Alimta

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, also known as the pleura, and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Prognosis for this form of cancer is generally unfavorable, as the cancer is likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of disease. Most methods of treatment for pleural mesothelioma are the same methods used for other types of cancer, and include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. A specific chemotherapy agent, referred to as Alimta or pemetrexed, is a drug specifically used for the treatment of mesothelioma. This drug can also be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.

What is Alimta?

Alimta was created by Eli Lilly and Company and interferes with cancer cell growth with the intention of reducing the malignancy’s spread throughout the body. Alimta does this by blocking the specific enzymes believed to be connected to the rapid growth associated with these tumors. The drug is administered along with cisplatin, which is another anti-cancer medication.

Alimta was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2004, and currently remains the only drug approved by the FDA to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma. Although Alimta is not a cure for mesothelioma, it has demonstrated the ability to prolong survival rates and improve lung function of some patients. Specifically, clinical trials showed those taking a combination of cisplatin and Alimta had a median survival rate of 12.1 months, in comparison to 9.3 months, which was the median survival rate of cisplatin alone.

How it Works

On a chemical level, Alimta is similar to folic acid; however, its properties are varied in that it works as an inhibitor of tumor metastasis. Alimta inhibits three enzymes specifically: dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase (GARFT), and thymidylate synthase (TS), which are required for cell growth, both normal and malignant.
Alimta’s other benefit is the way in which is administered. Most chemotherapy drugs are given through daily, time consuming methods. Instead, Alimta is administered once every three weeks intravenously, totaling approximately ten minutes.

Precautions and Side Effects

Patients should be aware that Alimta requires a supplement of B-12 in order to protect their blood cells, stomach, and bone marrow from possible side effects. These supplements usually begin about a week prior to treatment and continue for three weeks after the treatment has ceased.
This drug could possibly lower blood cells helpful in fighting off sickness and infection, meaning patients could get sick more easily. Those taking Alimta should avoid others who have the flu, cold, or other contagious illnesses.
Alimta is known to have certain side effects, as do most drugs used in cancer treatments. These side effects can include sore throat, muscle pain, depression, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, bowel irregularities, numbness or tingling, and loss of appetite. There have been reports of people who are allergic to Alimta. Allergic reactions include: difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Patients can also expect to have regular blood work done over the course of their treatment so that the physician can monitor their treatment.
References:
Alimta
FDA