Alimta® (Pemetrexed) for Chemotherapy

Alimta (pemetrexed) is an FDA-approved chemotherapy drug used to treat pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. It marked a significant milestone as the first Food and Drug Administration approved chemotherapy medication for mesothelioma, providing new hope for patients.

Alimta falls into the category of antifolate chemotherapy drugs, known for their ability to impede the growth of cancer cells. Its FDA approval in 2004, in combination with cisplatin, was a pivotal moment in mesothelioma treatment. Additionally, Alimta is also approved for the treatment of NSCLC.

For pleural mesothelioma, Alimta is specifically approved for use alongside cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug. While Alimta has been explored in combination with immunotherapy drugs like Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) for lung cancer patients, research on its effectiveness in mesothelioma treatment remains limited.

Patients eligible for pemetrexed have an alternative option called Pemfexy® (pemetrexed injection), a newer brand of pemetrexed widely available abroad. Unlike Alimta, Pemfexy is manufactured as a ready-to-dilute solution, simplifying its administration.

How Alimta (Pemetrexed) Treats Mesothelioma

Alimta belongs to the category of antifolate drugs and exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the actions of folic acid, which is crucial for DNA replication. By disrupting this process, Alimta slows down the growth of mesothelioma cells or even leads to their death. Patients typically receive Alimta and cisplatin simultaneously, and the combination works synergistically to combat mesothelioma tumors.

Alimta is administered intravenously, allowing it to circulate throughout the patient’s bloodstream. The number of cycles a patient undergoes depends on their individual needs and response to treatment.

Alimta and Mesothelioma History

In 2004, the FDA approved Alimta in combination with cisplatin to treat unresectable pleural mesothelioma. This combination is currently the only approved chemotherapy regimen for mesothelioma. It can be employed as both a first and second option for treatment.

Studies have shown that as a first-line therapy, Alimta and Cisplatin could potentially increase survival to around one year, compared to about nine months for patients receiving cisplatin alone. In some cases, second-line treatment with Alimta and cisplatin has resulted in extended survival to 15.3 months, making it a viable option for pleural mesothelioma patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Alimta for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

While Alimta has demonstrated effectiveness in pleural mesothelioma, its utility in peritoneal mesothelioma appears limited. Research has not shown significant extension of life expectancy for peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with Alimta and cisplatin.

Alimta for Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer

Alimta is also approved for the treatment of NSCLC, a type of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure. The FDA has approved Alimta for three different uses in NSCLC, making it a versatile chemotherapy drug for asbestos-related lung cancer.

Benefits

Adding Alimta to cisplatin has been shown to extend survival by approximately 30% for pleural mesothelioma patients. This combination significantly improves survival compared to no treatment. Additionally, Alimta is associated with a relatively low risk of hair loss, a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Ongoing research and clinical trials are exploring Alimta’s potential in combination with other treatments, including immunotherapy and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields).

Side Effects

Alimta may cause side effects, although their severity can vary from patient to patient. Common side effects of the approved Alimta and cisplatin combination include fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. Notably, hair loss is relatively rare among patients taking Alimta.

To manage side effects, patients may receive supplements such as vitamin B12 and corticosteroids. Additionally, consulting with a doctor before taking over-the-counter medications is essential, as interactions with chemotherapy drugs may occur.

Eligibility for Alimta (Pemetrexed)

Patients with pleural mesothelioma who are not suitable candidates for surgery may be eligible for Alimta in combination with cisplatin. This includes individuals with inoperable pleural mesothelioma. Alimta is also approved for the treatment of NSCLC. Eligibility for Alimta should be determined through discussions with healthcare providers, who can provide guidance on the potential benefits and risks of the treatment.

Alimta Studies

Numerous studies and clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of Alimta for mesothelioma. Notable studies include those examining the combination of Alimta and cisplatin as a second-line treatment, which demonstrated a median survival of 15.3 months.

Researchers continue to explore the use of Alimta in combination with other therapies, such as bevacizumab and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), to improve patient outcomes. Bevacizumab, when combined with Alimta and cisplatin, resulted in a median survival of 18.8 months for pleural mesothelioma patients.

Alimta (Pemetrexed) is a valuable chemotherapy drug approved for the treatment of pleural mesothelioma and NSCLC. Its combination with cisplatin has shown significant benefits in extending survival for mesothelioma patients. Ongoing research aims to further enhance its effectiveness through combination therapies and expand its applications in asbestos-related lung cancer treatment.