Types of Mesothelioma Drugs
Mesothelioma drugs fall into three main categories:
1. Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for various forms of mesothelioma. It involves the use of drugs to target and kill fast-growing cancer cells, thereby improving life expectancy. The most common chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma are Alimta® (pemetrexed) and cisplatin.
2. Immunotherapy Drugs
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like Opdivo® (nivolumab) and Yervoy® (ipilimumab) are commonly used for inoperable pleural mesothelioma. Opdivo + Yervoy has been shown to extend survival and enhance the quality of life for many patients.
3. Other Drugs
Other mesothelioma drugs include targeted therapies like Avastin® (bevacizumab) and photosensitizer drugs used in photodynamic therapy. Targeted therapies interfere with cancer cells’ growth processes, while photodynamic therapy uses photosensitizers and specific light to kill cancer cells.
FDA-Approved Mesothelioma Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several drugs for inoperable pleural mesothelioma, including Alimta, cisplatin, Opdivo, and Yervoy. These drugs are often used in combination to maximize their effectiveness. Research has shown that multimodal treatments combining chemotherapy and surgery can improve survival rates.
Chemotherapy Drugs
Chemotherapy can be administered systemically through intravenous infusion, injections, or pills, or locally by targeting specific areas or body compartments. Alimta and cisplatin form the standard chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma. While this treatment has been in use for nearly two decades, ongoing research aims to find more effective ways to use these drugs, including in combination with immunotherapy.
Other chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin, doxorubicin, Gemzar® (gemcitabine), and Navelbine® (vinorelbine) may also be prescribed based on individual patient factors.
Immunotherapy Drugs
Opdivo + Yervoy is an FDA-approved immunotherapy combination for inoperable pleural mesothelioma. In clinical trials, patients treated with this combination experienced a median survival of about 18 months and an improved quality of life compared to chemotherapy. Ongoing research explores new ways to utilize immunotherapy for mesothelioma treatment.
Other Drugs
Targeted therapy drugs like Avastin, ADI-PEG 20, Lynparza, Zepzelca™, and photodynamic therapy drugs have shown promise in early studies. Avastin, for instance, limits blood supply to tumors, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Research Efforts
Mesothelioma research continues to expand treatment options. Clinical trials are investigating combinations of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, such as Imfinzi alongside chemotherapy and Opdivo following surgery for pleural mesothelioma. These trials aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Understanding the various mesothelioma drugs and ongoing research efforts is vital for patients and healthcare professionals. It provides hope for improved treatments and better outcomes for those affected by this rare and challenging cancer.