Pemetrexed combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: retrospective analysis of six cases
Nakano, M.; Kusaba, H.; Makiyama, A.; Ariyama, H.; Arita, S.; Oda, H.; Esaki, T.; Takayoshi, K.; Uchino, K.; Tamura, S.; Kumagai, H.; Iwama, E.; Shirakawa, T.; Mitsugi, K.; Takaishi, S.; Akashi, K.; Baba, E.
Anticancer Research 34(1): 215-220
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 24403465 Document Number: 675253
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is an extremely rare disease. Pemetrexed and platinum have been used for advanced PM following malignant pleural mesothelioma (PLM). Because PM differs considerably from PLM in clinical features, the efficacy and safety of these therapies have yet to be established. Six Japanese patients with PM who had been treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy in four Institutions were retrospectively identified. Treatment response, progression-free survival, and overall survival were examined. Toxicities of therapy were also evaluated. Three patients with mild ascites achieved clinical benefits (one with partial response and two with stable disease). Treatments with reduced cisplatin or carboplatin for patients with massive ascites were safely performed. Median PFS and OS were 7.2 and 13.1 months, respectively. Grade 3 hematological toxicities appeared in two patients with massive ascites. Selection of chemotherapy based on the patient's condition, such as ascites, might be important for advanced PM.