Mesothelioma chemotherapy is a common treatment option for Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is cancer, which comes in two forms, which are malignant Mesothelioma and pleural Mesothelioma. Those who suffer from Mesothelioma typically have a life expectancy of twelve months or less, after diagnosis. However, the right treatment may prolong life, particularly if it is administered early enough. The pleural form of Mesothelioma is linked with exposure to asbestos. The exact cause of the malignant form of Mesothelioma is as yet unknown. The malignant form is an extremely aggressive form of cancer.
Many Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs are Utilized
An array of chemotherapy drugs are utilized in order to treat Mesothelioma and these include Pemetrexed, Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Methotrexate, Gemcitabine, Vinorelbine, Mitomycin and Doxorubicin. Chemotherapy may be defined as chemical therapy and it utilizes particular medications in order to wipe out cancer cells and stop them from multiplying.
The most common treatment plan for Mesothelioma chemotherapy is combination therapy with the chemotherapy drugs, Pemetrexed and Cisplatin. Sometimes, these two chemo drugs are combined with a third drug called Bevacizumab, with a mind to improving the success of chemotherapy for Mesothelioma.
Related: Mesothelioma Radiation | Effective Treatment for Asbestos Cancer
Types of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
There are to ways to give chemotherapy to patients with this form of cancer. One is systemic chemotherapy, which may be administered via IV or via a pill. The medication moves through the bloodstream and then works in every part of the body. This type of chemotherapy causes more severe side effects, versus the other form of Mesothelioma chemotherapy, which is intraoperative chemotherapy.
The side effects with systemic chemotherapy happen because cancer cells are being wiped out and so are other cells for hair and blood. Since non-cancer cells are also being killed, side effects are experienced which may be quite unpleasant.
With intraoperative chemotherapy, drugs may sometimes be delivered right to the areas where the tumors are found. This tends to lessen side effects.
Related: Mesothelioma Surgery Options
Talk to Your Doctor
If you suspect that you have Mesothelioma, you should see your doctor right away. Getting a diagnosis quickly is always good, as treatment may begin as soon as possible. If you already have a diagnosis, and you believe that your cancer may be linked with exposure to asbestos, you may wish to consider legal action against the person, company or agency, which exposed you to this carcinogen.
There are lawyers who specialize in helping people just like you to access the settlements that they rightfully deserve.
