Dramatic tumour response to pemetrexed single-agent in an elderly patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report

Gianpiero Fasola , Fabio Puglisi , Alessandro Follador , Marianna Aita , Silvia Di Terlizzi and Ornella Belvedere

Dept. of Medical Oncology, University Hospital, P.le S. M. Misericordia, 33100 Udine, Italy

author email corresponding author email

BMC Cancer 2006, 6:289doi:10.1186/1471-2407-6-289


Published:	18 December 2006

Abstract

Background

To date, there is no standard treatment for unresectable malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; either best supportive care or systemic chemotherapy with palliative intent are accepted options.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a 79-year old patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma who was treated with pemetrexed single-agent and obtained an impressive long-lasting response.

Conclusion

Single-agent pemetrexed is a treatment option for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in selected elderly patients or in patients with unpaired performance status.