Pemetrexed Disodium (CAS: 357166-29-1) is a chemotherapy drug. 

Application: antitumor drug

Detail:

 Its indications are the treatment of pleural mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer.

Mechanism of action

Pemetrexed is chemically similar to folic acid and is in the class of chemotherapy medicine called folate

antimetabolites. It works by inhibiting three enzymes used in purine and pyrimidine synthesis—thymidylate

synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT).

By inhibiting the formation of precursor purine and pyrimidine nucleotides, pemetrexed prevents the formation

of DNA and RNA, which are required for the growth and survival of both normal cells and cancer cells.

Carboplatin

Pemetrexed is also recommended in combination with carboplatin for the first-line treatment of advanced non-small

cell lung cancer. However, the relative efficacy or toxicity of pemetrexed-cisplatin versus pemetrexed-carboplatin has

not been established beyond what is generally thought about cisplatin or carboplatin doublet drug therapy

Side effects

Pemetrexed, whether used alone or in combination with cisplatin, has these side effects:

Low blood cell counts, as measured by a complete blood count. This is a dose-limiting toxicity.

Mental fatigue and sleepiness. Fatigure can be reduced through an off-label prescription of Provigil.

Nausea and vomiting. Pemetrexed’s emetogenic effects are managed with prophylactic antiemetics.

Diarrhea

Oral mucositis (mouth, throat, or lip sores). Oral ulcers can be mitigated by proper oral hygiene, including

rinsing of the mouth with salt water following consumption of food or drink.