Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects lining of the internal organs. It is mainly caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive and bulky type of cancer which makes treatment process extremely difficult. However mesothelioma patients can take advantage of traditional treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. It is estimated that, so far mesothelioma cancer has a 100% rate of mortality, therefore, researchers and oncologists are striving to find new treatments to prolong survival and improve the quality of life in patients with mesothelioma. 

Since chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the most common methods for mesothelioma treatment, but there are some other options like photodynamic therapy (PDT) that shows much promise in treating mesothelioma patients. 

How Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Works?

Photodynamic therapy uses light energy and photoactive drug to destroy cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unaffected. During the treatment process, patient is injected with a photosensitizing drug, which invades all cells but is excreted by healthy ones in just a day or two. The affected cells are then exposed to light of a specific wavelength, which causes them to produce a form of oxygen that is highly reactive. The oxygen eventually enters nearby cancer cells and kills them. 

Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy in the treatment of Mesothelioma

Photodynamic therapy is often used in conjunction with other types of treatment, such as surgery and chemotherapy. Since mesothelioma cancer spreads aggressively, therefore these traditional treatment options are not as effective for mesothelioma treatment. However, mesothelioma treatment with photodynamic therapy is effective in treating single, localized cancers compared to chemotherapy. Photodynamic therapy not only kills cancerous cells while leaving normal cells healthy and unaffected. But it will also reduce the side effects of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy.

Photodynamic Therapy has Few Side Effects

Photodynamic therapy is painless and has minimal side effects. In some cases, the treatment may cause swelling in the area to which the light was applied. In addition burns, pain, scarring, and swelling in nearby healthy tissue, coughing, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, painful breathing, and stomach pain may occur. Patients are advised to avoid bright light and direct sunlight and should limit their time outdoors for the first 30 days after the treatment is administered. 

Currently, photodynamic therapy is being used to treat mesothelioma and some success is apparent. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine photodynamic therapy’s success in treating other types of cancers. Some new photosensitizing agents are being developed in hopes of deeply invading the tumor cells. Scientists are also working on photodynamic therapy drugs that can better target specific cancer cells. 

Photodynamic therapy is a latest mesothelioma treatment that offers new hope for doctors of mesothelioma patients. However, additional studies are required to determine the role of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of mesothelioma.

Catherine A. Murphy is a web enthusiast and ingenious blogger who loves all things related to mesothelioma research findings.  She is a chief editor of her blog MesoBlog.org which is dedicated to the people and their loved ones who suffer from Mesothelioma.

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