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Antimetabolites and cancer: emerging data with a focus on antifolates

Giorgio V Scagliotti1, Giovanni Selvaggi

  • 1University of Turin, Department of Clinical & Biological Sciences, S. Luigi Hospital, Thoracic Oncology Unit, Regione Gonzole, 10, 10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy. giorgio.scagliotti@unito.it

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents
|February 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

New antimetabolites, like gemcitabine and capecitabine, are expanding anticancer drug options. Potent thymidylate synthase inhibitors such as raltitrexed and pemetrexed show promise for various solid tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Oncology
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Antimetabolites, particularly antifolates, are crucial for treating malignant and non-malignant diseases.
  • Recent advancements focus on novel antimetabolites for expanded anticancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on new antimetabolites.
  • To discuss their potential clinical applications in oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on antimetabolite drug development.
  • Analysis of clinical applications and efficacy of novel agents.

Main Results:

  • Gemcitabine is effective in non-small cell lung, pancreatic, bladder, breast, and ovarian cancers.
  • Capecitabine offers tumor selectivity and prolonged 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) exposure.
  • Raltitrexed and pemetrexed are potent thymidylate synthase inhibitors used for mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Novel antimetabolites represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
  • These agents demonstrate broad applicability across various solid tumor types.

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