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

Systemic and Intraoperative Chemotherapy are 2 Types of Significant Treatments for Mesothelioma

Posted on: October 17, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma can be given through different methods, systemic chemotherapy and intraoperative chemotherapy.

Systemic Chemotherapy

In systemic chemotherapy, drugs are administered intravenously or orally and travel through the bloodstream to reach all parts of the body. The most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include:

  • Cisplatin: Usually given intravenously, this is one of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma.
  • Pemetrexed (Alimta): This is another drug commonly used in combination with cisplatin for treating mesothelioma.
  • Carboplatin: Sometimes used as an alternative to cisplatin.
  • Gemcitabine: Another drug occasionally used either alone or in combination.

These drugs may be used alone or in combinations, depending on the stage of the disease and the health of the patient.

Intraoperative Chemotherapy

Intraoperative chemotherapy involves applying chemotherapy directly to the tumor or the area where the tumor was located during surgery. For mesothelioma, the chemotherapy drugs are usually heated to enhance their effectiveness—a procedure known as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) or hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC), depending on the location of the tumor. This method aims to kill any microscopic cancer cells that may remain after surgical removal of the visible tumor. Intraoperative chemotherapy might be used in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery, particularly for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Choosing the Right Approach

The choice of which chemotherapy method and drugs to use will depend on a variety of factors, including:

  • The type of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or testicular)
  • Stage of the disease
  • Overall health of the patient
  • Prior treatments received

Discuss with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment options tailored to your condition. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for a proper diagnosis and treatment.