Alimta (Pemetrexed)


Pemetrexed, known by brand names such as Alimta® and Pemfexy®, is an important chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of mesothelioma, specifically pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and other internal organs. It is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved pemetrexed, in combination with cisplatin, for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. This combination has been a standard treatment protocol due to its effectiveness in improving survival rates. Cisplatin is another chemotherapy drug that, like pemetrexed, targets cancer cells to prevent them from growing and dividing.

In clinical practice, doctors may also opt to combine pemetrexed with carboplatin, an alternative to cisplatin. This substitution is often made based on patient-specific factors, including overall health, side effect profiles, and previous treatment responses. Carboplatin tends to have a different side effect profile compared to cisplatin, which might be more suitable for some patients.

Clinical studies and trials have indicated that the combination of Alimta (pemetrexed) and cisplatin can extend the survival of patients with pleural mesothelioma to about 12 to 15 months on average. This is significant considering the aggressive nature of mesothelioma and its poor prognosis. The effectiveness of the pemetrexed and cisplatin combination lies in its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, giving patients a better chance at prolonged survival.

The choice of chemotherapy regimen, including the decision to use pemetrexed with cisplatin or carboplatin, depends on a variety of factors. These include the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and the potential side effects of the chemotherapy drugs. The goal of treatment is to maximize patient survival while managing the side effects to maintain as high a quality of life as possible.

In summary, pemetrexed (Alimta® or Pemfexy®) is a cornerstone in the chemotherapy treatment of pleural mesothelioma, offering hope to patients through extended survival when used in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin. Continuous research and clinical trials aim to further improve these outcomes, exploring new combinations and treatment protocols.