Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. The treatment of MPM often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The chemotherapy drugs used to treat MPM may vary depending on the patient’s age, health status, and the stage and location of the cancer. Here are some of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for MPM:
Cisplatin
Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapy drugs used to treat MPM. It is a platinum-based drug that works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die. Cisplatin is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, such as pemetrexed, to increase its effectiveness.
Pemetrexed
Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug that is often used in combination with cisplatin to treat MPM. It works by blocking the enzymes that cancer cells need to grow and divide. Pemetrexed is usually administered intravenously every three weeks.
Carboplatin
Carboplatin is another platinum-based chemotherapy drug that is used to treat MPM. It is often used as an alternative to cisplatin in patients who cannot tolerate it due to its side effects. Carboplatin works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die.
Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used in combination with cisplatin to treat MPM. It works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die. Gemcitabine is usually administered intravenously once a week.
Vinorelbine
Vinorelbine is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat MPM. It works by disrupting the microtubules that cancer cells need to divide and grow. Vinorelbine is usually administered intravenously once a week.
Doxorubicin
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat MPM. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die. Doxorubicin is usually administered intravenously every three weeks.
Methotrexate
Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat MPM. It works by blocking the enzymes that cancer cells need to grow and divide. Methotrexate is usually administered intravenously once a week.
Mitomycin C
Mitomycin C is a chemotherapy drug that is sometimes used to treat MPM. It works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, causing them to die. Mitomycin C is usually administered intravenously every six weeks.
In conclusion, chemotherapy is an important part of the treatment of MPM. The chemotherapy drugs used to treat MPM may vary depending on the patient’s age, health status, and the stage and location of the cancer. Cisplatin, pemetrexed, carboplatin, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and mitomycin C are some of the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs for MPM. It is important to work closely with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the individual’s specific needs.
