Cisplatin is one of the commonly used drugs in chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma patients. Presently it has been administered with other drugs to enhance its strength when treating mesothelioma patients. The drugs was with a history, in which, it has been found unsuccessful but later found effective in treating mesothelioma when combined with the drug Alimta. It generally induces a higher range of side effects than the drugs that are presently available in the market. Medical Specialists more often prescribe these latest medications before before deciding to go for Cisplatin.

Alimta (Permetrexed) has been used widely laready to treat mesothelioma patients. The drug was introduced first in 2005 and frequently administered with Cisplatin. According to medical specialists, Alimta is one of the most responsive drugs to date to treat pleural mesothelioma patients who are unable to undergo surgeries due to different reasons. Alimta influences malignant cells by restricting their divisions and growth.

An alternative drug for mesothelioma patients is Onconase (Ranpirnase and P-30 protein). It has been manufactured from the embryos and eggs of the northern leopard frogs. This extraction assists in breaking down cancer cells of mesothelioma patients and holds the healthy cells intact.

Another effective drug is Gemcitabine. Doctors apply this drug to treat bladder, pancreas and breast cancers. It has been established that Gemcitabine is also effective with pleural mesothelioma patients. Gemcitabine generally applied with another drug to increase its effect.

Carboplatin was introduced in early 1980 and was used extensively since this drug is with fewer side effects when compared with related medications. It is used widely to deal with cancers in the neck, head, lung and ovaries including mesotheliomas.

Unlike the above mentioned drugs, Navelbine (Vinorelbine) has been derived from extractions of a plant called periwinkle. The rest of the drugs menitioned earlier for treating cancers are synthetic while Navelbine is a semi synthetic drug.