Gemcitabine and pemetrexed disodium combinations in vitro and in vivo

Lung Cancer. 2001 Dec:34 Suppl 4:S103-5. doi: 10.1016/s0169-5002(01)00395-6.

Abstract

Pemetrexed disodium (ALIMTA) is a novel antimetabolite that inhibits at least three folate-dependent enzymes, thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. Pemetrexed disodium is broadly active in a wide variety of solid tumours, including non-small cell lung, breast, bladder, head and neck and ovarian cancers. Gemcitabine is a broadly active pyrimidine nucleoside antimetabolite, which is approved for the treatment of pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancers. Three preclinical studies have been reported that show cytotoxic synergy between gemcitabine and pemetrexed. Clinical activity with this combination has been observed in a phase I study, with partial responses in three of five patients previously treated for non-small cell lung cancer. An international phase II study of this combination in non-small cell lung cancer is ongoing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / drug therapy*
  • Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Deoxycytidine / pharmacology*
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Drug Synergism
  • Gemcitabine
  • Glutamates / administration & dosage
  • Glutamates / pharmacology*
  • Guanine / administration & dosage
  • Guanine / analogs & derivatives
  • Guanine / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pemetrexed

Substances

  • Glutamates
  • Pemetrexed
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Guanine
  • Gemcitabine