Research article
Re-challenge with pemetrexed in advanced mesothelioma: a multi-institutional experience
Author affiliations
1 Medical Oncology, IRCCS, Aviano, PN, Italy
2 Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, IRCCS, Aviano, PN, Italy
3 Medical Oncology, IRCCS-S Raffaele, Milan, Italy
4 General Hospital, GIVOV, Verona, Italy
5 General Hospital, Gorizia, Italy
6 General Hospital Udine, Udine, Italy
7 General Hospital, Mirano, Italy
8 IOV Padova, Padova, Italy
9 National Cancer Institute of Aviano, Via Franco Gallini 2, Aviano, PN, 33081, Italy
Citation and License
BMC Research Notes 2012, 5:482 doi:10.1186/1756-0500-5-482
Published: 3 September 2012Abstract
Background
Although first-line therapy for patients affected by advanced mesothelioma is well established, there is a lack of data regarding the impact of second-line treatment.
Methods
We retrospectively collected data of patients affected by advanced mesothelioma, already treated with first-line therapy based on pemetrexed and platin, with a response (partial response or stable disease) lasting at least 6 months, and re-treated with a pemetrexed-based therapy at progression. The primary objective was to describe time to progression and overall survival after re-treatment.
Results
Overall across several Italian oncological Institutions we found 30 patients affected by advanced mesothelioma, in progression after a 6-month lasting clinical benefit following a first-line treatment with cisplatin and pemetrexed, and re-challenged with a pemetrexed-based therapy. In these patients we found a disease control rate of 66%, with reduction of pain in 43% of patients. Overall time to progression and survival were promising for a second-line setting of patients with advanced mesothelioma, being 5.1 and 13.6 months, respectively.
Conclusions
In our opinion, when a patient has a long-lasting benefit from previous treatment with pemetrexed combined with a platin compound, the same treatment should be offered at progression.
