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

The evolving role of pemetrexed disodium for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018 Oct 24;:1-8 Authors: Rossi G, Alama A, Genova C, Rijavec E, Tagliamento M, Biello F, Coco S, Dal Bello MG, Boccardo S, Grossi F 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. PMID: 30354693 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Expert Opin Pharmacother Source Type: research