High-Dose Methotrexate for Malignant Mesothelioma
Author Information
Author(s): O.P. Solheim, G. Saeter, A.M. Finnanger, A.E. Stenwig
Primary Institution: The Norwegian Radium Hospital
Hypothesis
Is high-dose methotrexate an effective treatment for malignant mesothelioma of the pleura?
Conclusion
High-dose methotrexate is an active treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma, particularly in patients with the epithelial subtype.
Supporting Evidence
- 37% of patients showed partial or complete remission after treatment.
- Median survival for all patients was 11 months.
- Patients with the epithelial type had a median survival of 12 months.
Takeaway
Doctors gave a strong medicine called methotrexate to help people with a serious lung disease, and it worked for some of them.
Methodology
Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were treated with 4-8 courses of high-dose methotrexate and evaluated using CT scans for response.
Potential Biases
The selection of patients may not have been biased regarding chemosensitivity.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and the response evaluation methods may not be suitable for all patients.
Participant Demographics
63 patients, 61 male and 2 female, median age 60 years, with 81% reporting previous asbestos exposure.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p=0.001
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