Understanding Your Options

Mesothelioma treatment depends on several factors: the type and stage of disease, cell type, overall health, and patient preferences. Most patients receive a combination of treatments—known as multimodal therapy—which typically produces better outcomes than any single approach.

Early-stage patients who receive multimodal treatment (surgery + chemotherapy + immunotherapy) can achieve median survival of 32 months—nearly triple the overall median survival.

Treatment Options

Surgery

Surgical options for eligible patients, including pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Typical candidates: Early-stage patients in good health Learn more →

Chemotherapy

Standard first-line treatment using cisplatin and pemetrexed, either alone or combined with other therapies.

Typical candidates: Most mesothelioma patients Learn more →

Immunotherapy

FDA-approved checkpoint inhibitors (Opdivo + Yervoy) that help the immune system fight cancer.

Typical candidates: Unresectable pleural mesothelioma Learn more →

Radiation Therapy

Used to shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, or prevent recurrence after surgery.

Typical candidates: Various stages, often combined with other treatments Learn more →

Clinical Trials

Access to emerging treatments including gene therapy, CAR T-cell therapy, and new drug combinations.

Typical candidates: Varies by trial requirements Learn more →

Palliative Care

Treatments focused on symptom relief and quality of life at any disease stage.

Typical candidates: All patients at any stage Learn more →

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Finding Treatment

Mesothelioma is rare, and treatment is most effective at specialized cancer centers with experienced oncologists. Consider seeking care or a second opinion from a center that regularly treats mesothelioma patients.

Find mesothelioma specialists →