Pemetrexed in thoracic cancer.
Both lung cancer and mesothelioma are malignancies with increasing incidence, and both are primarily due to inhalation of an external carcinogen. The occurence of both diseases is expected to rise worldwide, although a stabilisation and/or decrease may be anticipated in some developed countries. There are other common similarities to both cancers, including the median age of their patients, the advanced stage at presentation, the outcome and the treatments given. This review focuses on the available evidence of a novel antifolate agent, pemetrexed, in the treatment of both of these thoracic malignancies. Current status, persisting controversies and future developments are discussed.
Goeminne
Hannelore
H
Department of Pulmonary Diseases, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
van Meerbeeck
Jan P
JP
D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005971:Glutamates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006147:Guanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005971:Glutamates; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D006147:Guanine