Authors' objectives:

To summarise the current research on pemetrexed disodium for mesothelioma and non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Authors' recommendations: - Clinical impact: Pemetrexed disodium will probably be a useful addition to cytotoxics available for the treatment of mesothelioma and NSCLC, most likely in combination with other agents. It would probably have the same effectiveness as available agents but its short administration time may favour use. - Service impact: Pemetrexed disodium may interact with B12 and folate metabolism and there will be a requirement to either measure vitamin levels prior to commencement of treatment or to supplement patients with B12 and folate to decrease toxicity. - Additional factors: There are unlikely to be significant patient issues associated with the introduction of pemetrexed disodium, apart from associated adverse effects and the increasing use of chemotherapy at later stages of cancer. - Financial and overall NHS impact: It is difficult to estimate the likely financial impact of the introduction of pemetrexed disodium at this time. Use as an addition to current therapy in mesothelioma will increase costs

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2002

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/search

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: National Horizon Scanning Centre (NHSC)