Chemotherapy

There are several types of treatment available for patients with mesothelioma. The most commonly used treatments are a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Chemotherapy is a common method of treating mesothelioma and generally has mixed results because of the variety of patients and their overall health. What is Chemotherapy? Chemotherapy drugs generally work by targeting cells that are rapidly dividing by interfering with the process of cell division. Unfortunately, these drugs not only kill cancerous cells but also healthy cells. An example of this is the cells involved in hair growth. As a result, a side effect of most chemotherapy drugs is hair loss. Other side effects of chemotherapy drugs can be nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased vulnerability to infections.

Deciding which chemotherapy option is the best treatment for mesothelioma should be thoroughly discussed with the patient's cancer doctor. The best chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma often depends on the type of mesothelioma, the stage of mesothelioma and other ongoing mesothelioma treatment such as radiation.

The types of chemotherapy that asbestos victim receive depend on a number of details; often chemotherapy falls into one of three categories:

• Chemotherapy alone. Chemotherapy can offer an aggressive opportunity to fight cancer. Many patients discover that chemotherapy without the addition to other types of medication is the best way to treat their condition.
• Multimodal chemotherapy. For patients who catch mesothelioma early and who are still healthy enough to weather intensive cancer treatment, chemotherapy is often used in combination with other types of treatment like surgery.
• Palliative chemotherapy. Aggressive cancer treatment is frequently not recommended for patients with late-stage cancer or other health conditions. A less intensive form of chemotherapy can reduce the symptoms of mesothelioma and improve the quality of life of patients with limited treatment options.

One of the ongoing developments in cancer research involves improving chemotherapy treatment so that it is more effective against cancer cells while less harmful to healthy cells. Currently, this type of targeted therapy is still only an experimental treatment option.

Chemotherapy medications for mesothelioma can be administered either in IV or pill form. The most common FDA-approved chemotherapy drug specifically designed for mesothelioma treatment is Alimta. Other chemotherapy drugs used in the treatment of mesothelioma include Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Onconase, Gemcitabine, and Navelbine. In talking with a mesothelioma specialist, mesothelioma patients should also consider other available newer chemotherapy drugs and/or treatment such as heated chemotherapy.

Although chemotherapy treatment will not cure mesothelioma, chemotherapy does work to control the symptoms. Chemotherapy works as a pain-relieving measure, improving patients’ quality of life.

Our attorneys are skilled at tracing asbestos exposure to pursue compensation for mesothelioma victims from the parties responsible for their asbestos exposure. Our lawyers travel nationwide to assist clients and their caregivers. We offer a free consultation at 888-506-1131 and strong, compassionate advocacy for anyone with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos lung cancer.