Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells outside the thymus. Treatment of malignant thymoma depends on the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and overall condition. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Not all patients are cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired.
Clinical trials are ongoing in many parts of the country for patients with malignant thymoma.
Surgery to remove the cancer. Radiation therapy in rare cases. Surgery to remove the cancer followed by adjuvant radiation therapy. Radiation therapy alone, if the cancer cannot be removed by surgery. A clinical trial of chemotherapy.