Medication (definition of)

Medication is administered to cancer patients for one of three reasons:

• for treatment of malignant tissues and cells
• pain relief
• side effects of treatments such as chemo and radiation

Chemotherapy drugs are the primary medications used to treat cancer. These drugs are actually toxins that are designed to kill off rapidly dividing cancer cells. Biological therapy drugs are used to reinforce the body's immune system which may be compromised as a result, and hormone therapy drugs are used in the treatment of reproductive cancers. Chemotherapy drugs can be an effective treatment for reducing the size of a cancer and even bring about remission.

Of the several medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of mesothelioma, premextred (proprietary name: Alimta) is the only one specifically developed for mesothelioma. Other drugs used for the treatment of mesothelioma include:

• endostatin
• angiostatin
• Celebrex
• gemcitabine
• Cisplatin
• Onconase
• Navelbine

As with any mesothelioma cancer drug, your doctor will determine the most effective option for treating your particular type of cancer.

Pain medications typically consist of common pain relievers such as acetaminophen and non-steroid, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Stronger medications known as "opioids" are often used for more difficult cases, which are:

• hydrocodone
• codeine
• oxycodone
• morphine

Pain medication can be administered orally, intravenously, transdermally, rectally or with the use of an epidural catheter located near the base of the spine.