The Latest and Most Successful Treatments for Mesothelioma (2025 Guide for Patients and Families)

Introduction

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, not only because of its rarity but also because patients and families often struggle to find reliable, up-to-date information on treatment. The good news is that in recent years, research has advanced significantly, leading to new therapies, improved survival rates, and better quality of life for many patients.

This guide provides a clear and compassionate overview of the most successful and most recent mesothelioma treatments, from standard therapies to cutting-edge clinical trials. Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking advanced care, this article will help you understand your options and where to turn for expert treatment.

Please keep in mind we are not doctors but rather lawyers with 40 plus years of experience helping people with mesothelioma. This information is provided to help people have educated conversations with their own doctors.

Standard Treatment Options for Mesothelioma

Surgery

Surgery remains a cornerstone for eligible patients, especially when combined with other therapies. The two primary surgical procedures are:

• Pleurectomy/Decortication (P/D): Removes the pleura (lining of the lungs) while preserving the lung itself. Often preferred because it can extend survival and improve quality of life.

• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP): More extensive, involving removal of a lung, pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium. Effective in select cases but associated with higher risk.

Both procedures are most successful when part of a multimodal approach.

Chemotherapy

The current first-line standard of care is a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed (Alimta®), which has been shown to improve survival and reduce symptoms. For some patients unable to tolerate cisplatin, carboplatin may be substituted.

Chemotherapy is often given before or after surgery and can also be combined with newer treatments like immunotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation can help control tumor growth and relieve symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. While rarely curative on its own, radiation is valuable as part of a combined treatment plan and for palliative care.

Recent Breakthroughs in Mesothelioma Treatment

Immunotherapy: A Major Step Forward

Immunotherapy has transformed cancer care — and mesothelioma patients are now benefitting from these advances.

• Checkpoint inhibitors (such as nivolumab [Opdivo®] and ipilimumab [Yervoy®]) are FDA-approved for mesothelioma, particularly for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

• Studies show that these drugs can improve overall survival and may be more effective than chemotherapy alone in some cases.

• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) is being actively studied in mesothelioma clinical trials and has shown promise in extending survival.

Immunotherapy is now considered one of the most important recent advances for mesothelioma care.

Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) – NovoTTF-100L

This innovative therapy uses low-intensity electrical fields to disrupt cancer cell division. The device, approved by the FDA in 2019 for mesothelioma, is worn externally and used alongside chemotherapy.

Clinical trials demonstrated that TTFields combined with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

Targeted Therapies and Gene Therapy

While not yet standard of care, targeted approaches are under study:

• Angiogenesis inhibitors (like bevacizumab/Avastin®) that block blood vessel growth to tumors.

• Gene therapy trials, introducing genetic material to correct mutations or make cancer cells more sensitive to treatment.

• CAR-T cell therapy, already successful in some blood cancers, is being studied for mesothelioma.

These therapies represent the next frontier in treatment.

The Importance of Multimodal Therapy

Research consistently shows that combining treatments provides the best outcomes. A patient may undergo surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation, with immunotherapy layered in for long-term disease control.

This approach is personalized depending on:

• Stage of disease

• Patient’s overall health

• Cell type (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, biphasic)

Top mesothelioma centers specialize in tailoring multimodal therapy for maximum survival and quality of life.

Supportive and Palliative Care

Beyond curative treatments, palliative care plays a vital role. Pain management, fluid drainage procedures, and therapies to ease breathing difficulties are crucial in helping patients maintain comfort and dignity.

Palliative care is not the “end of treatment” — it is often provided alongside aggressive therapies to ensure the best quality of life.

Where to Find the Best Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

Because mesothelioma is rare, specialized care is essential. Patients often travel to leading centers to receive advanced therapies and access clinical trials. Top U.S. institutions include:

• MD Anderson Cancer Center (Texas)

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York)

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston)

• University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center (Philadelphia)

• Mayo Clinic (Minnesota and Arizona)

• VA Boston Healthcare System (veterans-focused care)

These centers offer multidisciplinary teams with deep mesothelioma expertise.

Taking the Next Step

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, know that treatment is advancing rapidly — and there is reason for hope. From standard surgery and chemotherapy to cutting-edge immunotherapy and clinical trials, options are expanding every year.

At CPR, we are committed to supporting patients and families not only with legal guidance but also by helping connect you with leading treatment centers and resources. Access to care, financial support, and peace of mind are all part of the journey — and you do not have to face it alone.

Call us today for compassionate support and guidance as you explore your treatment options.