Mesothelioma Cancer & Lung Disease

Alimta (also known as Pemetrexed) is the leading treatment drug when combined with the chemotherapy drug ‘Crisplatin’.

Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 – it was the first and only chemotherapy drug in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Also approved by The National Institution of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in 1997 – after a 2 year campaign supported by the Mesothelioma Research Fund and Thompsons Solicitors (asbestos compensation claim specialists) and became available on the NHS to UK residents.

Clinical trials conducted in the United States concluded that tumours caused by mesothelioma were significantly reduced in size in 41 percent of sufferers taking a combination of Alimta and Crisplatin, whereas crisplatin alone only reduced tumours in 17 percent of patients.

 How does alimta help mesothelioma patients?

Alimta is an antifolate drug i.e consists of compounds which blocks the normal production of folic acid. Medical research into cancer cell growth shows that cancer cells rely on folic acid to produce new genetic material; alimta disrupts cellular processes blocking the ability of cancer cells to grow and reproduce.

 How is Alimta administered?

It is administered by injection into a vein (intravenously) on 21 day cycles, followed by a dosage of the drug crisplatin approximately thirty minutes later. Patients are also given vitamin B and folic acid supplements before and after treatment.

Does Alimta cause any side effects?

Alimta can produce some side-effects and the most common ones are as follows:

• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth sores
• Nausea
• Injection site pain, redness, or swelling
• (Fatigue) tiredness & weakness 
   

More sever side effects that can occur when using Alimta include:

• Intense allergic reaction such as urticaria (hivess)
• Breathing difficulties & tightness in the chest
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Burning or tingling sensation
• Chest pain, chills, fever
• Decreased urine output
• Mood or mental changes
• Persistent – cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea
• Severe – stomach pain, tiredness, weakness
• Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Durind your treatment your doctor will monitor you for:

White blood cell count (neutropenia leukopenia) – White blood cells help to fight off infection. Clinical trials showed that12 percent of patients on Alimta had a lowered white blood cell count.
 

Red blood cell count (anaemia) – Red blood cells help transport oxygen from your lungs to the other parts of your body, if you are depleted of these you will experience extreme tiredness. Clinical trials showed that 19 percent of patients on Alimta had a lowered red blood cell count.
 

Platelet count (thrombocytopenia) – Platelets help your blood clot. A low platelet count increases your of risk bleeding. Clinical trials showed that 8 percent of patients on Alimta had a lowered platelet count.
 

Note: If you have any concerns regarding your treatment or experience of any of the listed side effects of Alimta – It is recommended that you contact your doctor as this information is not intended for self-diagnosis.

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