Often your doctor will recommend chemotherapy as part of your mesothelioma treatment. There are various types or classes of chemotherapy drugs available. These drugs are frequently used in combination to form an overall treatment, as in the case of Alimta and Cisplatin. One class of chemotherapy drugs is derived from multiple types of plants, called plant alkaloids.
Plant alkaloids are cell-cycle specific, meaning they attack the cancer cells during various phases of division. The various plant alkaloid types include:
- Vinca alkaloids made from the periwinkle plant (catharanthus rosea)
- Taxanes made from Pacific Yew tree bark (taxus)
- Podophyllotoxins made from the May apple plant.
- Camptothecan analogs made from the Asian “Happy Tree” (Camptotheca acuminate
Vinca alkaloids and taxanes are also known as antimicrotubule agents, meaning they prevent cell division and replication, eventually resulting in cell death. Podophyllotoxins and camptothecan analogs are also known as topoisomerase inhibitors, meaning they interrupt the DNA of the cell, which also eventually results in cell death.
The popular chemotherapy drug names for each of these plant alkaloids include:
- Vinca alkaloids – Vincristine, Vinblastine and Vinorelbine (Navelbine)
- Taxanes – Paclitaxel and Docetaxel
- Podophyllotoxins – Etoposide and Tenisopide
- Camptothecan analogs – Irinotecan and Topotecan
Chemotherapy drugs often have side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight loss and hair loss. It is very important to discuss details about your mesothelioma treatment with your doctor, particularly with regard to any medications you are taking, or any health issues you may have.
We understand you have a lot of questions that require answers in a short period of time. Research takes time, and sometimes it would be nice to speak with someone who can help you sort out the details. Contact one of our mesothelioma family advocates to ask questions and learn about your options. They can help.
