[Pemetrexed for Treatment of Nonsquamous Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer]

Pemetrexed(Alimta®)is a multi-targeted antifolate that shows antitumor effects by inhibiting enzymes in the folate metabolic pathway essential for cell replication. Pemetrexed is a standard treatment for Japanese patients with nonsquamous, non-small-cell lung cancer. In this review, we summarize the evidence of clinical studies for the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed in the treatment of nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer as first-line chemotherapy and continuation maintenance therapy. In addition, we describe future prospects for pemetrexed in combination with a recent approved PD-1 path- way inhibitor.