Alternative treatments for Mesothelioma are available for those who have tried other more conventional treatments which have given them the desired improvement they want. These conventional treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.
Some of these alternative treatments have shown to be quite effective while others are not as effective as expected, some can even be counter productive. To be sure that any potential treatments are safe, you should always discuss these alternatives fully with your doctor and be aware of not only the potential benefits but the risks as well.
Some alternative mesothelioma treatment options are currently being used in clinical trials. Ask your doctor about any mesothelioma or asbestos related clinical trials which you might be eligible for, these treatments are always carefully monitored and free to the patient.
These are three good alternative therapies that can be used by mesothelioma patients:
1-Immune System Enhancers
CoEnzyme Q10-This is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that enhances the function of the immune system. This enzyme can boost the immune system which will then be able to recognize the tumor cells as being foreign agents and will initiate a strong immunological attack of the tumor cells killing them in the process. It is also believed that this enzyme is capable of inhibiting oxidation in the body's cells and oxidation is an important step in cancer growth. It is also said to be effective for other asbestos related illnesses. CoEnzyme Q10 can be given at regular intervals.
2-Infectious Agents
Coley Toxins are toxins in the form of infectious agents, which are injected into the blood stream. These are usually given intravenously and must be prepared by a licensed doctor in an office or clinical setting to ensure safety and prevent contamination. Various combination's of infectious agents, enzymes and toxins can be mixed to produce a personalized "Coley toxin cocktail" that is best for your form of mesothelioma. This method of treating mesothelioma is rather like getting a "bacterial vaccine" against the cancer, and is often used in conjunction with more traditional alternatives of treating mesothelioma.
3-Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a highly advanced form of mesothelioma therapy. A photosensitive isotope is injected intravenously into the patient and after some days when this agent would have been well absorbed into the tumor cells, laser light is directed unto the area of the tumor, this causes activation of the isotope which leads to the destruction of the tumor cells.
If you are considering using alternative therapy for treating mesothelioma, you should get more knowledge about these therapies and get to know all their advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision about the alternative treatment you want.