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Future directions in the development of pemetrexed

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Alan Calvert

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Abstract

Pemetrexed is a novel antifolate that inhibits several folate-dependent enzymes in addition to thymidylate synthase. Such a drug may have theoretical advantages over fluoropyrimidines and specifically acting antifolates. Phase I studies identified a preferred schedule of an intravenous dose once every 3 weeks. Phase II studies showed a broad spectrum of activity in solid tumors (ie, non-small cell lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers) usually considered refractory to most antimetabolites. Binary combinations with cisplatin, carboplatin, and gemcitabine have proven feasible and show encouraging activity in lung cancer and mesothelioma. Problems of sporadic life-threatening toxicity identified in early studies of this and other antifolates have been resolved by the discovery that they were caused by functional folate deficiency and may be avoided by a low-dose nutritional supplement of folic acid and vitamin B12. Pemetrexed is a promising new drug that should make a contribution to solid tumor oncology. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Calvert, A. H., Bunn, P.

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Seminars in Oncology

Year: 2002

Volume: 29

Issue: 2 supplement 5

Pages: 54-61

Print publication date: 01/04/2002

ISSN (print): 0093-7754

ISSN (electronic): 1532-8708

URL: http://www.seminoncol.org/article/S0093-7754(02)70217-0/abstract

PubMed id: 12023794


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