Chemotherapy vs. Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma: Which is Right for You?

After receiving a diagnosis for mesothelioma, you and your loved ones may be left reeling, wondering what your next steps should be. Speaking with your medical team to understand the best treatment plan for your specific case should be the first step you take. While there are various types of treatments, both FDA-approved and experimental, those who are suffering from mesothelioma may commonly be recommended to undergo chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatment. It is important you have a general understanding of both and which may better suit your needs in treating your symptoms.

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., Joe Williams, our esteemed founding attorney, has over three decades of experience helping clients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are now trying to navigate their next steps. He has never lost a mesothelioma case, and it is his goal to fight for the justice you deserve by providing the personalized legal representation necessary to secure a successful outcome for your mesothelioma claim.

Understanding the Difference Between Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma Patients

The best treatment for mesothelioma depends on the type of mesothelioma the patient has been diagnosed with, their individual circumstances, and various other factors like the stage of the disease they are in or their age. Two of the most commonly recommended treatment options for patients are chemotherapy and immunotherapy. 

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are two types of treatment used to treat mesothelioma and other types of cancers or other illnesses.

Immunotherapy

This is a treatment type that involves the activation, or suppression, of a patient’s immune system to prevent or treat a disease like mesothelioma that is attacking the body. The immune system is the group of organs in the body that recognizes and kills foreign substances like mesothelioma cancer cells. Some immunotherapy drugs work by boosting the immune system, while others act like a component of the immune system to improve its functionality.

Chemotherapy

This type of treatment involves chemical agents that are used to treat the mesothelioma as cytotoxic, or cell-killing, drugs destroy or block the replication of these cancer cells. Most chemotherapy does this by interfering with the synthesis stage of the cell cycle. During the synthesis phase, cells make important molecules for survival, including DNA. Because cancer cells often go through the cell cycle more rapidly than healthy cells, chemotherapy drugs can be highly effective in targeting those cells.

Symptoms of Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Treatments for Mesothelioma

It is important you are aware of the different symptoms you may experience when undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatments, which could include:

• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Appetite changes
• Chills
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Infections
• Inflammation
• Joint pain
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Trouble concentrating, understanding, and speaking

Symptoms from chemotherapy tend to occur quickly after a dose but are usually shorter-lasting than those of immunotherapy drugs. The side effects from immunotherapy drugs are less predictable but can be long-term and may persist even after the end of the treatment. When deciding which form of mesothelioma treatment is right for you, it is important you consult with your medical team. They will look at various factors involving your case to determine what will be best for your overall well-being. 

Why Choose The Williams Law Firm, P.C. for Your Mesothelioma Claim?

If you or a family member is undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy after a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is crucial to have a trusted legal team by your side. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we understand the devastating impact mesothelioma has on you and your family, and we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you may be entitled to. With Joe Williams, our founding attorney, personally handling your case, you’ll benefit from over 30 years of experience fighting for asbestos exposure victims. We have never lost a mesothelioma case, and we fight relentlessly to obtain justice for every client we represent.

Don’t navigate this challenging journey alone. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the financial relief you deserve so you can focus on your treatment and well-being. Reach out today for a free consultation by calling (855) 575-6376 or by visiting our contact form.