Dramatic tumour response to pemetrexed single-agent in an elderly patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report

BMC Cancer. 2006; 6: 289. Published online 2006 December 18. [Link]

Gianpiero Fasola,¹ Fabio Puglisi,¹ Alessandro Follador,¹ Marianna Aita,¹ Silvia Di Terlizzi,¹ and Ornella Belvedere¹

¹Dept. of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, P.le S. M. Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy

Abstract

Background: To date, there is no standard treatment for unresectable malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; either best supportive care or systemic chemotherapy with palliative intent are accepted options.

Case presentation: Here, we report the case of a 79-year old patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma who was treated with pemetrexed single-agent and obtained an impressive long-lasting response.

Conclusion: Single-agent pemetrexed is a treatment option for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in selected elderly patients or in patients with unpaired performance status.