According to the American Cancer Society, Alimta was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is an injected drug that has been found to be effective in treating certain types of lung cancer and disease, and shows promise for extending survival time.
Significance
The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2010 in the United States, 222,520 new diagnoses of lung cancer will have been made, and 157,300 individuals will die from the disease. This includes small cell lung cancer, or SCLC, and non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, combined. Pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer that originates in the lining of the lungs, is not lung cancer but is another type of cancer that can be found in the lungs, says asbestos.com.
Function of Alimta
Alimta is the brand name for the generic drug pemetrexed, which is prepared for injection. According to rxlist.com, it is initially used to treat nonsquamous NSCLC along with cisplatin as well as maintenance therapy for the disease. It is also used to treat pleural mesothelioma. Individuals with squamous NSCLC should not take Alimta. The drug is typically given as a 10 minute injection on the first day of every 21 day chemotherapy cycle, says rxlist.com.
Side Effects
Individuals may experience side effects from Alimta, but not everyone will experience every side effect. The American Cancer Society lists common side effects as including lowered white and red blood cell counts, which can lead to increased risk of infection and anemia; lowered platelet counts leading to easy bruising and bleeding; nausea; vomiting; mouth or lip sores; appetite loss; breathing difficulties; fatigue and skin rashes. Less common side effects are hair loss, changes in how things taste and diarrhea.
Warning
Before taking Alimta, the American Cancer Society suggests that the prescribing physician should be aware of any medical issues that patient has, such as kidney, liver or heart disease, diabetes, gout, congestive heart failure or any infections. These medical problems may affect how Alimta is given. Alimta may also cause birth defects, so a woman who is trying to conceive or is pregnant should talk with the prescribing physician about risks and benefits. Any medications or supplements an individual is taking should also be reported to the physician in order to avoid adverse interactions.
Potential
In 2010, clinical trials with Alimta were being performed to further explore its therapeutic uses, according to the National Cancer Institute. These clinical trials are using Alimta along with other drugs such as cisplatin, cetuximab, bevacizumab, chemotherapy and radiation to treat NSCLC and mesothelioma, and examining added survival benefits that may occur.
