Mesothelioma chemotherapy tested in Japan

The theory that high levels of chemotherapy performed before other types of anti-cancer treatments are the precursor to a successful mesothelioma surgery is now under study in Japan.

Induction chemotherapy involves the administration of very high levels of chemotherapy drugs to serve as front-line cancer treatment eliminate as much cancer cells up front. This is expected to minimize if not immediately eliminate the need for more chemotherapy sessions or other types of treatment, reports Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient’s Guide. 

Mesothelioma cancer can be very nasty that a mere chemotherapy cannot immediately destroy the cancer cells. However, Japanese researchers hypothesized that while it cannot totally eliminate the cell, this form of treatment can, in one way or another, weaken their resistance, thereby improve surgical outcomes.

New mesothelioma treatment to combat chemo-resistance to cisplatin

Chemotherapy is one of the most common types of treatment that fights the symptoms and avert the development of the mesothelioma cancer, as well as other types of cancer. However, most of the time, the tumors tend to fight off the effects of the drugs, thus, treatment becomes of no use at all. A recent study, however, can reveal the reason why cancer cells tend to resist cisplatin, a common chemotherapeutic agent. This finding can be very helpful in devising a brand-new treatment strategy not only for mesothelioma, but also for other types of cancers, that seemingly resist treatments.

Cisplatin is used together with other chemotherapy agents following surgery to slow down, if not prevent, the growth of the cancer, as well as to alleviate mesothelioma symptoms. However, Guido Kroemer, M.D., Ph.D., professor at University Paris Descartes in Paris, France reveals that a lot of patients would respond transiently to cisplatin therapy.

“Cancer cells develop ways to resist the effects of the drug,” he reveals