Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma Cancer

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma cancer is one of the leading treatments for patients. It usually involves a combination of medications that circulate through the body and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy shrinks tumors and improves the quality of life for mesothelioma patients.

Any form of treatment for mesothelioma can get extremely expensive. With chemotherapy, treatment sessions (along with medication) can quickly add up to prices that are usually above the average family’s budget. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Treatment With Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is primarily administered via an intravenous needle. In this way, the medication travels through the body and kills cancer cells. In some cases, patients may receive chemotherapy as a pill.

The downside to these types of chemotherapy is that it kills some healthy cells in the process, resulting in hair loss and other side effects.

Another form of chemotherapy treatment is intrapleural chemotherapy. It works by inserting a catheter into the chest area and allowing the medication to battle the tumor. This form of chemotherapy is less invasive and doesn’t produce as many significant side effects.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may also receive an infusion of chemotherapy drugs. Known as HIPEC, heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, this technique increases life expectancy in patients.

Chemotherapy and Mesothelioma

Years ago, physicians used only single chemotherapy as a form of mesothelioma treatment for patients. The success rate, around 15%, was extremely low.

Since then, physicians have begun combining chemotherapy drugs to extend the success rate and help mesothelioma patients handle the disease more efficiently.

Since mesothelioma is a destructive disease, physicians must find quick and aggressive ways to help treat it. Combining potent chemotherapy drugs together is more effective than a single form of treatment.

Keep in mind, though, that your physician will be able to determine which plan and treatments options will work best for you.

Chemotherapy Drugs Used for Mesothelioma

Oncologists can choose from many different types of chemotherapy drugs. Those they use most often for mesothelioma include:

Alimta (Pemetrexed)

Alimta is used to treat mesothelioma more than any other type of chemotherapy medication currently used. Typically administered once every 21 days intravenously, Alimta is a systematic drug manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.

Along with the medication, patients are advised to take vitamins and supplements, such as folic acid and B12. Patients are also usually given corticosteroids in conjunction with Alimta to reduce skin reactions.

Alimta has been recommended for patients in advanced stages of mesothelioma treatment by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Patients in advanced stages usually do not qualify for surgery. Pemetrexed is the best alternative for most of these patients.

Carboplatin

Carboplatin is typically reserved for ovarian, head and neck, and lung cancer patients. It’s administered intravenously and usually takes about 60 minutes.

Patients typically go through several sessions every month, and sometimes treatment may require an inpatient stay at a medical facility. Patients are susceptible to infection after treatment and are advised to avoid other people who have colds, cases of flu, and other types of infections.

Cisplatin

Cisplatin is usually not effective enough on its own, but when combined with Alimta, the success rate is much higher. Just as other chemotherapy medications, cisplatin is administered intravenously every 21 days. When combining the two drugs, Alimta is typically administered first, followed by cisplatin.

In other instances, cisplatin may be combined with doxorubicin, which helps put mesothelioma in slight remission.

Onconase

Onconase works like most typical chemotherapy drugs by targeting and eliminating cancerous cells. The difference between Onconase and other drugs is that it causes more manageable side effects.

Patients have to go in for treatment at least once a week. Treatment is given intravenously and lasts around 30 minutes for each session. Candidates for Onconase are screened thoroughly as it works best for those in good health.

Doctors often administer doses of both folic acid and vitamin B12. These vitamins work to help reduce the typical side effects of chemotherapy drugs while at the same time not affecting the strength of the treatment.

Possible Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Keep in mind that chemotherapy drugs work by attacking cancerous cells. Unfortunately, the medications can affect healthy cells in the body, such as cells in the hair, bone marrow, mouth, and intestines. Because of this, the side effects of chemotherapy can be quite extensive.

Yet, every person reacts differently, and some may experience more side effects than others. Typical side effects of chemotherapy include:

• Patients can easily bleed and/or bruise because of reduced blood platelets
• Hair loss from from the chemotherapy drugs attacking healthy hair follicle cells
• Mouth sores and cuts
• Nausea, which may also include episodes of vomiting
• Low white blood cell count, which results in possible infections
• Lack of energy and feeling lethargic

These symptoms should be temporary and will usually go away once you’ve finished the treatments. Meanwhile, you can alleviate symptoms with additional medications that help to battle lethargy, infections, vomiting, and more.

Be sure to speak with your physician regarding your options.  If you have a high fever, you should consult with your physician as soon as possible.

In some rare instances, chemotherapy drugs can cause significant damage. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), drugs such as carboplatin and cisplatin have been shown to produce nerve damage which can lead to hearing loss, severe pain and burning in the hands and feet, and extreme sensitivity to heat and cold.

Many more chemotherapy drugs are available, and as physicians and scientists continue to learn more about mesothelioma, more options may become available in the future.

If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, you will most likely receive chemotherapy as part of your treatment. Talk to your doctors about what to expect and keep them informed of your side effects.

Getting Help

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on qualified asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.