Clinical trials, conducted in Italy, have proved the chemotherapy combination of Alimta® (pemetrexed) with a platinum compound (Platinol® [cisplatin] or Paraplatin® [carboplatin]) respond well for pleural mesothelioma treatment.
The results, presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, confirmed previous findings of the same, which were as follows:
• Chances of survival increased to about 64%.
• Cancer progression decreased by about seven months.
• Anticancer responses were higher by 26.3% for patients who took Alimta/Platinol when compared with 21.6% for those who took Alimta/Paraplatin.
• Blood cells’ level of Alimta/Platinol patients dropped extensively and frequently than Alimta/Paraplatin patients.
An active combination of Alimta/Platinum, i.e. Alimta with Platinol or Alimta with Paraplatin was given to 745 untreated patients who responded well to the pleural mesothelioma treatment.
Pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer on the tissues of the lungs leading to the chest, is caused most often by exposure to asbestos. Diagnosed only in its last stage, pleural mesothelioma does not respond to the typical cancer treatments.
Mesothelioma patients may consult with their physician prior to the Alimta and platinum compound pleural mesothelioma treatment for risks and benefits, or visit the National Foundation for Cancer Research at their web site http://www.nfcr.org/ .
Source: National Foundation for Cancer Research
