What Is Pemetrexed?
Pemetrexed is an antineoplastic agent prescribed to patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. It is only prescribed to those who are not candidates for surgery, or whose cancer has reoccurred after chemotherapy. It is given once every three weeks as an intravenous infusion.
Pemetrexed does not cure the mesothelioma, working instead to slow the growth of the cells. It works by interfering with the cancer cells ability to obtain folic acid, a nutrient required for the synthesis of genetic material within a cell. Without the necessary genetic material, mesothelioma is unable to spread as effectively.
Though Pemetrexed has some side effects, they are not as severe as other chemotherapy agents. These side effects include a decrease in white blood cell count, which results in fatigue, shortness of breath, immunosuppression and increased risk for bleeding. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be present.
