Following thorough clinical trials, the cancer-treating drug Alimta, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was given FDA approval in February 2004, and has been used to treat patients who have pleural mesothelioma, which is a malignant cancer that results from exposure to asbestos. This drug is given as part of a combination treatment with another cancer drug called cisplatin. Although there is no known cure for mesothelioma, this treatment can help to extend the lifespan of sufferers, even if only by a matter of months.
In 2004, when it was first approved, this drug was heralded as a breakthrough in the search for treatments for patients with malignant mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and results in pain and suffering for the patient as well as dramatically reducing the lifespan of the patient. However, this drug has helped to increase the patient’s lifespan even though it is for a fairly short period.
The growth of lung tumors is exacerbated and promoted by certain enzymes, and Alimta helps to slow down the growth of these enzymes. This drug is administered to the patient intravenously and is given at intervals of around three weeks. There can be side effects associated with this drug, so patients being treated with Alimta are also given vitamin B12 and folic acid to combat some of the side effects.
Among the side effects associated with Alimta are nausea, rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, white blood cell reduction, red blood cell reduction, platelet reduction, loss of appetite, sores, and fatigue. However, the folic acid and vitamin B12 can help to ease the severity of side effects from this treatment.
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