Pemetrexed (Alimta): a new antifolate for non-small-cell lung cancer.
Pemetrexed (Alimta) is a novel multitargeted antifolate that has activity against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a single agent, the response rate is 16%-23%. As second-line therapy, it has a 5% and 14% response rate with pemetrexed in NSCLC patients who have had prior cisplatin or nonplatinum chemotherapy, respectively. Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin has a response rate of 38.9%-44.8%, with a median survival of 8.9-10.9 months. Pemetrexed plus gemcitabine in NSCLC has a response rate of less than 25%. The major toxicity associated with pemetrexed is neutropenia, which may be reduced with vitamin B12 and folate nutritional supplement. Additional studies with pemetrexed in combination with other agents are needed for the treatment of NSCLC patients.
Ettinger
David S
DS
The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. ettinda@jhmi.edu