Chemotherapy is a common treatment for mesothelioma, a cancer caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. There are several types of chemotherapy used to treat mesothelioma, either alone or in combination with other treatments like surgery or radiation therapy. Some of the commonly used chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include:
- Pemetrexed (Alimta): Pemetrexed, often combined with cisplatin, is the most widely used chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma. It works by disrupting the production of DNA and RNA in cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
- Cisplatin: Usually used in combination with pemetrexed, cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their replication.
- Carboplatin: Similar to cisplatin, carboplatin is also a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used in mesothelioma treatment. It’s sometimes used as an alternative to cisplatin, especially in cases where patients cannot tolerate cisplatin’s side effects.
- Gemcitabine: This drug inhibits the reproduction of cancer cells by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Gemcitabine is sometimes used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma treatment.
- Vinorelbine: Another chemotherapy drug used in mesothelioma treatment, vinorelbine disrupts the microtubule structures in cells, preventing their division and growth.
- Methotrexate: It’s an antimetabolite drug that interferes with the metabolism of folic acid. It’s used less frequently compared to other chemotherapy drugs in mesothelioma treatment.
These chemotherapy drugs can be administered in different ways, including intravenously (IV), orally, or intrapleurally (directly into the chest cavity). The choice of chemotherapy drugs and administration method depends on various factors such as the stage of mesothelioma, the patient’s overall health, and the treatment goals.
Chemotherapy for mesothelioma aims to shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms, and improve the patient’s quality of life. However, it’s important to note that chemotherapy often comes with side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, and decreased blood cell counts. The specific side effects experienced can vary from person to person and depend on the drugs used and individual health conditions.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy for mesothelioma may receive a combination of these drugs in a treatment plan designed by their oncologist to best suit their particular situation. Combination therapies are often employed to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.