Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs

Posted on: March 15, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

The treatment of mesothelioma, a rare cancer often associated with asbestos exposure, can involve various chemotherapy drugs, each with unique mechanisms of action, potential benefits, and side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specifically approved Alimta® (pemetrexed) in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. This combination has also been explored for treating peritoneal mesothelioma, which impacts the abdominal lining, showing potential to extend survival for some patients. However, treatments like cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may offer further survival benefits for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

A list of chemotherapy drugs that may be considered for mesothelioma treatment includes:

  • Alimta® (pemetrexed): Often used in combination with cisplatin; specifically approved for pleural mesothelioma.
  • Cisplatin: A platinum-based chemotherapy drug, used in combination with pemetrexed.
  • Doxorubicin: An anthracycline antibiotic that interferes with DNA production.
  • Eloxatin® (oxaliplatin): Another platinum-based drug, similar to cisplatin but with different toxicity profiles.
  • Epirubicin: An anthracycline drug, similar to doxorubicin.
  • Gemcitabine: A nucleoside analog used in various types of cancer.
  • Irinotecan: A topoisomerase inhibitor, used for several cancers.
  • Mitomycin C: An alkylating agent that can cross-link DNA, hindering cell replication.
  • Navelbine® (vinorelbine): A vinca alkaloid that disrupts microtubule formation.
  • Paclitaxel: A taxane that stabilizes microtubules and prevents cell division.
  • Paraplatin® (carboplatin): Similar to cisplatin but with a different side effect profile.

Each of these drugs works through a specific pathway to disrupt cancer cell growth and replication. The choice of chemotherapy drugs depends on various factors, including the type and stage of mesothelioma, as well as the patient’s overall health and response to previous treatments. Oncologists personalize treatment plans based on these factors, aiming to manage the disease effectively while minimizing side effects.