Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells.

It is thought that chemotherapy may help some people by reducing symptoms and giving a better quality of life, but at the moment chemotherapy is not a standard treatment for mesothelioma. Some researchers believe that chemotherapy may help some people with mesothelioma to live for one or two months longer, but it cannot cure the mesothelioma completely.

Currently, it is not clear whether chemotherapy is better at controlling the symptoms of mesothelioma than using other medicines to control each symptom, such as painkillers or medicines for breathlessness. The usefulness of chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma is still being evaluated.

In some people, chemotherapy may control the growth of the mesothelioma for a time, reducing symptoms and giving a better quality of life. Your doctor can discuss with you the possible benefits and disadvantages of chemotherapy in your particular situation.

Side effects

While chemotherapy drugs are acting on the cancer cells in your body, they also temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in your blood. When the number of these cells is low, you are more likely to get an infection and you may tire easily. During chemotherapy your blood will be tested regularly and, if necessary, you will be given antibiotics to treat any infection. Blood transfusions may be given if you are anaemic.

Other side effects vary according to the chemotherapy drugs being used. They may include feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea and hair loss. Some drugs also make your mouth sore and may cause small mouth ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and the nurses will show you how to do these properly. If you don’t feel like eating, you can supplement or replace your meals with nutritious, high-calorie drinks that are available on prescription from your doctor. Medicines are also available from your doctor to help you stop feeling sick (anti-emetics).

Although they may seem hard to bear at the time, the side effects are temporary and will disappear once your treatment is over. If you do lose your hair, it will start to grow back a couple of months after the treatment has ended.

Chemotherapy affects different people in different ways. Some are able to lead a normal life during their treatment, while many find they become very tired and have to take things more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overtire yourself.
source - www.cancerBACUP.org.uk