OncoLink en espanõl
Types of Cancer > Lung Cancers > Mesothelioma > Treatment Options
New chemotherapy (Alimta) approved for malignant mesothelioma
Julia Draznin Maltzman, M.D
Affiliation:
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: February 8, 2003
Approved
On February 5th, 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called pemetrexed disodium (Alimta, Eli Lilly) for the treatment of a rare cancer called mesothelioma.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, a thin membrane that covers and protects most of the body's internal organs. The most common site for this disease is in the mesothelium that surrounds the lungs (most commonly called the pleura). However, abdominal mesotheliomas are not uncommon and arise from the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. This type of cancer is usually associated with a history of asbestos exposure and afflicts about 2,000 people every year. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the disease is usually very advanced and cure is not ordinarily possible. Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult because the symptoms are so non-specific. Diagnosis is usually made by a physical exam, x-rays or a CT scan, and a biopsy.
How do we treat mesothelioma?
Treatment for mesothelioma depends, to a large extent, on its location and the patients' general health and well being. Generally, surgical removal of the tumor is the first option if it can be safely removed. During surgery, the doctor may remove part of the mesothelium. In the case of lung mesothelioma, at times, lung tissue may need to be removed during the operation. Other options may include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Up until recently, cisplatin was the chemotherapy drug of choice.