Treating Mesothelioma Cancer with Chemotherapy

Mesothelioma News

Gemcitabine and Carboplatin May Prove Helpful in Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

June 13, 2003 — A combination of the chemotherapy agents gemcitabine and carboplatin may prove helpful in treating mesothelioma, according to a recent multicenter Italian study (Cancer; 2003 Jun 1; 97(11): 2791–7). Fifty patients took part in a phase II clinical trial, which evaluates the effectiveness, safety, and side effects of drugs. Twenty–six percent of the patients had partial positive responses to gemcitabine/carboplatin, including improved breathing, weight gain, and pain reduction. The disease progressed in 24% of patients.

The chemotherapy treatment was delivered for two weeks beginning every four weeks. Most patients had received no prior mesothelioma cancer treatments. Leukopenia, a condition in which the number of white blood cells is abnormally low, occurred in 11% of chemotherapy cycles. Thrombocytopenia or a decrease in the number of blood platelets was observed in 15% of cycles. Anemia developed among patients during eight cycles (5%). No patients experienced negative side effects other than those associated with these blood–related problems.

The median patient survival was 66 weeks with 53%, 30%, and 20% of patients alive at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The median progression–free survival period was 40 weeks.

The researchers concluded that the gemcitabine/carboplatin combination is a “valid option” in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer due to its acceptable toxicity profile, clinical benefits, and the good patient response rate. They also suggested making minor treatment schedule adjustments such as using three week cycles instead of 4 week cycles.