Navelbine (vinorelbine) is a chemotherapy drug and cancer treatment. It slows tumor growth by preventing cancer cells from dividing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Navelbine for treating certain non-small cell lung cancer cases but can be used with some mesothelioma patients. What Is Navelbine? Navelbine is the brand name of the medication
Onconase (ranpirnase) is a novel agent being tested as a treatment for mesothelioma and other uses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved it for any use, but it may help manage mesothelioma. Rather than a potential cure, Onconase is an enzyme that stabilizes cancer cells and prevents tumor growth, slowing
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