Pemetrexed

Pemetrexed is an anti-cancer medication belonging to the class of antimetabolite drugs, often referred to as chemotherapy. The active substance works by inhibiting critical enzymes needed for rapid cellular growth and DNA synthesis within cancer cells, resulting in tumor cell death.
Clinically, pemetrexed is commonly employed in the management of specific types of lung cancer, like non-small cell lung cancer, to either improve progression-free survival or delay disease advancement. The drug is often applied in conjunction with another medication like cisplatin. Additionally, it is indicated for non-small cell lung cancer patients after the failure of other chemotherapeutic agents, known as platin-based and taxane therapy.
This medication administration, like with any form of chemotherapy, requires professional oversight. Before starting with the therapy, doctors usually estimate patient-specific dosing. Subsequently, routine laboratory tests are advised to monitor systemic reactions to pemetrexed and maintain patients’ hematologic, renal, and hepatic functions adequately. Concurrent treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation is also beneficial for countering common side-effects.
In case of using pemetrexed during pregnancy or breast-feeding, consultation with a healthcare practitioner is of great importance due to risks related to birth defects, infant growth delay, and complications related to breast milk transfer.