Chemotherapy-Related Drugs and Therapy

Besides the chemotherapy drugs doctors prescribe for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, there are other drugs intended for post-chemotherapy use. Doctors will also prescribe drugs intended for use at the same time chemotherapy or radiation is underway, that are meant to minimize the side effects that can accompany these treatments. The drugs include Taxotere and Taxol, Endostatin, Zofran and other anti-nausea drugs.

Taxotere and Taxol

Tumors can return after chemotherapy in some cases. Taxotere and Taxol are drugs that are used to help rid the body of cancer cells when cancer recurs following a previous chemotherapy treatment. These drugs inhibit the duplication or reproduction of cancerous cells. They are delivered through intravenous infusion.

Zofran and other anti-nausea drugs

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy treatment is nausea. Zofran is a drug used to ease nausea. Others are Emeset, Oncoden and Zofron. These drugs can help to control radiation therapy induced nausea, as well as post-op nausea and other kinds of nausea.

Endostatin

Endostatin is a natural protein shown to inhibit the growth of blood vessels. The administration of Endostatin results in cancerous tumors “starving” due to lack of blood. This drug is still in clinical trials and has not been approved for general prescription, however.