Key Takeaways
- While mesothelioma treatment primarily occurs in clinical settings, certain at-home tools and equipment can help patients manage symptoms, improve comfort, and support the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
- The NovoTTF-100L is an FDA-approved medical device designed for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. It sends preset electrical signals that interfere with cancer cell reproduction for up to 18 hours per day and is meant to be used alongside chemotherapy — not as a standalone treatment.
- Breathing aids — including portable oxygen tanks, spirometers, and ventilators — help mesothelioma patients manage respiratory symptoms. Portable oxygen tanks are the most common at-home option due to their convenience and mobility.
- Mobility and comfort equipment — including hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, shower seats, and accessible toilets — can help patients maintain independence and quality of life as the disease progresses.
- At-home treatment is not a replacement for medical care — it is meant to complement clinical treatments and help patients feel more comfortable between visits.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR TREATMENT OPTIONS THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR DIAGNOSES.
Mesothelioma and lung cancer treatments can include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments can help make a victim feel more comfortable and manage symptoms. While all these options require consulting a doctor and visiting a treatment center, there are some at-home treatments available. If a patient does not need to be in hospital care all the time, treating mesothelioma and lung cancer at home can be an option in certain situations.
FDA- Approved NovoTTF-100L Device
The NovoTTF-100L is a medical device offered to patients who have been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma, but it can also be used to help those with lung cancer. It is meant to be used alongside chemotherapy. The device works by sending electrical signals that interfere with cancer cells reproducing for up to 18 hours a day. The electrical charges are preset and cannot be changed by the patient. The use of NovoTTF-100L has not been tested as a standalone treatment.
Breathing Aids
Since mesothelioma primarily affects the lungs, respiratory equipment may be needed to aid the patient’s ability to breathe. Oxygen tanks, spirometers, and ventilators can help mesothelioma victims feel more comfortable breathing. Portable oxygen tanks are the most common at-home treatment for mesothelioma patients. The portability makes oxygen tanks a convenient option to help patients breathe easier without being hooked up to a large ventilator.
Other Equipment to Make Patients Feel More Comfortable
Equipment that helps mesothelioma victims move around easier can help improve their quality of life. Hospital beds, wheelchairs, and walkers can ease the struggle of getting around for these patients. Shower seats and accessible toilets give patients the ability to privately use the bathroom without assistance.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you deserve compensation for your illness. This website can help you understand mesothelioma and potential legal options. For more information, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form and someone will be with you right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mesothelioma be treated at home?
Mesothelioma cannot be cured or fully treated at home — surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy all require clinical settings. However, certain at-home tools and equipment can help patients manage symptoms, improve breathing, maintain mobility, and feel more comfortable between medical visits. At-home treatment is always meant to complement — not replace — clinical care directed by a doctor.
What is the NovoTTF-100L device?
The NovoTTF-100L is an FDA-approved portable medical device for patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. It works by sending preset electrical signals (Tumor Treating Fields) that disrupt cancer cell reproduction. Patients wear transducer arrays on their chest for up to 18 hours per day. The device is designed to be used alongside chemotherapy — it has not been tested as a standalone treatment. The electrical charges are preset and cannot be adjusted by the patient.
What breathing aids are available for mesothelioma patients at home?
Since mesothelioma primarily affects the lungs, respiratory equipment can help manage breathing difficulties:
- Portable oxygen tanks — the most common at-home option, providing supplemental oxygen with the convenience of mobility
- Spirometers — devices that measure lung capacity and help patients practice breathing exercises
- Ventilators — for patients who need more significant respiratory support at home
Your doctor can recommend the right breathing aid based on your specific respiratory needs and disease stage.
What equipment can help mesothelioma patients stay comfortable at home?
Several types of home equipment can help patients maintain independence and quality of life:
- Hospital beds — adjustable positioning for comfort and respiratory support
- Wheelchairs and walkers — for patients who have difficulty moving around
- Shower seats — allow patients to bathe safely and independently
- Accessible toilets — raised seats and grab bars for easier use without assistance
These tools help patients maintain privacy and dignity while managing the physical limitations that mesothelioma can impose.
Does insurance cover at-home mesothelioma equipment?
Many types of at-home medical equipment — including oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and mobility aids — are classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance with a doctor’s prescription. Coverage varies by plan and equipment type. The NovoTTF-100L device is covered by some insurers but may require prior authorization. Your medical team or a patient advocate can help navigate the insurance process.
What should I do if I or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, understanding your full range of options — including clinical treatments, at-home support tools, and legal rights — is an important step. For information about pursuing compensation for your diagnosis, call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
