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Cisplatin and Pleural Mesothelioma

There are very few effective treatment options for patients battling pleural mesothelioma. Most therapy methods are only designed to relieve symptoms for a short while. However, one medication that is known to prolong the life expectancy of pleural mesothelioma patients is Cisplatin. When combined with the chemotherapy drug Alimta®, these two medications are considered to be the most effective treatment approach for patients with pleural mesothelioma.

Treatment and Side Effects

The platinum-based chemotherapy drug Cisplatin was first introduced about 30 years ago. It acts by causing apoptosis (cell death) in various types of cancers, including sarcomas, lymphomas, ovarian cancer and pleural mesothelioma cancer. When taken with Alimta®, doctors will recommend patients to take B12 and folic acid supplements a week before treatment begins. These supplements are typically administered throughout the treatment and for 21 days after the last dosages of Cisplatin and Alimta® have been received. In some cases, an oral steroid will prescribed in order to minimize side effects.

For pleural mesothelioma patients, the combination of Cisplatin and Alimta® is given every 21 days. The treatment consists of a dose of Alimta® through an IV for about 10 to 15 minutes. Cisplatin is then administered for approximately two hours. The number of cycles a patient receives will largely depend on their response to the treatment and any side effects experienced. Patients who may be taking additional medications during treatment should notify their physician to avoid any serious risks.

Common side effects of Cisplatin and Alimta® include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea and lowered blood cell counts. Some patients may experience more severe complications during treatment and therefore all symptoms should be reported to a doctor. Cisplatin may increase a person’s risk of developing kidney problems. It is recommended for patients to drink plenty of water while taking this chemotherapy drug.

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