Pemetrexed therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Title
Pemetrexed therapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Source
Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 39(4):678-83, 2005 Apr.

OBJECTIVE:

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

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.