title: A phase I/II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Pemetrexed (Alimta) in rectal cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to assess the feasibility of preoperative chemotherapy and possible tumour response using Pemetrexed (Alimta) in rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a prospective, non-randomized, single-centre phase I/II feasibility trial. 37 patients with resectable rectal cancer were recruited and given three 3-week cycles of preoperative Pemetrexed therapy. Tumour size and stage were assessed by MRI scans before and after chemotherapy. Treatment tolerability and response such as changes in tumour size and symptoms were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All patients completed the chemotherapy. Whilst mild side effects were frequent (grade 1, 34/37), the risk of severe effects was limited (grade 3 or 4, 4/37). Overall, there was a significant reduction in tumour size (p < 0.001). By RECIST criteria, one patient had tumour progression, 23/36 had stable disease and 12 patients had a response of up to 65%. There was also a significant decrease in the number of pre-treatment symptoms (p < 0.018) including reduction of bleeding and diarrhoea/constipation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preoperative (Neoadjuvant) treatment with Pemetrexed was feasible in studied patients. Serious side effects were limited and a radiological tumour response or stable disease was seen in a majority of patients.
authors.affiliation: Sahlgrenska Academy, Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, 41685 Gothenburg, Sweden. Kristoffer.derwinger@vgregion.se
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Derwinger
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kodeda
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Swartling
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kälebo
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carlsson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gustavsson
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005971:Glutamates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006147:Guanine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D047368:Tumor Burden / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005971:Glutamates; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D006147:Guanine