Mesothelioma Drugs

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), several mesothelioma drugs have been used as chemotherapy treatments for this type of cancer. The ACS says that these drugs are often given in combinations, but may be given individually to patients who cannot tolerate taking more than one drug.

The ACS lists pemetrexed, also called Alimta, and cisplatin as the current preferred combination of mesothelioma drugs. Studies showed this combination almost doubled patients' average survival time compared to those taking only cisplatin . This combination of mesothelioma drugs also produced fewer side effects compared to other treatments.

The ACS also states that the combination of cisplatin and gemcitabine has had a good response rate in mesothelioma patients. Other combinations of mesothelioma drugs include:

• Methotrexate and vincristine
• Cisplatin, vinblastine, and mitomycin
• Cisplatin and doxorubicin
• Doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide (or ifosfamide), and cisplatin

Mesothelioma drugs have been known to cause nausea and vomiting, but doctors have found that the combination of cisplatin with carboplatin causes fewer of these side effects.

The ACS notes that a new drug called raltitrexed combined with cisplatin has been shown to help patients with mesothelioma. Researchers are studying possible new mesothelioma drugs all the time to try to find new and more helpful treatments.