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Mesothelioma Treatment Drugs

There are several mesothelioma drugs currently approved by the FDA for use in chemotherapy for malignant mesothelioma treatment. There are also several drugs currently in clinical trials or research and experimentation for mesothelioma treatment. See the information below to learn about current and emerging mesothelioma treatment drugs. If you would like to learn about your legal rights as a mesothelioma patient, please contact a lawyer at the Law Offices of David A. Shaw today.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) Mesothelioma Treatment

Alimta, generically named pemetrexed, is an antifolate drug that combats mesothelioma tumor growth by disrupting the body's ability to produce folic acid. Cancer studies revealed that folic acid aids in the spreading and development of cancer tissue. Alimta pemetrexed mesothelioma treatment stops folic acid production and causes significant reduction in the growth and spread of mesothelioma tumors. Alimta pemetrexed mesothelioma treatment has been shown to increase survival rates among mesothelioma patients, while remaining less toxic than other forms of chemotherapy. Alimta pemetrexed mesothelioma treatment is most effective when combined with the use of cisplatin, a cytotoxin used in chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma. Cisplatin mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment alone does not increase patient survival as significantly as it does when combined with alimta (pemetrexed).

Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a platinum-containing compound drug that was accidentally found to possess anti-tumor characteristics in the early 1970s. Cisplatin is used to treat mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. It is an effective mesothelioma treatment, especially when combined with Alimta, but care must be taken to monitor and control side effects. Cisplatin can be toxic to humans if levels get too high.

Onconase

Onconase is a new anti-cancer drug in clinical studies that has had life prolonging results for malignant mesothelioma patients. Onconase is made from the enzymes of purified frog's eggs. Studies showed that some malignant mesothelioma patients responded well to Onconase treatment. In addition to increased survival times, mesothelioma patients treated with Onconase who experienced positive effects often showed a reduction in tumor size or stabilization of malignant mesothelioma tumor growth. It has also been noted that Onconase resulted in lower toxicity levels and fewer side effects than patients treated with the established chemotherapy drug doxorubicin.

Endostatin and Angiostatin

Endostatin and angiostatin are drugs that stop the growth of arteries and veins that feed mesothelioma and other tumors. This mesothelioma treatment focuses on depriving tumors and cancer cells the nutrients needed to grow by not allowing adequate blood supply to feed the tumor. Some positive mesothelioma treatment results have been recorded from endostatin and angiostatin treatments, but so far, these mesothelioma drugs have not proved to be significantly superior to other forms of treatment.

Celebrex

Celebrex is an anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor pain medication normally prescribed for arthritis and other inflammatory related pain. Researchers in Italy recently conducted research that showed that Celebrex, generically known as celecoxib, had a significant impact on mesothelioma tissue growth. The study's positive results call for more research and possible clinical trials utilizing Celebrex for mesothelioma treatment, though currently, this treatment has not been involved in human mesothelioma treatment clinical trials.

Gemcitabine

Also known by its brand name Gemzar, gemcitabine is another new chemotherapy drug currently in clinical trials for malignant mesothelioma treatment. Gemcitabine, especially when combined with cisplatin in recovering extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery patients, has proven effective at increasing survival times in mesothelioma patients. The drug works as a mesothelioma treatment by inhibiting cell division and reproduction in cancer cells. Gemcitabine was also effective in treating mesothelioma in studies where the drug was combined with cisplatin in patients who did not undergo surgery. Gemcitabine-only treatment for mesothelioma proved less effective than when combined with cisplatin. Clinical trials using Alitma (pemetrexed) and gemcitabine are currently underway as well.

Mesothelioma treatment and research is still far from a cure. New drugs, treatments, and combinations are helping victims live longer, more quality lives after mesothelioma diagnosis and there are promising treatments on the horizon. But there are still more questions than answers and one of the most important questions for you and your family is, "What can you do?" Besides fighting mesothelioma on the medical front, engaging mesothelioma on a legal front by retaining a quality mesothelioma lawyer can hold those responsible for your disease accountable and secure needed compensation for you and your family. The only known cause for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Chances are you or a loved one is the victim of a corporation's choice to use asbestos in its products despite knowledge of the dangers of asbestos. Contact the Law offices of David A. Shaw to find out what your rights are.

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