For quite some time, mesothelioma cancer has been around. However, it was just recently that funding was received for the improvement of the treatment for the disease. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and the budget for the study of asbestos-related diseases have been sparse.

 The Mesothelioma Breakthrough

Some of the most recent successful tests and trials on new treatments for the victims of mesothelioma include:

1. Alimta – It is now the only FDA-approved chemotherapy medication specifically designated for treating mesothelioma. It is found to be most effective when combined with Cisplatin, an older chemotherapy platinum agent.

2. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy – This is tested to determine if they could successfully spare more healthy tissues around the affected area. This is a more precise treatment which allows higher doses to be targeted at the cancerous organ while simultaneously protecting adjacent tissue which are normal. This therapy also allows doctors to treat tumors that tangle with vital organs.

3. Gene Therapy – This uses laboratory-modified viruses to signal the body to activate the immune system and to destroy cancer cells.

4. Bio markers – Fujirebio Diagnostics, after a series of extensive research, has developed a simple blood test to check for bio markers that may determine the early stages of mesothelioma.