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Seeking new options for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer

M A Socinski1

  • 1Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7305, USA. socinski@med.unc.edu

Lung Cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|November 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Extensive stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a poor prognosis. Pemetrexed, an antimetabolite, is being investigated in a phase II trial for first-line treatment of extensive stage SCLC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Prognosis for extensive stage (ES) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains poor despite advances in limited stage (LS) SCLC treatment.
  • Pemetrexed, an antimetabolite, shows efficacy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of pemetrexed as a first-line treatment for ES SCLC in a phase II trial.

Main Methods:

  • A phase II clinical trial is evaluating pemetrexed for first-line treatment of ES SCLC.

Main Results:

  • Pemetrexed demonstrates antitumor activity and a favorable tolerability profile in NSCLC patients.
  • Observations from the ongoing phase II trial will provide data on pemetrexed's role in ES SCLC.

Conclusions:

  • Pemetrexed is a potential therapeutic option for ES SCLC.
  • Further investigation is needed to define the role of pemetrexed in SCLC treatment.

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