There may be mesothelioma patients treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation who survived longer than they would have without the treatment. Some patients may have an increase in their quality of life as a result of some types of treatment. However, extremely few mesothelioma patients have been 'cured' as a result of such treatments. ('Cure' is defined as survival more than five years after treatment.)

• Gene Therapy
  Gene therapy is being explored as a possible treatment for mesothelioma. Specially prepared genetic material is injected into the cancer. This genetic material selectively attacks the cancer genes, killing the cancer. Medical scientists at the cutting edge of gene therapy for mesothelioma (such as those at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center) say gene therapy for mesothelioma is in the experimental stage. They are cautiously optimistic that gene therapy may prove to be a useful tool in treating at least some people with mesothelioma.

  Gene therapy for mesothelioma can be used with or without other types of treatment. To date, it has been more frequently employed as a supplement or follow-up to surgery. Surgery is performed to remove the bulk of the tumor. Gene therapy is used in an effort to eliminate the cancer cells that always remain after surgery for mesothelioma.

  The cost of gene therapy is significant. Costs for a complete course of gene therapy for mesothelioma can range from $150,000 to $950,000.

• Other Experimental Treatments
  Other forms of experimental treatment for mesothelioma are photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy. As with gene therapy, these therapies are available only at specific medical centers (usually teaching hospitals engaged in highly specialized medical research).