Pemetrexed for Head and Neck Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Pivot X, Raymond E, Laguerre B, Degardin M, Cals L, Armand J P, Lefebvre J L, Gedouin D, Ripoche V, Kayitalire L, Niyikiza C, Johnson R, Latz J, Schneider M
Primary Institution: Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
Hypothesis
Pemetrexed disodium is effective in treating recurrent locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Conclusion
Pemetrexed is active in treating squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, despite causing significant hematological toxicities.
Supporting Evidence
- 9 patients (26.5%) had an objective response.
- Median response duration was 5.6 months.
- 15 patients (44.1%) had stable disease.
- Median overall survival was 6.4 months.
- 68.6% of patients experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia.
Takeaway
This study tested a new drug called pemetrexed on patients with a type of throat cancer, and it helped some of them, but it also caused some serious side effects.
Methodology
Phase II study with patients receiving pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 as a 10-minute infusion on day 1 of a 21-day cycle.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not assess all patients for response.
Participant Demographics
35 patients (31 male, 4 female; median age 53 years).
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 3.9–7.7 months
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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