Immunotherapy for pleural mesothelioma

The immune system protects the body against illness and infection. Immunotherapies are treatments that use the immune system to find and attack cancer cells.

Some people with pleural mesothelioma may be offered immunotherapy, if they have not any previous treatment. The drugs used are:

• nivolumab
• ipilumumab.

They are usually given in combination. These drugs are also called checkpoint inhibitors.

Immunotherapies for mesothelioma are likely to become more widely available soon.

Nivolumab may also be offered to some people who have already had chemotherapy and need further treatment. Your doctor can talk to you about what is right for your situation.