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Published Online, 8 March 2005, www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E329.
 The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 678-683. DOI 10.1345/aph.1E329
© 2005 Harvey Whitney Books Company.
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NEW DRUG APPROVALS

Pemetrexed Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Katarzyna Puto, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist, Inpatient Oncology/Hematology, Pharmacy Department, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL

Jody S Garey, PharmD

Clinical Pharmacist, Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Pharmacy, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Reprints: Dr. Garey, Clinical Pharmacist, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 90, Houston, TX 77030-4009, fax 713/563-9952, jgarey{at}mdanderson.org

OBJECTIVE: To review pemetrexed, a novel multi-targeted antifolate agent.

DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted (1985–September 2004) using MEDLINE and CANCERLIT. Recent abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology were also included, along with the manufacturer's information. Key words were pemetrexed, LY-231514, Alimta, multi-targeted antifolate, malignant pleural mesothelioma.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant information on pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety and efficacy of pemetrexed from clinical trials was selected.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Pemetrexed inhibits folate metabolism and purine/pyrimidine synthesis. Based on Phase I and II trials, pemetrexed has antitumor activity in solid tumors such as lung, colorectal, and cervical. A pivotal Phase III study in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) demonstrated survival superiority of pemetrexed–cisplatin regimen versus cisplatin.

CONCLUSIONS: Pemetrexed is a promising new drug for the treatment of solid malignancies, most notably MPM.

Key Words: malignant pleural mesothelioma, pemetrexed

Published Online, March 8, 2005. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E329

THIS ARTICLE IS APPROVED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT
ACPE UNIVERSAL PROGRAM NUMBER: 407-000-05-013-H01




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