Phase II study of pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)

Annals of Oncology Online. 2007 Dec 20 [Epub ahead of print] [Link]

Castagneto B, Botta M, Aitini E, Spigno F, Degiovanni D, Alabiso O, Serra M, Muzio A, Carbone R, Buosi R, Galbusera V, Piccolini E, Giaretto L, Rebella L, Mencoboni M.

Department of Oncology, Novi Ligure Hospital, viale Giolitti, Novi Ligure (AL).

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of pemetrexed and carboplatin combination as first-line chemotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Patients and Methods: Patients with measurable advanced MPM and a zero to two Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) were enrolled. The schedule was pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) in combination with carboplatin area under the curve 5, every 21 days. In all, 76 patients were treated. Median age was 65 years; median ECOG PS was zero.

Results: Grade 3 hematological toxicity according to World Health Organization criteria was seen in 36 (47.3%) patients; grade 4 hematological toxicity in 5 (6.5%) patients. There were 16 (21%) partial responses and 3 (4%) complete responses, for an overall response rate of 19 (25%) [95% confidence interval (CI) 15.3-34.7]. In all, 29 (39%) (95% CI 28-48) patients reported stable disease. The median survival was estimated at 14 months.

Conclusion: This combination of carboplatin
and pemetrexed is moderately active and the toxicity is acceptable.

Keywords: chemotherapy, mesothelioma, pemetrexed