Lung adenocarcinoma and pleural mesothelioma are two types of lung cancers that can be challenging to treat. Lung adenocarcinoma is a non-small cell lung cancer that begins in the cells that line the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Both cancers have a poor prognosis, but there are various treatment options available that can help improve outcomes. In this answer, we will discuss the most effective treatments for lung adenocarcinoma and pleural mesothelioma.
Treatments for Lung Adenocarcinoma:
Surgery: Surgery is often the first-line treatment for early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery can be done either through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery. In some cases, surgery may not be possible due to the location or size of the tumor.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy). It is often used to treat lung adenocarcinoma that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously (IV). Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy for lung adenocarcinoma that has spread beyond the lungs. Targeted therapy is a type of chemotherapy that targets specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. It works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells evade the immune system. Immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma that has spread beyond the lungs.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials are studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments for cancer. Participation in a clinical trial may be an option for people with lung adenocarcinoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
Treatments for Pleural Mesothelioma:
Surgery: Surgery is often the first-line treatment for early-stage pleural mesothelioma. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. Surgery can be done either through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as VATS or robotic-assisted surgery. In some cases, surgery may not be possible due to the location or size of the tumor.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can be delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy). It is often used to relieve symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath in people with pleural mesothelioma.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given orally or intravenously (IV). Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy for pleural mesothelioma that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body. Targeted therapy is a type of chemotherapy that targets specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. It works by blocking certain proteins that help cancer cells evade the immune system. Immunotherapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma that has not responded to standard treatments.
Clinical trials: Clinical trials are studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments for cancer. Participation in a clinical trial may be an option for people with pleural mesothelioma who have not responded to standard treatments.
In conclusion, lung adenocarcinoma and pleural mesothelioma are two types of lung cancers that can be difficult to treat. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and participation in clinical trials. The most effective treatment will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. It is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for them.
