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Mesothelioma Treatment - Chemotherapy - Overview

The term "chemotherapy" may be used to describe any drugs used in the treatment of disease. But the word is most often used to refer to drugs that are used in the treatment of cancer.

Generally, chemotherapy drugs work by targeting specific processes in cells that are undergoing rapid division and growth, thus preventing cell division and results in the death of the cancerous cells. Unfortunately, these drugs are not highly specific, which means that in addition to killing cancer cells, chemotherapeutic drugs also kill healthy cells that are also dividing rapidly. Such cells may include those involved in hair growth and some in the immune system.

In terms of mesothelioma treatment, there are several options for chemotherapy. Most chemotherapy drugs have specific side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, and increased vulnerability to infection. Any symptoms experienced while undergoing treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs should be reported to the doctor.

Evaluating Chemotherapy Options

Deciding which chemotherapy option is the best treatment for specific mesothelioma cases depends on a number of factors, including the type of mesothelioma, the stage of the disease, and other treatment being administered. In addition, other factors such as overall physical health and age are also taken under consideration.

There are currently more than 100 chemotherapy drugs on the market with only a handful deemed appropriate for fighting mesothelioma. In most cases, doctors treating mesothelioma patients recommend combination therapy - the tandem use of two different chemotherapy drugs. These combinations have been touted as most successful in the fight against this asbestos-caused cancer.

All treatment options will be thoroughly discussed with the patient's cancer doctor before a decision is made. Patients should provide a full disclosure of their medical history, including details of any prescriptions and over-the-counter medications being taken to ensure treatment is administered with the most appropriate chemotherapeutic agent.

Currently, the most common chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include Alimta (the only FDA-approved drug specifically designed for the treatment of mesothelioma), cisplatin, carboplatin, onconase, gemcitabine, and navelbine. These are usually administered conventionally (by IV or pill form), or can be used in a newer treatment method called heated chemotherapy.

Can Chemotherapy Cure Mesothelioma?

Currently, there is no proven cure for mesothelioma. However, chemotherapy can help control the symptoms and is largely used as a palliative measure to help improve the patient's quality of life. The development of combination treatments has proved successful in achieving longer survival rates and researchers continue to look for new ways to fight this aggressive disease.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
3. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
4. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_4X_Chemotherapy_29.asp?sitearea=
5. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

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