Alimta ® (pemetrexed)

Manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company Pharmaceuticals, Alimta is a breakthrough drug for those with mesothelioma.  Technically, this drug has entered the market as a treatment option for individuals with either non-small cell lung cancer or mesothelioma, but it is being lauded as the first and only chemotherapy drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) where surgery is not an option. Studies into the success of Alimta also included the tandem use of another popular chemotherapy drug, cisplatin.

Chemotherapy treatment, in general, involves the use of anti-cancer drugs that are designed to destroy cancer cells.  Specifically, Alimta interferes with the process that allows diseased cells to spread and/or grow by stopping the production of three specific enzymes. 

Treatment with Alimta

If you’ve been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma and your doctor has determined that you’re a good candidate for this drug, you’ll want to know more about Alimta, how it is administered, and what to expect during treatment. 

• Alimta will probably be administered along with a “platinum agent” such as cisplatin, as was suggested in the clinical trials of the drug.  These drugs are administered on an outpatient basis, so no hospitalization is necessary.
• Both drugs will be administered on the same day, after which your body will need to “rest” for 20 days in order to give your healthy cells time to replenish themselves.  This is considered one (1) cycle.
• Both Alimta and the platinum agent will be administered intravenously.  The total process takes about 2 ½ hours.
• There is no pre-set number of cycles for mesothelioma patients.  Your doctor will help you to determine what is best for you.

Side Effects

Nearly all medications have some sort of side effects and Alimta is no exception.  Doctors note, however, that they are usually manageable.  Patients are usually given vitamin B12, folic acid, and steroids during treatment to reduce side effects.  These side effects might include;

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Anemia
• Fever
• Constipation
• Blood and bone marrow problems
• Skin rash
• Sores in the mouth

Monitor all side effects carefully and report any concerns to your doctor immediately.  Your doctor will also inform you as to potentially harmful drug interactions.