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Published on: February 12, 2017
Pemetrexed combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: retrospective
Michitaka Nakano1, Hitoshi Kusaba, Akitaka Makiyama
1Department of Comprehensive Clinical Oncology, Faculty of Medial Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. e-baba@c-oncology.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp.
Background:
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is an extremely rare disease. Pemetrexed and platinum have been used for advanced PM following malignant pleural mesothelioma (PLM). Because PM differs considerably from PLM in clinical features, the efficacy and safety of these therapies have yet to be established.
Patients And Methods:
Six Japanese patients with PM who had been treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in four Institutions were retrospectively identified. Treatment response, progression-free survival, and overall survival were examined. Toxicities of therapy were also evaluated.
Results:
Three patients with mild ascites achieved clinical benefits (one with partial response and two with stable disease). Treatments with reduced cisplatin or carboplatin for patients with massive ascites were safely performed. Median PFS and OS were 7.2 and 13.1 months, respectively. Grade 3 hematological toxicities appeared in two patients with massive ascites.
Conclusion:
Selection of chemotherapy based on the patient's condition, such as ascites, might be important for advanced PM.
Insights
Pemetrexed-based chemotherapy shows potential for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (PM). Careful patient selection, considering factors like ascites, is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes in advanced PM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Mesothelioma Research
- Chemotherapy Efficacy
Background:
- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is exceptionally rare.
- Established treatments for malignant pleural mesothelioma (PLM) may not directly translate to PM due to distinct clinical features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed-based chemotherapy for advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
- To explore treatment response, survival rates, and toxicities in Japanese patients with PM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of six Japanese patients with PM treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.
- Assessment of treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).
- Evaluation of treatment-related toxicities.
Main Results:
- Three patients with mild ascites experienced clinical benefits, including partial response or stable disease.
- Chemotherapy with reduced platinum agents was safely administered to patients with massive ascites.
- Median PFS was 7.2 months and median OS was 13.1 months.
- Grade 3 hematological toxicities were observed in two patients with massive ascites.
Conclusions:
- Chemotherapy selection tailored to individual patient conditions, particularly ascites, is vital for managing advanced PM.
- Pemetrexed-based regimens demonstrate potential but require careful consideration of patient status.
