Mesothelioma Publication: Pemetrexed Therapy

This is an abstract of an article about pemetrexed therapy and mesothelioma published at PubMed by the NIH.

Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Mar 8; [Epub ahead of print]
Pemetrexed Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (CE) (April).
Puto K, Garey JS.
Inpatient Oncology/Hematology, Pharmacy Department, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL.

OBJECTIVE: To review pemetrexed, a novel multi-targeted antifolate agent.

DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted (1985-September 2004) using MEDLINE and CANCERLIT. Recent abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology were also included, along with the manufacturer's information. Key words were pemetrexed, LY-231514, Alimta, multi-targeted antifolate, malignant pleural mesothelioma.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant information on pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety and efficacy of pemetrexed from clinical trials was selected.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Pemetrexed inhibits folate metabolism and purine/pyrimidine synthesis. Based on Phase I and II trials, pemetrexed has antitumor activity in solid tumors such as lung, colorectal, and cervical. A pivotal Phase III study in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) demonstrated survival superiority of pemetrexed-cisplatin regimen versus cisplatin.

CONCLUSIONS: Pemetrexed is a promising new drug for the treatment of solid malignancies, most notably MPM. ((CE)) This article is approved for continuing education credit ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-05-xxx-H01.

Even limited exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.