Medically Reviewed by: Kenyatta M. Cosby | April 2nd, 2024
Chemotherapy relies on a combination of drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying and spreading throughout the body. It’s part of the standard treatment plan for mesothelioma and may be administered before, after, or at the same time as other treatments like surgery or targeted therapies. Before chemotherapy, the doctor will evaluate the patient to see if they are able to have treatment based on their stage of mesothelioma, age, and overall health, among other things.
Medically Reviewed by: Kenyatta M. Cosby, MD | April 2nd, 2024
The human body is made up of billions of replicating cells. Cancer cells divide much faster than normal cells, which leads to the creation of growths or tumors. Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer by dramatically slow and/or stop cancer cells from dividing. Certain types of chemotherapy agents destroy individual cells, while others disrupt the cell-dividing process. Some chemotherapy drugs may be administered as a standalone treatment but are generally used as part of a multimodal treatment program. They can be combined with other mesothelioma medications, radiation and, if necessary, surgery. Chemotherapy drugs are usually administered in two ways: systemically (throughout the entire body) or intraoperatively (during surgery).
Mesothelioma’s rapid cell growth is what makes it cancerous and chemotherapy combats that by disrupting the uncontrolled division. Some drugs directly target and destroy cancer cells, while others halt the division process itself. While some chemotherapy can be used alone, it’s more effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan (multimodal therapy). This might combine chemotherapy with medications, radiation, or even surgery, depending on the specific case. In the article, we will dive into the subject matter and explore the different types of treatment methods and combinations, people with mesothelioma cancer can explore after advisement from a professional doctor.
Patients either receive chemotherapy intravenously or in pill form. This allows the drugs to enter the bloodstream and kill cancer cells throughout the body. Unfortunately, systemic treatments destroy both cancerous and healthy cells and, as a result, tend to cause many side effects. Most side effects are due to targeting cells that divide quite rapidly and are usually found in the bone marrow, hair, and the gastrointestinal tract. This process causes the most common side effects, such as low bone marrow, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
After removing any visible tumors, a surgeon may deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to the affected cancer site of the body. In some cases, this method helps negate some of the side effects that patients experience. Intrapleural chemotherapy and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy — also called HIPEC — are the two most common examples of intraoperative chemotherapy. Administration of local chemotherapy is thought to kill cancer cells directly, but it can also cause local inflammation in the pleural or peritoneal cavity.
Oncologists will prescribe a combination of drugs for each case. The goal here is to find an effective dose that kills cancer cell types and works to prevent new ones from developing while balancing the potentially serious side effects (i.e., nausea, bone marrow suppression, hair loss, etc.).
Patients may receive chemotherapy drugs as a standalone treatment or as part of a multimodal treatment program combined with radiation and, if necessary, surgery. Neoadjuvant Therapy is a course of chemotherapy used to help shrink tumors before the patient undergoes surgery, while Adjuvant Therapy treatment is used after surgery to destroy any microscopic cancer cells that may be left behind. This is more like sterilizing the body from any leftover cancer cells that couldn’t be seen and removed or have escaped from the surgical site and are hiding somewhere else in the body.
In 2004, after reviewing the results of several studies, the Food and Drug Administration approved the combination of ALIMTA® (pemetrexed) and cisplatin for the treatment of mesothelioma. Patients who received this combination of drugs lived several months longer than those who received cisplatin alone. This treatment is administered intravenously, and the dose and number of mesothelioma treatments will vary depending on the patient’s needs. Pemetrexed may also be combined with carboplatin. You will work directly with your oncologist to determine the best types and duration of chemotherapy. regimen for your needs, including:
Oncologists may use combinations of these medications or administer single doses for patients who have trouble tolerating more than one drug. Your oncologist may also offer you an experimental treatment agent or a standard chemotherapy drug.
Understanding the risk-benefit profile and potential adverse reactions of chemotherapy drugs is important when planning your cancer treatment journey. It empowers patients and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to individual needs, ensuring that treatment advantages align with the patient’s personal goals. This knowledge not only helps manage expectations and reduce anxiety but also allows for better monitoring and intervention to mitigate side effects.
Additionally, it plays a role in promoting adherence to treatment plans, ultimately improving outcomes and enhancing the patient’s quality of life during chemotherapy. In this way, knowledge about chemotherapy’s risks and benefits, along with the proactive management of adverse reactions, is a vital component of comprehensive cancer care.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is a targeted treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. Patients receive a dose of heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdomen during or after surgery to destroy any microscopic cancer cells that may have remained after surgery. This procedure, often called “heated chemotherapy,” is used after a surgeon has removed all visible lesions and tumors. HIPEC is administered for approximately 30 minutes at a temperature of roughly 109 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat has been shown to increase the absorption of drugs by the tumor. A surgeon moves the patient back and forth on the operating table for two hours to distribute the drugs and reach all affected areas.
Compared to traditional chemotherapy, HIPEC has several benefits: It’s a single course of treatment instead of one that lasts several weeks; it allows for a more concentrated dose of chemo; and because the drugs remain within the abdominal walls, patients report fewer overall side effects. However, digestive issues can develop and last for a few weeks after HIPEC. Patients should talk to an oncologist at a proper cancer medical center to learn more about this treatment and whether it is an option. Some patients may not be eligible for this treatment due to advanced disease or specific type of mesothelioma.
An oncologist will determine the length of treatment and type of drugs based on an individual’s mesothelioma diagnosis. When it comes to treating mesothelioma, each patient has a different path and faces different challenges, but preparing for treatment can reduce stress and help improve recovery time. Here are some general guidelines to ensure the body and mind are ready.
Financial Assistance for Treatment
While receiving chemotherapy treatments used, most patients will experience some side effects. Different drugs and dosages can affect patient health in various ways. Common side effects include:
Depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs, specific side effects may not appear for months or even years after treatment.
While these side effects are common during chemotherapy treatments, they don’t have to disrupt daily life completely. Talk to your doctor about medications and emerging treatments that can help alleviate symptoms.
Chemotherapy is a powerful tool against mesothelioma and targets fast-growing cancer cells to slow down or halt tumor growth. This essential treatment works alongside radiation and surgery for a comprehensive approach, whether given systemically or during surgery. Although side effects may occur, advancements in medical care and personalized dosing aim to minimize discomfort while maximizing effectiveness. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—lean on your loved ones and medical team for support. Stay positive and take care of yourself throughout the process. Download our free guide to learn more and access resources for your mesothelioma battle.”
Elizabeth works with the advocate team to write about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, aiming to raise awareness. She is committed to supporting families in the mesothelioma community.
Dr. Kenyatta M. Cosby is a Physician Scientist and Scientific Consultant based in Rockville, Maryland, U.S.A. He obtained his medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine. He completed research training at the National Heart Lung Blood Institute / National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Cosby holds a medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine and received research training at the National Heart Lung Blood Institute / National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He actively collaborates with other medical experts from various sectors to strive for clinical excellence in translational medicine. Mesothelioma Hub is proud to have Dr. Cosby as a part of the medical reviewer team.
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