Chemotherapy
Alimta
In February 2004, Alimta (pemetrexed) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of pleural malignant mesothelioma that cannot be removed surgically, when given with cisplatin (another chemotherapy drug). It is the only such drug approved for this indication.

Alimta works by blocking an enzyme necessary in the growth of the tumor. It is given by injection every 21 days, followed by administration of cisplatin. Folate and B12 must also be given, and corticosteroids are also prescribed to decrease skin side effects. As with other types of chemotherapy, there are side effects associated with Alimta, including fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and blood problems.

Alimta does not cure malignant mesothelioma, but it does improve survival. In the study that prompted its approval by the FDA, patients treated with Alimta and cisplatin had a median survival almost 3 months greater than those treated with cisplatin alone.