Innovative mesothelioma research and clinical trials at Penn Medicine
A clinical trial is a research study that looks at new treatments for mesothelioma to see if they’re safe and effective. Penn Medicine is a major center for ongoing mesothelioma research and clinical trials. We’re at the forefront of designing innovative treatments for mesothelioma and related disorders. The knowledge we gain from our research allows us to provide better care for people like you.
We’re proud to be pioneering the use of CAR T cell therapy for mesothelioma. This treatment modifies a type of white blood cell (T-cell) in a lab to recognize and target cancer cells. These modified cells are injected back into your body, where they seek out and destroy cancer cells.
Penn Medicine is also a leader in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of mesothelioma. This treatment uses a special light and a light-sensitive drug to target and kill cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. We continue to learn ways to improve this therapy's effectiveness by studying it in combination with gene therapy or tumor vaccines.
We offer clinical trials for nearly every stage of mesothelioma. Talk with your provider about a mesothelioma clinical trial that might be right for you.
Supportive care for malignant mesothelioma
In addition to treatments designed to fight cancer, many people with mesothelioma benefit from therapies that manage symptoms.
If you have recurrent pleural effusion that makes breathing difficult, your doctor may recommend an indwelling pleural catheter. This device removes excess fluid from your chest cavity safely at home. Your doctor may also recommend a procedure called talc pleurodesis to reduce the space available for fluid to build up between your lung and chest wall.
At Penn Medicine, we believe that mesothelioma care goes beyond medical treatment. Our cancer support services and oncology nurse navigator programs help people with mesothelioma as they go through treatment and recovery. Whether you need emotional support, help with nutrition, education, or palliative care, we can help.
Why choose Penn Medicine for mesothelioma treatment?
Research shows that patients who choose an academic medical center for the treatment of rare cancers like mesothelioma have better outcomes. This is proven at Penn Medicine—our patients experience better results and longer survivorship.
We offer more mesothelioma cancer treatment options than most medical centers around the world. Our expert mesothelioma team works one-on-one with you and your family to tailor a cutting-edge care plan designed around your goals.
When you partner with us, you benefit from:
- Individualized treatment plans: Your priorities are our priorities. We take the time to get to know you and make treatment recommendations based on your health and your goals. We always prioritize the safest and least invasive treatment options.
- Advanced treatments not widely available: While we offer the most advanced available treatments for mesothelioma, we’re also actively developing new and innovative treatments. We offer a range of radiation treatments, including innovative approaches like proton therapy, which is available at only a few cancer centers in the country.
- Ongoing research and clinical trials: Our dedicated researchers are committed to advancing the field of mesothelioma. As a major center for mesothelioma clinical trials, we provide access to some of the newest and most exciting therapies.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.