Deciding which chemotherapy option is the best treatment for specific mesothelioma cases depends on a number of factors, including the type of mesothelioma, the stage of the disease, and other treatment being administered. Factors such as overall physical health and age are also taken into consideration when detailing a chemotherapy treatment plan.
Currently more than 100 chemotherapy drugs are on the market but only a handful are deemed appropriate for fighting mesothelioma. In most cases, doctors treating mesothelioma patients recommend combination therapy - the tandem use of two different chemotherapy drugs. These combinations have been proven to be the most successful in the fight against mesothelioma. .
All treatment options will be thoroughly discussed with the patient's cancer doctor before a decision is made. Patients should provide a full disclosure of their medical history, including details of any prescriptions and over-the-counter medications being taken to ensure treatment is administered with the most appropriate chemotherapeutic agent.
Currently, the most common chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma include Alimta (the only FDA-approved drug specifically designed for the treatment of mesothelioma), Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Onconase, Gemcitabine, and Navelbine. The medications are usually administered conventionally (by IV or pill form), or may be used in a newer treatment method called heated chemotherapy.
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