Mesothelioma and Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) are two rare types of cancer that are often difficult to treat. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest wall, abdomen, or heart, while DSRCT is a rare and aggressive cancer that usually occurs in the abdomen. Both cancers are often resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, making it necessary to explore alternative treatment options.
Alternative treatments for mesothelioma and DSRCT include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and alternative medicine such as acupuncture and herbal supplements. In this article, we will explore each of these alternative treatments in more detail.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. This type of treatment works by either stimulating the immune system to attack cancer cells or by using substances made by the body or in a laboratory to boost the immune system. Immunotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular alternative treatment for mesothelioma and DSRCT, with several promising clinical trials currently underway.
One type of immunotherapy that is being studied for mesothelioma and DSRCT is checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking proteins on the surface of cancer cells that prevent immune cells from attacking them. By blocking these proteins, checkpoint inhibitors can allow the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Another type of immunotherapy that is being studied for mesothelioma and DSRCT is T-cell therapy. This involves removing T-cells from a patient’s blood, genetically modifying them to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then infusing them back into the patient’s body.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This type of treatment is often used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to increase their effectiveness.
One type of targeted therapy that is being studied for mesothelioma and DSRCT is angiogenesis inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to cancer cells. By cutting off the blood supply to cancer cells, angiogenesis inhibitors can slow or stop the growth of tumors.
Another type of targeted therapy that is being studied for mesothelioma and DSRCT is epigenetic therapy. This involves targeting the chemical modifications that occur in DNA and affect gene expression. By altering these modifications, epigenetic therapy can prevent cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses a combination of drugs and light to kill cancer cells. This type of treatment works by injecting a photosensitizing drug into the patient’s bloodstream, which is then absorbed by cancer cells. When the cancer cells are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, the drug is activated and produces a type of oxygen that kills the cancer cells.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves modifying a patient’s genes to treat or prevent disease. This type of treatment is still in the experimental stages for mesothelioma and DSRCT, but researchers are investigating its potential.
One type of gene therapy that is being studied for mesothelioma and DSRCT is oncolytic virus therapy. This involves using a virus that is modified to target and kill cancer cells. When the virus infects cancer cells, it replicates and produces large amounts of itself, which causes the cancer cells to burst and die.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is a term used to describe a range of treatments that are not part of mainstream medicine. While there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of alternative medicine for mesothelioma and DSRCT, some patients report finding relief from symptoms and side effects.
One type of alternative medicine that is often used for cancer patients is acupuncture. This involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Acupuncture is believed to be helpful in relieving pain, reducing nausea, and improving overall quality of life.
Another type of alternative medicine that is often used for cancer patients is herbal supplements. While there is little scientific evidence to support the use of herbal supplements for mesothelioma and DSRCT, some patients report finding relief from symptoms and side effects.
Conclusion
While traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy remain the standard of care for mesothelioma and DSRCT, alternative treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and alternative medicine are being studied as potential options. These treatments offer hope for patients who have exhausted traditional treatment options, and may help improve outcomes and quality of life. However, it is important to note that these alternative treatments are still in the experimental stages, and more research is needed to determine their safety and effectiveness.
