Mesothelioma: Use of Cisplatin and Alimta

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Mesothelioma Chemotherapy and the Use of Cisplatin and Alimta, Saturday, September 19th, 2009

When a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma thoughts about prognosis naturally surface and questions about how to prolong a patient’s life typically arise. When a mesothelioma patient and their loved ones investigate treatment options to combat the cancer, chemotherapy is often explored.

The combination of Cisplatin and Alimta, two common chemotherapy medications, is often used in chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma patients. Cisplatin is a platinum-based medication used to treat a myriad of cancers and frequently serves as the backbone of chemotherapy treatment for patients facing these illnesses. Alimta was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005 and is typically used in combination with Cisplatin for patients battling non-small cell lung cancer or malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Cisplatin and Alimta are associated with side effects ranging from nausea to dizziness and patients report experiencing mild to severe side effects following treatment with the drugs. Patients often research the medications thoroughly and speak with a doctor at length to evaluate whether or not undergoing chemotherapy with these two medications is the best option.

Together Cisplatin and Alimta are considered to be among the most effective in treating malignant mesothelioma. In clinical trials testing the combination of the drugs, an additional three months were added on to the lives of mesothelioma patients. Chemotherapy medications generally work by targeting rapidly dividing cells and preventing the cells from creating additional cancerous cells. Through this process, healthy cells are often affected as well, causing certain side effects such as the loss of hair that is commonly associated with chemotherapy.

In addition to Cisplatin and Alimta, several other medications are utilized in chemotherapy for mesothelioma patients including Carboplatin, Onconase, Gemcitabine and Navelbine.

Unfortunately a cure for mesothelioma does not exist, but the use of chemotherapy treatment may prove effective in prolonging a patient’s prognosis. Patients who are advised not to undergo chemotherapy or do not wish to use chemotherapy in their treatment regimen may have additional options to combat the cancer. Radiation therapy or alternative therapies, such as the use of supplements or acupuncture, may also provide relief to mesothelioma patients.

Additional information about chemotherapy and mesothelioma treatment may be found through the

Mesothelioma CenterClinical Trial Seeks Mesothelioma Patients for Study

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(AsbestosNew.com, Mesothelioma and Asbestos News, September 19, 2009)

Disclaimer:

The information contained in these articles may or may not be in agreement with my own opinions. They are not being posted with the intention of being medical advice of any kind.