Following drugs/medications are currently being prescribed for the treatment of mesothelioma cancer:

• Alimta (Pemetrexed) -- Alimta is a relatively new drug that is administered intravenously (every three weeks) for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma cancers.

Alimta works by blocking an enzymes that prmotes the growth of mesothelioma cancer tumors.

It must be noted, however, that even though Alimta does not cure the disease, it does reportedly help almost double the average survival time to approximately 15 months.

Alimta's side effects include: Anemia, Fatigue, Diarrhea, Shortness of breath, Nausea, Upset stomach, Lower white blood cell count, Loss of appetite, and Skin rashes.

• Onconase -- Onconase is a new chemotherapy drug that seems to be causing relatively fewer side-effects as compared to traditional chemotherapy.
• Gemcitabine -- Gemcitabine is also a new chemotherapy drug, being used in combination with Cisplatin, Alimta and Epirubicin.

Side Effects of Mesothelioma Drugs:

Even thouh side effects vary depending upon the drugs being used, here are some of the side-effets that are often associated with common mesothelioma drugs:

• Reduction in bone marrow function resulting in anemia, increasing the risk of bruising or bleeding and an increased risk of infection.
• Illness -Some patients feel quite ill within a few few hours of the treatment. Anti-sickness drugs usually helps with this, and the symptoms usually resolve within a few days thereafter.
• Bloating -Some patients experience bloating, develop swelling in ankles or breathlessness due to fluid retention.

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