[Second-line treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma with Pemetrexed (Alimta) -- a case report]

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is regarded as a tumour, which lacks chemo-sensitivity. However, patients are able to benefit from a first line chemotherapy, as indicated in a currently published randomised study. Here the case of a 75 year old patient will be reported, who has been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma for 4 years. After a first line therapy with Gemcitabine/Oxaliplatin, partial remission was assessed. 15 months later a distinct progress was detected. After a second line therapy with Pemetrexed a sound partial response could be determined radiologically and clinically. This case history is supposed to exemplify that patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma should not only be considered for a first line therapy, but that a second line therapy may also be offered to a certain group of patients. The new substance Pemetrexed (Alimta) offers an excellent alternative with a very good efficacy profile and a favourable spectrum of side effects.