The evolving role of pemetrexed disodium for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the big cancer killers, despite the introduction of a number of approved therapeutics in recent times. Pemetrexed is a multi-target folate inhibitor, which is currently available to patients affected by advanced non-squamous NSCLC in combination with a platinum derivate in first-line therapy and as a single agent in second-line therapy. Areas covered: This review covers presents the use pemetrexed in the management of NSCLC by exploring the data available from clinical trials and meta-analyses. Data from a phase III trial confirmed its role in the first-line setting in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Furthermore, data suggested a role for pemetrexed in local and advanced NSCLC. Expert opinion: To date, in spite of the introduction of novel anti-neoplastic agents, pemetrexed still represents a cornerstone in the management of non-squamous NSCLC. Furthermore, recently published data support its role in innovative combinations including together with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

• Authors: Giovanni Rossi, Angela Alama, Carlo Genova, Erika Rijavec, Marco Tagliamento, Federica Biello, Simona Coco, Maria Giovanna Dal Bello, Simona Boccardo, Francesco Grossi
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 19 Issue 17 Pg. 1969-1976 (Dec 2018) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 30354693 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Folic Acid Antagonists
• Pemetrexed

Topics

• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy)
• Folic Acid Antagonists (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Pemetrexed (administration & dosage)