Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
04:04

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer

Published on: February 12, 2017

Pemetrexed (Alimta): a new antifolate for non-small-cell lung cancer

David S Ettinger1

  • 1The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. ettinda@jhmi.edu

Clinical Lung Cancer
|January 15, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pemetrexed shows promise for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Combined with cisplatin, it offers higher response rates and improved survival, though further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pemetrexed (Alimta) is a multitargeted antifolate with demonstrated activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • Previous studies indicate varying response rates for pemetrexed as a single agent and in second-line therapy for NSCLC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed in combination with other agents for NSCLC treatment.
  • To determine the response rates and survival outcomes associated with pemetrexed-based regimens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data on pemetrexed efficacy in NSCLC.
  • Analysis of response rates and median survival in patients treated with pemetrexed alone or in combination therapies.

Main Results:

  • Single-agent pemetrexed shows a 16%-23% response rate in NSCLC.
  • Combination therapy with cisplatin yields response rates of 38.9%-44.8% and median survival of 8.9-10.9 months.
  • Pemetrexed plus gemcitabine demonstrated response rates below 25%.

Conclusions:

  • Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin is an effective treatment option for NSCLC, improving response rates and survival.
  • Neutropenia is a primary toxicity, potentially mitigated by vitamin B12 and folate supplementation.
  • Further investigation into pemetrexed combination therapies for NSCLC is warranted.

More Related Videos

Comet Assay to Quantify DNA Damage in FLT3 Mutant-expressing 32D Cells after Exposure to Type I and Type II FLT3 Inhibitors04:36

Comet Assay to Quantify DNA Damage in FLT3 Mutant-expressing 32D Cells after Exposure to Type I and Type II FLT3 Inhibitors

Published on: October 17, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Anthelminthic Agents01:15

Anthelminthic Agents

Anthelmintic drugs differ significantly from antiparasitic therapies targeting protozoa, primarily due to differences in parasite biology. Whereas most protozoal treatments act on proliferating cells, anthelmintics are typically directed against mature, nonproliferative helminths. The therapeutic approach considers the helminth's reliance on neuromuscular coordination, glucose metabolism, and microtubular integrity for survival, reproduction, and localization within the host. Most anthelmintics...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules01:15

Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...