Search Results for: lung cancer

Taxol (paclitaxel) is the brand name for a chemotherapy drug that is experimental for mesothelioma treatment. It has been in use for other purposes since its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1998. Researchers hope it will be useful in treating mesothelioma as part of a multi-modal approach, but initial studies have had

Gemzar (gemcitabine) is a chemotherapy drug that can be used to treat mesothelioma patients. It is currently approved to treat certain cases of ovarian, pancreatic, non-small cell lung, and breast cancers only, but research shows it may help mesothelioma patients when combined with other drugs. What Is Gemcitabine? Gemcitabine is the generic name of the

Adriamycin (doxorubicin) is a chemotherapy drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several types of cancer, but not mesothelioma. Doctors may prescribe doxorubicin for mesothelioma patients, particularly in combination with other drugs. Doxorubicin has some serious risks and side effects, but it can help manage the disease. What Is Doxorubicin?

Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) is a chemotherapy drug that has been used to treat cancer since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959. Although not approved for any type of mesothelioma, doctors may prescribe Cytoxan as part of treatment. Research and clinical trials show that Cytoxan can help control mesothelioma when combined

Paraplatin (carboplatin) is a chemotherapy drug that treats several cancers, including mesothelioma. Carboplatin typically causes less severe side effects than cisplatin, a similar drug used commonly to treat mesothelioma. What Is Carboplatin? Carboplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug based on the earlier drug cisplatin. The trade name for carboplatin is Paraplatin. Drugmakers developed and patented

Platinol (cisplatin) is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug often used to treat pleural mesothelioma. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in 1978. Cisplatin is often used in combination with other drugs and can cause serious side effects that must be carefully monitored. What Is Cisplatin? Cisplatin is a platinum-containing chemotherapy drug that specifically

Avastin (bevacizumab) is an antiangiogenesis medication increasingly used to treat mesothelioma patients. It is most often used to treat colorectal and non-small cell lung cancer. In early clinical trials, Avastin showed potential for extending the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines list Avastin as a key piece of early

Alimta (pemetrexed) is a chemotherapy drug approved to treat pleural mesothelioma in patients who are not candidates for curative surgery. Patients typically receive Alimta in combination with cisplatin, another chemotherapy drug. Pemetrexed with cisplatin can extend patients’ lives but also cause side effects. What Is Alimta? Alimta is a chemotherapeutic drug first approved by the

The most promising mesothelioma treatment option is a multimodal combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Some patients may benefit from emerging treatments, like immunotherapy. Supportive and palliative treatments relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.