Here are a few of the alternative mesothelioma treatment options available today:



Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is getting a lot of attention as an alternative therapy in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer. Though it's very experimental, the thought process is that when you were exposed to asbestos, the DNA and the genes in your cells were damaged, causing the cancer to grow and to spread. But if scientists can change the way the cells react, interrupting the genetic codes or changing them altogether, that cancerous response should be able to stop. In replacement gene therapy, doctors take out the gene that seems to be causing the cancerous growths and then replace it with a healthy functioning gene. In another alternative treatment therapy, scientists give the patient a series of oncogenes (modified genes) which stop the growth of mesothelioma cancer – also called knockout therapy.

Immunotherapy and Vaccine Therapy

By using the natural response of the body to fight off things that aren't good for it, immunotherapy and vaccine therapy seems to be a promising alternative in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer. By introducing biological response modifiers (BGMs) into your body, your body will begin to fight off the 'bad' cells and replace them with good cells. This therapy is already very promising in other cancer areas.

Photodynamic Therapy

While it sounds like science fiction, photodynamic therapy might be a great alternative mesothelioma treatment for you. By giving the cancerous cells in the body a chemical that makes them sensitive to light, a doctor will then go into the body to see what cells are affected by the chemical and then kill them with light. The light creates an active form of oxygen in the process and eliminates the cancerous parts.

Other Therapies

There are other mesothelioma treatments as well that are being tested in clinical trials. Some of these include alternative therapy like acupuncture, herbs, massage, and other bodywork. Often used in conjunction with other therapies, these alternative treatments can help relax the patient and possibly enhance their immune system to fight the disease.

Every alternative mesothelioma treatment can be a chance to feel better and be more comfortable. Talk to your doctor today about what treatments might work for you.