A typical protocol for mesothelioma treatment is chemotherapy. There are various chemotherapy drugs that your doctor may recommend. Cisplatin, a drug that has been used for over 30 years in the treatment of cancer, is frequently given with other drugs as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen.
Cisplatin works by forming a platinum complex that eventually will cross-link DNA and cause systematic cell death. Mesothelioma patients receive this chemotherapy drug intravenously, typically in combination with Alimta. The Cisplatin and Alimta combination is administered every 21 days at either a hospital or cancer treatment center. Your doctor will determine the number of treatments based on your response to the drugs and any side effects that may occur.
Often your doctor will recommend taking B12 supplements prior to beginning this treatment. Additionally, B12 shots are given throughout the treatment cycle. Your doctor may also prescribe oral steroids to help minimize some of the side effects.
Discussing the potential side effects of Cisplatin, or any chemotherapy drug, is important. Your doctor will need to know all the medications you are presently taking in order to prevent unwanted drug interactions. Following are some common side effects of Cisplatin:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Kidney toxicity
- Blood test abnormalities
- Low white blood cell count
- Low red blood cell count
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Numbness or tingling in fingers and/or toes
- Weight loss
Not all mesothelioma patients receiving Cisplatin will experience these side effects, and those who do will experience them in varying degrees. It is important to maintain an open dialog with your doctor regarding any and all side effects. It is also important to document these side effects, along with all your medications. By filling out the form on the left, you can receive our Mesothelioma Information Guide, which provides you with a central repository to maintain all your documentation and helps you stay organized, even when you are not feeling your best.