Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos or other harmful agents. It is an aggressive cancer that is hard to treat. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be used to treat mesothelioma.
Administration
Chemotherapy for mesothelioma may be given through an IV that enters the bloodstream or by injection directly into the chest or abdomen.
Common Chemotherapy
The American Cancer Society lists mitomycin, gemcitabine, methotrexate, carboplatin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, vincristine, vinblastine, ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide as commonly used chemotherapy drugs used to treat mesothelioma. Alimta and cisplatin are also commonly used.
Side Effects
Common side effects with these medications can include but are not limited to hair loss, nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, diarrhea, lowered blood counts, fatigue, loss of appetite, numbness in hands and/or feet, hearing loss, and kidney and/or heart damage.
Regimens
Chemotherapy drugs are often given in combinations to further the effectiveness of killing the cancer cells. Two or more drugs may be used.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials of the chemotherapies paclitaxel and irinotecan are also being conducted to evaluate them for future treatment of mesothelioma.
