📅 2026 Update: New Treatments for Mesothelioma

Since the original article was written, there have been significant advancements in the treatment of mesothelioma. New drug combinations have received FDA approval, offering more options for patients. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information on mesothelioma and its legal implications.

🥼 FDA Approvals for New Treatments

In September 2024, the FDA approved Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) to be used with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy. This combination is for patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic pleural mesothelioma. The KEYNOTE-483 trial showed a median overall survival of 17.3 months for this combination, compared to 16.1 months for chemotherapy alone.

💊 New Combination Therapy

The same year, the FDA also approved a combination of Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Yervoy® (ipilimumab) as a first-line treatment for inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma. Results from the CheckMate 743 trial indicated a median overall survival of 18.1 months for this combination versus 14.1 months for traditional chemotherapy.

🏥 Updated Surgical Guidelines

The NCCN 2026 guidelines now recommend pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) over extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) for pleural mesothelioma. EPP is reserved for rare cases, and surgery is no longer listed as an option for stages 2 through 4 of any cell type.

💰 Current Treatment Costs

As of October 2026, the average wholesale price for Keytruda® is around $10,000 per 100 mg vial. The costs for Opdivo® and Yervoy® are approximately $7,000 and $1,200 per vial, respectively. These costs can vary based on dosage, frequency, and insurance coverage.

📌 Key Points

  • FDA approved Keytruda® and the Opdivo®/Yervoy® combination for mesothelioma.
  • Median survival rates improved with these new treatments.
  • Updated guidelines recommend P/D over EPP for surgery.
  • Current costs for these therapies are significant and vary by patient.
  • Patients should discuss eligibility and options with their healthcare providers.

💡 Tips for Understanding Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Before making any decisions, it's important to review your situation with your attorney.

📝 Understand Your Treatment Options

Patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic pleural mesothelioma may be eligible for new treatments like Keytruda® or the Opdivo® and Yervoy® combination. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to see if they fit your condition.

🔬 Participate in Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are essential for advancing mesothelioma treatment. Patients interested in emerging therapies should consult their healthcare providers about available trials and the enrollment process.

🏥 Consider Multimodal Therapy

Combining treatment types, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, can be beneficial. However, recent studies suggest that adding surgery to chemotherapy may not always improve survival rates.

💵 Check Your Insurance Coverage

The costs of new treatments can be high. Patients should contact their insurance providers to understand what treatments are covered and what out-of-pocket expenses to expect.

📚 Explore Nonprofit Resources

Organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation provide support and information on treatment options. These resources can help patients navigate their choices and access clinical trials.

🗓️ Keep Updated on Guidelines

Treatment guidelines are continually evolving. Patients should stay informed about the latest recommendations from organizations like the NCCN to ensure they are receiving the most current care.

🏆 Free Options Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

No national paid services met the review threshold for this topic. Instead, this section highlights free government and nonprofit resources that can help patients with mesothelioma.

🥇 1. Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

This nonprofit organization offers resources and support specifically focused on mesothelioma. They provide information on treatment options, access to clinical trials, and guidance for patients and their families.

🥈 2. National Cancer Institute (NCI)

The NCI provides comprehensive information about mesothelioma, including treatment options and clinical trials. Their resources help patients understand their condition and explore various support options.

🥉 3. Veterans Affairs (VA)

For veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, the VA offers benefits and support tailored to their needs. They provide information on healthcare, claims, and resources specific to veterans affected by asbestos exposure.

4️⃣ Local Health Departments

Local health departments may offer resources and information on mesothelioma treatments. They can connect patients to community health services and support groups that focus on asbestos-related diseases.

5️⃣ Cancer Support Groups

Many cancer support groups provide emotional and informational support for mesothelioma patients. These groups can connect patients with others in similar situations, offering valuable insights and shared experiences.

🔎 What to Check Before Paying for Help

  • 🏷️ Confirm the legitimacy of any service.
  • 💬 Read reviews from other patients.
  • 📋 Look for transparency in costs.
  • 📞 Ensure they provide clear communication.
  • 🧑‍⚕️ Verify their expertise in mesothelioma treatment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What are the new treatment options for mesothelioma?

New treatments include Keytruda® and the Opdivo® and Yervoy® combination, which have shown improved survival rates in recent clinical trials.

📈 How do new guidelines affect mesothelioma surgery?

The NCCN 2026 guidelines now prefer pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) over extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), reserving EPP for rare cases.

📅 How long is the treatment process for Keytruda®?

Patients typically receive an intravenous infusion of Keytruda® every three weeks, with treatment plans individualized based on health status.

🔍 Are there clinical trials available for mesothelioma?

Yes, there are ongoing clinical trials. Patients should consult their healthcare providers to find trials that match their condition and eligibility.

💲 What should I consider regarding treatment costs?

Costs for new therapies can be high, so it's essential to check with your insurance provider to understand coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses.

🎗️ What kind of support is available for mesothelioma patients?

Resources like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the NCI offer information, support, and connections to clinical trials for patients and families.

⚖️ Recent Court Rulings on Mesothelioma Cases

Recent court rulings have focused on the legal aspects of mesothelioma cases, particularly concerning asbestos exposure and patient compensation. These rulings are essential in understanding the rights of patients and their families.

You can browse recent rulings in the news section for more insights on this topic: more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



The generic name for ALIMTA is pemetrexed (this name is only applied if the drug is injected into the patient). ALIMTA is a chemotherapy drug that is applied to fight malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer. Chemotherapy consists of mesothelioma treatment with one or multiple anticancer drugs that kill cancerous bodies. ALIMTA works by impeding with a crucial process that enables cancer cells to spread and reproduce throughout the body. In a specific sense, ALIMTA works by interfering with activity of multiple enzymes that are needed to help the cancer grow. 



 

What is ALIMTA


 



Like a number of mesothelioma patients, you might wonder what ALIMTA treatment is like. There are a number of things you must understand before undergoing this type of treatment. First, you will receive this type of mesothelioma treatment at your local doctor’s office, hospital or clinic. Secondly, ALITMA mesothelioma therapy is given through a needle that is inserted into one of your veins. This process is known as an “infusion”; an infusion of ALIMTA takes roughly 10 minutes to administer. Moreover, you may also be given another type of chemotherapy drug to combat your mesothelioma cancer. Your medical professional will explain the exact type of therapy you will be given to fight your cancer.



 



 



If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you must immediately tell your medical doctor. ALITMA can harm your nursing or unborn child. Your doctor will advise you to use efficient contraception to prevent pregnancy while you are undergoing ALIMTA treatment. 



 



 



For the first week of ALIMTA treatment you will be required to take a folic acid pill (a type B vitamin) every day. Your medical professional will advise you on what exactly to take, but you must make sure that you are consuming between 500 and 1,000 micrograms per day. This amount, which is typically found in a standard multi-vitamin capsule, may be purchased over the counter. You will continue to consume these folic acids every day until 3 weeks after your last cycle of ALIMTA. 



 



 



Your healthcare team will also give you a shot of Vitamin B12 the week before you start this mesothelioma treatment course. Your medical professional team will administer this shot approximately every 9 weeks, typically on the same day as you receive your ALIMTA chemotherapy. To make sure that your treatment is most effective, make sure that you express your feelings and thoughts after each treatment cycle. 



 



 



How is the Mesothelioma Drug Administered?



 



 



ALIMTA is administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Your team of doctors will give you the drug only after it is mixed into a solution and given through a needle into your vein (intravenous infusion). Any combined chemotherapy drug, such as Cisplatin, will be administered through an IV. 



 



 



To treat malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer, ALIMTA is given in conjunction with cisplatin once every 3 weeks. The infusion of the drug is administered on the first day of the treatment cycle and will typically take 10 minutes. Cisplatin will then be infused over approximately 2 hours beginning roughly one half hour after the end of the ALIMTA administration. After these infusions, you will not receive any additional chemotherapy during the 3-week cycle. These rest days are needed and considered normal for ALIMTA mesothelioma cancer treatment. 



 



 



During your mesothelioma treatment, you will be given an oral steroid medication named corticosteroid. This drug helps minimize the risk of skin blisters and other side effects that occur with the use of this treatment. It is very important to take this steroid twice a day on the day before, the day of and the day following treatment unless your team of medical professionals gives you different instructions. 



 



 



Additionally, you will be forced to undergo regular blood tests before and during the ALIMTA treatment. You and your team of doctors will monitor all side effects associated with your mesothelioma treatment. Adverse signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue are a few examples of warnings that must be noted by you and your team of medical professionals. These side effects, if untreated, may only worsen to the point of severe. 



 



 



Before Taking ALIMTA:



 



 



Before taking ALIMTA you must:



 



 



•Tell your medical professional and pharmacist all information connected to any allergies that you may have



 



 



•Tell your medical professional and pharamacist what other medications (both prescription and nonprescription), supplements, herbal products and vitamins that you are taking or planning to take. 



 



 



•Inform your doctor that you have a pleural effusion kidney disease (if applicable)



 



 



•Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.