Combination Chemotherapy
Combination chemotherapy can be more effective than single agent chemotherapy because drugs operate on different systems or on the same systems in somewhat different ways. Their effects may complement one another to maximize their destructive impact on cancer cells.
Several combination chemotherapy regimens have been demonstrated in small phase II mesothelioma clinical trials to have higher response rates than single agent chemotherapy drugs. For example, raltitrexed in combination with oxaliplatin has been shown effective. Similarly, gemcitabine, either as a single agent or combined with cisplatin, and the drug vinorelbine appear to improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients. By far, the most active and best-studied combination chemotherapy for treating mesothelioma is the combination of Alimta® and Platinol® (cisplatin). This combination therapy has been adopted by many physicians as a “standard” for comparing other treatments.
Many combination chemotherapy agents are being tested for the treatment of mesothelioma. Currently, doctors are evaluating the addition of Gemzar® to Alimta® in clinical trials. Other combination chemotherapies, such as cisplatin and gemcitabine, have also demonstrated encouraging response rates and clinical activity. Scientists are also conducting studies for second line chemotherapy treatment regimens to help patients who do not benefit from chemotherapy the first time.