Pemetrexed in the treatment of Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma: Experience at the Johns Hopkins Singapore International Medical Centre

Abstract

20662 Background: The efficacy and toxicity of Pemetrexed (P) in Asian patients is unknown. Methods: Retrospective review of patients treated with P in a single institution between July 2005 and November 2007. Medical records, radiologic and laboratory data were reviewed. RECIST were used to assess efficacy independently of the treating physician’s assessment. National Cancer Institute CTCAE v3.0 were used for the description of adverse events. Results: Forty-three patients received P: 37 had NSCLC and 6 had mesothelioma. Patients with NSCLC had a median age of 60 years (range, 45 to 89), and were predominantly male (29 men and 8 women), ethnic Chinese (32 patients) and smokers (22 patients). Histology was as follows: NSCLC, 19; adenocarcinoma, 12; squamous cell carcinoma, 4; bronchioalveolar and large cell, 1 each. Twenty-four patients had stage IV at diagnosis, 12 had stage III and 1 had stage II. All had received at least one prior regimen (median 1, range 1 to 4): Carboplatin and Gemcitabine, 21 patie...