Pemetrexed plus Carboplatin or Cisplatin as Neoadjuvant Treatment of Operable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM)

Anticancer Research. 2012 Dec;32(12):5393-9. [Link]

Pasello G, Marulli G, Polo V, Breda C, Bonanno L, Loreggian L, Rea F, Favaretto A.

Via Gattamelata 64, 35128, Padua, Italy. giulia.pasello@ioveneto.it.

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was the retrospective evaluation of tolerability and activity of pemetrexed with carboplatin (AC) or cisplatin (AP) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a consecutive series of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Patients and Methods:
Patients with operable MPM received three cycles of AC or AP followed by surgery and radiotherapy.

Resutls:
Since 2005, 51 patients have been treated with AC (27) and AP (24). We observed higher incidence of grade 3 anaemia, cumulative grade 2-3 asthenia and worsening of performance status in the AP group. Response to AC and AP were; complete: 4% vs. 0%, partial: 18% vs. 17%, stable disease: 74% vs. 79%, progressive disease: 4%; the resection rate was 81% vs. 79%.

Conclusion:
AC and AP are active and feasible neoadjuvant regimens. Progression-free survival, response, disease control and resection rate were similar in the two treatment groups. The lower tolerability to AP treatment could impair the clinical condition of patients undergoing surgery.