Targeted Therapy Drugs for Mesothelioma

Targeted drugs target specific parts of cancer cells. The targeted drugs used to treat mesothelioma block angiogenesis, which is the growth of new blood vessels that nourish cancers.

Drugs that target blood vessel formation

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein that helps tumors form new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. This helps them get the nutrients they need to grow.

Bevacizumab (Avastin and other brand names) is a drug that stops VEGF from working. It can be given along with the chemotherapy drugs pemetrexed and either cisplatin or carboplatin.

Bevacizumab, pemetrexed, and cisplatin might be used as the main treatment for mesothelioma that can't be removed with surgery. It might then be followed by maintenance bevacizumab for up to a year.

Ramucirumab (Cyramza) also stops VEGF from working. It can be given along with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine, typically after other treatments have been tried.

These drugs are given as an infusion into your vein (IV), typically every 2 or 3 weeks.

Possible side effects

Common side effects of these drugs include:

• High blood pressure
• Feeling very tired (fatigue)
• Bleeding
• Low white blood cell counts and increased risk of infections
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea

Rare, but possibly serious side effects include blood clots, severe bleeding, holes forming in the colon (called perforations), heart problems, kidney problems, and slow wound healing.

Another rare but serious side effect of these drugs is an allergic reaction during the infusion, which could cause breathing problems and low blood pressure. You'll be watched closely while getting this drug. It’s important to tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any problems.