According to recent reports, a drug known as Thalidomide, is proving to be beneficial to mesothelioma patients when given in combination with immune therapy.
The medication was reportedly used in the 1950’s and 1960’s before its use was discontinued due to the fact that it was found to cause birth defects in newborns.
However, it’s proving to have positive effects on those who have been exposed to asbestos and as a result have developed the fatal form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
Medication Becomes Focus of Studies
Recent studies have shown that after patients endure chemotherapy, Thalidomide can be administered and will help to prevent tumors from coming back.
In phase two studies, patients who are treated with Thalidomide in conjunction with other Mesothelioma medications have had a 44 percent overall improvement in their disease.
Side Effects of the Medication
Although researchers say that Thalidomide has showed to be well received by many patients, as with most medications, there are some common side effects that have been discovered, such as:
•   Dry mouth
•   Paresthesias
•   Constipation
Additional Promising Treatments
Aside from Thalidomide, other new immune therapies have also recently revealed that they can have a positive influence on those fighting diseases like mesothelioma.
Researchers believe that treating mesothelioma as a bacteria or virus can help the body to use its immune system to prevent further tumor growth.
