Combination Chemotherapy (definition of)
Combination chemotherapy is the course of treatment used specifically for patients with mesothelioma (like peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma). It consists of a drug cocktail including premextred and cisplatin. Together, these drugs are not a cure and may not extend the life expectancy for mesothelioma victims; however, they can reduce the amount of pain and increase the quality of life during the patient's final months.
Premextred is among the newest of chemotherapy drugs, developed in 2004. It is marketed by the Eli Lilly Corporation under the brand name Alimta; although relatively inexpensive to produce, under the privatized profit-driven U.S. health care "system," the corporation is able to charge $5000 per dose, and even those patients fortunate enough to have insurance "coverage" find that these very wealthy insurers typically pay less than half of the cost a typical $11,000 course of treatment. Chemically, it is similar to the Vitamin B-12 found in green leafy vegetables and legumes. Premextred operates by inhibiting the biochemical processes inside cancer cells by preventing the formation of DNA.
Cisplatin marketed as Platinol, a product of Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Inc. In 2003, this corporation was investigated by the Federal Trade Commission for engaging in anticompetitive practices through manipulation of federal regulations. The company reached a settlement with the federal government in 2003.
In contrast to Alimta, cisplatin is a very old drug, first developed in 1845. It is an inorganic substance containing the metal platinum. Although relatively costly, it is far less expensive than Alimta on a per-dose basis, running in the $150 - $200 range. This drug acts by binding to DNA strands, causing them to crosslink and triggering apoptosis ("cell death").
The Food and Drug Administration has defined a very specific treatment cycle when using these drugs, each of which lasts three weeks and alternates doses of Alimta with premextred. Periods of medication are separated by a 20 day period during which the patient's body is given a chance to rest and recover from the toxic side effects, which may include hair and weight loss, fatigue and nausea.
