Chemotherapy is one of the most typical treatments for mesothelioma. The doctors have several drug options to choose from. Cisplatin is among them, which is usually administered with other drugs and forms part of a combination therapy. For over thirty years, Cisplatin has been effectively used for cancer treatment.
Cisplatin forms a platinum complex that cross-links DNA, causing cell death systematically. This drug is administered to cancer patients intravenously, usually combined with Alimta. The combination is performed every 21 days in a cancer treatment center or a hospital. The doctor will recommend how many treatment sessions are needed by the patient depending on his reaction to the drugs and to the side effects.
Before the treatment is performed, the patient will need to take B12 supplements and will go on taking the supplements throughout the cycle of the treatment. Steroids may also be recommended by the physician for reduction of side effects.
It is very important that an open discussion between the doctor and the patient be done about the possible side effects of Cisplatin or other chemotherapy medications. The doctor needs to be told if there are drugs that the patient currently takes. This is to prevent unwanted interactions of drugs. These are the common reactions because of Cisplatin:
- Abnormalities of blood tests
- Appetite loss
- Diarrhea
- Low counts of red and white blood cells
- Loss of weight
- Tingling or numbness of fingers and toes
- Toxicity of Kidneys
- Vomiting and nausea
Side effects may not be apparent to all mesothelioma patients and those who have them will experience them in different degrees. These side effects, along with the medications, should be documented by the patient for proper organization when the files would later be needed.