Chemotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for all types of mesothelioma. These drugs work by killing cancer cells and helping to slow tumor growth. Alimta® (pemetrexed) with cisplatin is a common chemotherapy combination for mesothelioma. Chemotherapy may extend survival and improve quality of life.
Chemotherapy treats mesothelioma by killing cancer cells, which divide and multiply more quickly than most other cells in the body. Chemotherapy drugs damage cells while they divide. As a result, chemotherapy can slow the growth of or kill mesothelioma cancer cells.
Types of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs come in different types, and doctors may administer them in different ways. Patients may be more familiar with chemotherapy that circulates throughout the body (systemic therapy). Chemotherapy may also be confined to a specific location in the body (local chemotherapy).
Methods of Chemotherapy Administration
Systemic Chemotherapy Systemic chemotherapy travels through the bloodstream. Side effects may occur throughout the body. Mesothelioma patients may receive systemic chemotherapy through intravenous (IV) infusion. Early studies suggest oral chemotherapy medication may also have uses for treating mesothelioma.
Local Chemotherapy Local, or intracavitary, chemotherapy is applied only to a specific region of the body. This targeted application means it may have fewer side effects than systemic chemotherapy. Keeping the chemotherapy drugs in one area generally involves a surgical procedure. As such, doctors may also refer to these treatments as intraoperative chemotherapy.
Common Types of Local Chemotherapy
In general, localized intracavitary chemotherapy methods available to mesothelioma patients depend on tumor location. They may also vary by the temperature of the drugs and the type of drugs used. Common types of local chemotherapy for mesothelioma include hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC).
HIPEC for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Doctors may apply HIPEC to the abdominal cavity to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. In general, they combine HIPEC with a surgery to remove cancer from the abdomen, called cytoreductive surgery (CRS). Doctors use HIPEC to kill cancer cells left behind after performing CRS.
HITHOC for Pleural Mesothelioma
Doctors may apply HITHOC to the thoracic cavity to treat pleural mesothelioma. In general, they combine HITHOC with surgery for more effective treatment. For example, HITHOC may be administered after pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Doctors use HITHOC to kill cancer cells left behind after performing surgery.
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs
Doctors may use a number of different chemotherapy drugs to treat mesothelioma. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Alimta® (pemetrexed) plus cisplatin to treat pleural mesothelioma. Studies have tested other chemotherapy drugs to explore their potential mesothelioma treatment applications.
Alimta (Pemetrexed): Pemetrexed is a common chemotherapy drug for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients may be given the brands Alimta® or Pemfexy®. Pemetrexed is FDA-approved for pleural mesothelioma in combination with cisplatin. Doctors may also combine pemetrexed with carboplatin. Some studies and clinical trials found Alimta and cisplatin extended pleural mesothelioma patient survival to about 12 to 15 months.
Cisplatin: Cisplatin is a common, platinum-based mesothelioma chemotherapy drug. Patients whose tumors cannot be surgically removed may receive cisplatin. In combination with Alimta, cisplatin is FDA-approved to treat pleural mesothelioma. In studies, patient survival with this combination was between 12 and 15 months.
Other Chemotherapy Drugs
Carboplatin: Carboplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug similar to cisplatin. It may also be referred to by its brand name, Paraplatin. Carboplatin may be used with pemetrexed to treat pleural mesothelioma in patients who cannot tolerate cisplatin.
Gemcitabine: Doctors may also use gemcitabine as part of a mesothelioma chemotherapy regimen. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. In some studies, gemcitabine extended survival for pleural mesothelioma patients.
Irinotecan: Irinotecan is another chemotherapy drug doctors may use to treat mesothelioma. In studies, irinotecan has been used alone or in combination with other drugs.
Vinorelbine: Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug doctors may use to treat mesothelioma. In some studies, vinorelbine has been used alone or in combination with other drugs.
Chemotherapy in Mesothelioma Treatment
Chemotherapy is an essential component of mesothelioma treatment. However, it is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy. This multimodal approach offers the best chances of improving survival and quality of life.
Advancements in Mesothelioma Treatment
Researchers and healthcare professionals continue to explore new treatments and therapies for mesothelioma. Clinical trials and studies are ongoing to discover more effective ways to combat this rare cancer. Patients are encouraged to explore their treatment options and consult with their healthcare team to determine the most suitable approach for their individual case.
Consult a Mesothelioma Specialist
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to consult with a mesothelioma specialist. They can provide personalized treatment recommendations and guide you through your options. Don’t hesitate to take action—schedule a consultation today to learn more about life-changing mesothelioma procedures.