Chemotherapy |
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Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. 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 throughout the body.
With chemotherapy, drugs are given by injection or by mouth, to kill tumor cells or stop their growth. Many combinations of chemotherapeutic agents have been tried in malignant mesothelioma, but have not increased survival rates significantly. Drugs that have been used for malignant mesothelioma include:
- Doxorubicin,
- cisplatin & carboplatin,
- vincristine & vinblastine,
- methotrexate,
- ifosfamide, mesna, & cylcophosphamide.
These drugs generally result in a number of side effects. Some side affects may include:
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Mouth Sores
- Anemia
- Mental Confusion
- Hearing Problems
- Fatigue
Evidence indicates that chemotherapy may result in a slight improvement in survival rates when used in combination with surgery. Continuing research and field trials of new drugs are being investigated for the management of malignant mesothelioma. In 2004, trials began of a new drug, Onconase, in combination with doxorubicin after encouraging results in early trials. Also in 2004 a new drug, Alimta, was approved for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma.
