The evolving role of pemetrexed disodium for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. (22nd November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rossi, Giovanni; Alama, Angela; Genova, Carlo; Rijavec, Erika; Tagliamento, Marco; Biello, Federica; Coco, Simona; Dal Bello, Maria Giovanna; Boccardo, Simona; Grossi, Francesco
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. Volume 19:Number 17(2018)
• Page Start: 1969
• Page End: 1976
• Publication Date: 2018-11-22
• Subjects: Chemotherapy -- immune-checkpoint inhibitors -- non-small cell lung cancer -- pemetrexed -- platinum combination; Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.5805
• DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1536746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-6566

Abstract

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.