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Pemetrexed-cisplatin combination in mesothelioma
Martin Reck1, Ulrich Gatzemeier
1Department of Thoracic Oncology, Hospital Grosshansdorf, Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Grosshansdorf, Germany. dr.martin.reck@web.de
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|May 10, 2005
Summary
Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin offers significant antitumor activity and symptomatic relief for malignant pleural mesothelioma, establishing a new standard of care. This chemotherapy regimen has gained FDA and EMEA approval for unresectable cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Medicine
- Medical Chemotherapy
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma therapy has historically lacked a standard treatment approach.
- Significant advancements in chemotherapy for this rare cancer have been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- To discuss the impact of the EMPHACIS trial on treatment standards.
- To outline future directions for pemetrexed-based regimens.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trial data, focusing on chemotherapy efficacy in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
- Analysis of pemetrexed (Alimta) in combination with cisplatin versus cisplatin alone.
- Evaluation of patient outcomes, including antitumor activity and symptomatic benefit.
Main Results:
- Pemetrexed plus cisplatin demonstrated superior antitumor activity compared to cisplatin alone.
- The combination therapy resulted in significant symptomatic improvement for patients.
- These findings led to regulatory approvals, establishing a new treatment standard.
Conclusions:
- Pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy represents a breakthrough in malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment.
- The combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin is now a recognized standard of care.
- Further research will explore optimized pemetrexed-based regimens for improved patient outcomes.