Stage I Treatment Options

• Surgery to remove the pleura and surrounding tissue.
• Surgery to remove sections of the pleura, the lung, part of diaphram, or lining around chest.
• External beam radiation therapy.
• Surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
• Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Stage II, III, and IV Treatment Options

• Drain fluid buildup from the chest or abdomen.
• Surgery.
• Radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy directed at chest or abdomen.

The treatment options are varied because the time between exposure to asbestos and onset of disease are so varied. There can be many years between exposure and disease. The earlier malignant mesothelioma is detected, the better the prognosis for successful treatment.

New treatment

In the July 15, 2003 issue of Journal of Clinical Oncology, an article by Laurie Barclay, M.D. discussed a new chemotherapy treatment option of combining pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin. As of the date of Dr. Barclay's article, the drug combination was in phase III trial but the results look promising and, according to the author, follow-up trials are already being conducted using the pemetrexed and cisplatin combination, as well as another drug combination of pemetrexed plus gemcitagine.

In 2004, the US FDA approved Alimta (pemetrexed disodium), used in combination with cisplatin (Platinol®), for use as a chemotherapy treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Alimta will be distributed by Eli Lilly.

The National Institute of Health's National Library of Medicine provides updated information about federally and privately supported clinical research in human volunteers, along with information about a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. Go to ClinicalTrials.gov website.

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