Hello and welcome to our guide on mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs. As you may already know, mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. While there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, chemotherapy drugs can help to slow down the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are often given in a combination of two or more, and can be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting fast-growing cancer cells, but they also affect healthy cells in the body, which can lead to some side effects.
There are several different types of chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat mesothelioma. In this guide, we will take a closer look at each of these drugs, their effectiveness, and their side effects.
Chemotherapy Drugs for Mesothelioma
1. Alimta (Pemetrexed)
Alimta is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat several types of cancer, including mesothelioma. It works by inhibiting the production of DNA in cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Alimta is usually given in combination with another drug called cisplatin, which helps to enhance its effectiveness.
Effectiveness of Alimta
Studies have shown that Alimta in combination with cisplatin can improve the overall survival rate of mesothelioma patients. In a clinical trial, patients who received Alimta and cisplatin had a median survival rate of 12.1 months, compared to 9.3 months for patients who received only cisplatin. Alimta has also been shown to improve the quality of life of patients by reducing symptoms such as pain and dyspnea.
Side Effects of Alimta
Like all chemotherapy drugs, Alimta can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Alimta can also cause more serious side effects, such as low white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infection, and low platelet count, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| fatigue | low white blood cell count |
| nausea | low platelet count |
| vomiting | allergic reaction |
| diarrhea | |
| loss of appetite |
2. Cisplatin
Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is often used in combination with other drugs to treat mesothelioma. It works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Cisplatin is usually administered intravenously.
Effectiveness of Cisplatin
Cisplatin in combination with Alimta has been shown to improve the overall survival rate of mesothelioma patients. In a clinical trial, patients who received Alimta and cisplatin had a median survival rate of 12.1 months, compared to 9.3 months for patients who received only cisplatin.
Side Effects of Cisplatin
Like all chemotherapy drugs, cisplatin can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and kidney damage. Cisplatin can also cause more serious side effects, such as hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and an increased risk of infection.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| nausea | hearing loss |
| vomiting | peripheral neuropathy |
| kidney damage | increased risk of infection |
3. Carboplatin
Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug that is often used in combination with other drugs to treat mesothelioma. It works by interfering with the DNA in cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Carboplatin is usually administered intravenously.
Effectiveness of Carboplatin
Carboplatin in combination with other drugs has been shown to improve the overall survival rate of mesothelioma patients. In a clinical trial, patients who received carboplatin, Alimta, and bevacizumab had a median survival rate of 18.8 months, compared to 16.1 months for patients who received only Alimta and cisplatin.
Side Effects of Carboplatin
Like all chemotherapy drugs, carboplatin can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and low white blood cell count. Carboplatin can also cause more serious side effects, such as anemia, low platelet count, and an increased risk of infection.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| nausea | anemia |
| vomiting | low platelet count |
| low white blood cell count | increased risk of infection |
4. Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat mesothelioma. It works by inhibiting the production of DNA in cancer cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Gemcitabine is usually administered intravenously.
Effectiveness of Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine has shown some effectiveness in the treatment of mesothelioma, but it is usually used in combination with other drugs. In a clinical trial, patients who received gemcitabine and cisplatin had a median survival rate of 9.3 months, compared to 7.6 months for patients who received only cisplatin.
Side Effects of Gemcitabine
Like all chemotherapy drugs, gemcitabine can cause some side effects. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and low white blood cell count. Gemcitabine can also cause more serious side effects, such as anemia, low platelet count, and an increased risk of infection.
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| fatigue | anemia |
| nausea | low platelet count |
| vomiting | increased risk of infection |
| low white blood cell count | |
FAQs
What are the most common side effects of chemotherapy for mesothelioma?
The most common side effects of chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chemotherapy drugs can also cause more serious side effects, such as low white blood cell count, low platelet count, and an increased risk of infection.
Do all mesothelioma patients receive chemotherapy?
No, not all mesothelioma patients receive chemotherapy. The decision to use chemotherapy as part of the treatment plan will depend on a number of factors, such as the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s personal preferences.
Can chemotherapy cure mesothelioma?
Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma. Chemotherapy can help to slow down the progression of the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life, but it cannot cure the cancer.
How long does chemotherapy treatment last?
The length of chemotherapy treatment will depend on the type of drugs used, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s response to the treatment. Chemotherapy treatment can last for several months, and patients may need to receive multiple cycles of treatment.
What can I expect during chemotherapy treatment?
During chemotherapy treatment, patients may experience some side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Patients will also need to have regular blood tests to monitor their white blood cell and platelet counts. It is important for patients to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest during chemotherapy treatment.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy drugs can help to slow down the progression of mesothelioma and improve the patient’s quality of life. There are several different types of chemotherapy drugs that are used to treat mesothelioma, and each has its own effectiveness and side effects. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to talk to your doctor about all the treatment options available to you.