Mesothelioma Therapy Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma

Question 1

What is the standard first-line chemotherapy regimen for unresectable pleural mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Pemetrexed + Cisplatin

Answer

Gemcitabine + Carboplatin

Answer

Doxorubicin + Cyclophosphamide

Answer

Paclitaxel + Carboplatin

Question 2

Which vitamin supplements are required for patients receiving pemetrexed to reduce toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid and vitamin B12

Answer

Vitamin A and D

Answer

Vitamin C and zinc

Answer

Vitamin E and selenium

Question 3

What is pemetrexed's primary mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Antifolate—inhibits multiple folate-dependent enzymes

Answer

DNA alkylation

Answer

Microtubule stabilization

Answer

Topoisomerase inhibition

Question 4

Carboplatin is sometimes substituted for cisplatin in mesothelioma chemotherapy for which reason?

Accepted Answer

Better tolerability in patients with renal dysfunction

Answer

Greater efficacy

Answer

Lower cost only

Answer

Availability in oral form

Question 5

What is the typical number of cycles for first-line pemetrexed + cisplatin chemotherapy in mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

4–6 cycles

Answer

2–3 cycles

Answer

8–10 cycles

Answer

12 cycles

Question 6

Which second-line chemotherapy agent has shown activity in previously treated mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Gemcitabine

Answer

Oxaliplatin

Answer

Bleomycin

Answer

Methotrexate