Pemetrexed -- Mesothelioma & Asbestos Cancer Glossary of Terms
Current Location: Mesothelioma & Asbestos Cancer Glossary of Terms -> P -> PemetrexedAlthough there is no cure for the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma, a number of breakthroughs have been made in relation to treatment to ease symptoms and even prolong the life of patients. One of the drugs that was approved for the treatment of mesothelioma by the Food and Drugs Administration over recent years is called Pemetrexed and is also known by the brand name of Alimta, which is manufactured by the pharmaceutical giant, Eli Lilly.
Pemetrexed received FDA approval in 2004 following a number of successful clinical trials that were carried out by Eli Lilly. The drug is used to treat patients who are suffering from pleural mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer that stems from long-term or high-level exposure to airborne asbestos fibers and dust, and at present there is no cure for this cancer. It can take several decades to manifest following exposure, and by the time that it is diagnosed, it is often in its later stages, leaving the patient with only a short time to live.
However, Pemetrexed was something of a breakthrough when it was approved in 2004, and this is because it was shown to extend the lives of some patients by a matter of months. Although this may not seem like a long time, it was certainly a breakthrough, and can be used as a blueprint through which to find other treatments that could extend life even further. Some countries, such as the UK, did not grant approval for the use of the drug simply due to cost implications, but because of its effectiveness, even these countries are reviewing the situation.
When administered in the treatment of mesthelioma, Pemetrexed is given as part of a combination treatment along with cisplatin. Vitamin B12 is also administered in order to combat some of the side effect associated with this drug, which include nausea, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, white blood cell reduction, red blood cell reduction, platelet reduction, loss of appetite, sores, and fatigue.
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