ALIMTA^® and Folic Acid in Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma News

Pemetrexed (ALIMTA^®) Shows Activity Against Pleural Mesothelioma

LISBON, PORTUGAL — November 11, 2001 — Pemetrexed (ALIMTA^®, Lilly) may prove useful in treating pleural mesothelioma, according to a Phase II study presented recently at the European Cancer Conference in Lisbon, Portugal (European Journal of Cancer, Vol. 37, Oct. 2001, search on ALIMTA^®, click on Abstract 66). ALIMTA^® is a drug that inhibits enzymes necessary for the synthesis of thymidine and purine. It has shown activity against tumors in lung, breast, colorectal, and gastric cancers.

Patients with advanced pleural mesothelioma were given ALIMTA^® at 500 mg/m2 doses in 10 minute infusions every 3 weeks. The number of cycles ranged from 1 to 16 weeks, with 3 cycles being the median number. Some patients were also given daily low doses of folic acid and vitamin B12 to counteract any toxic effects of the drug.

Nine patients (14.5%) achieved a positive response to ALIMTA^®. Among the patients who received folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation at some point in their treatment, 17.7% responded positively. Toxic reactions, which were low, included fatigue, anorexia, and nausea.

The researchers concluded that ALIMTA^® shows promising activity against pleural mesothelioma, and is well tolerated. They are in the process of doing additional studies on the effects of ALIMTA^® on cancer patients.