily used in pleural mesothelioma to relieve symptoms but is not a curative treatment.
7. Cannabinoids: Some patients consider medical marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD) to manage pain, nausea, and improve appetite. Research is ongoing in this area, and the legal status varies by location.
8. Ozone Therapy: This involves exposing the patient’s blood to ozone gas to increase the level of oxygen in the blood. It is considered controversial and experimental.
9. Mind-Body Therapies: Techniques like biofeedback, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation can help with pain management, relaxation, and emotional well-being.
10. Local Regional Therapies: These include treatments like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal mesothelioma, which involves heated chemotherapy delivered directly to the abdominal cavity.

Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma to work closely with a healthcare team

It’s crucial for individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma to work closely with a healthcare team that specializes in cancer care and to discuss any alternative or complementary treatments with their medical professionals. These treatments should be used in conjunction with, rather than as a replacement for, evidence-based standard treatments. Mesothelioma is a challenging cancer, and patients should seek care from experienced healthcare providers and consider clinical trials as well, as new treatments and approaches are continually being explored.

Alternative mesothelioma treatment options should not be utilized in place of normal mesothelioma treatment regimens , like chemotherapy and surgery. These alternative treatments, can be used  to focus on lessening side effects of mesothelioma and help with quality of life issues.  Some types of alternative treatment:

• meditation
• acupuncture
• therapy using music
• chiropractic medicine
• mental health counseling
• Exercise
• nutrition
• biofeedback
• Dietary supplements
• Massage
• Meditation
• tai chi
• lymphatic massage therapy

Nutrition plans

Mesothelioma victims can have have problems receiving sufficient calories as a result of symptoms such as:

• appetite loss
• nausea,
• bloating.

Thankfully, proper nutrition may assist patients with these problems so they obtain proper nutrients. There is not a designated diet regimen for mesothelioma victims but nutritional requirements could alter throughout asbestos exposure treatment. Sadly, certain foods could possibly result in cancer symptoms flaring up.

Alternative nontraditional mesothelioma treatments

Some conventional doctors will be very supportive of any effort made to prolong the life and comfort of mesothelioma patients, but others may be apprehensive about any unconventional approach to treating mesothelioma cancer. To be sure that any potential treatments are safe, you should always discuss these alternatives fully and be aware of not only the potential benefits but the risks as well.

Alternative Treatments May Not Be Regulated

Some alternative mesothelioma treatment options are available in the United States, especially those currently being used in clinical trials. Ask your doctor about any mesothelioma or asbestos related clinical trials which you might be eligible for; these treatments are always carefully monitored and free to the patient.

Other mesothelioma treatments may not be available in the United States due to their unorthodox nature or lack of approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This doesn’t necessarily mean these alternatives aren’t safe; some of them simply don’t use drugs that are regulated, but rely on herbs or specific diets instead.

Immune System Enhancers

CoEnzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that is known to enhance the function of the immune system. Some believe that increased doses of this enzyme will not only boost the immune system but also shrink tumor growth and inhibit oxidation in the body’s cells (oxidation is crucial to the process of cancer growth). It is also said to be effective for other asbestos related illnesses. CoEnzyme Q10 can be given at regular intervals and is an alternative mesothelioma treatment gaining quite a bit of press recently.

Infectious Agents

Coley Toxins are just what they sound like – toxins, in the form of infectious agents, which are injected into the blood stream. These are usually given intravenously and must be prepared by a licensed doctor in an office or clinical setting to ensure safety and prevent contamination. Various combinations of infectious agents, enzymes and toxins can be mixed to produce a personalized “Coley toxin cocktail” that is best for your form of mesothelioma. This method of treating mesothelioma is rather like getting a “bacterial vaccine” against the cancer, and is often used in conjunction with more traditional alternatives of treating mesothelioma.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is a highly advanced form of mesothelioma therapy. You may have to travel outside the United States to receive this alternative treatment. The patient is first injected with a photosensitized isotope that will go through the blood stream and into the tumor or cancerous area. This in turn is activated when laser light is directed to the area, destroying only the targeted, cancerous tissue.

Only the patient, whether it is you or your loved one, can decide if pursuing an alternative mesothelioma cancer treatment is the right thing to do. If you are considering one or more of these therapies that was caused by the asbestos industry, be sure to read all of the literature provided, ask plenty of questions and get statistics on both successes and side effects so that an informed decision can be made about your alternative mesothelioma treatment and prognosis.