Pemetrexed is the name of a chemotherapy medication used to treat some forms of lung cancer, including mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. It can be used as a first-line therapy alone or in combination with other drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin, depending on the specifics of a patient’s case. Like other chemotherapy drugs, it can cause severe side effects that may make it difficult to continue with treatment. Measures are available to reduce the intensity of side effects and help patients stay on the medication.
The medication works by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the synthesis of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), critical to cellular repair and reproduction. This prevents tumor growth by attacking rapidly dividing cells so they cannot continue to grow, and ensuring that they cannot repair damage. It can also attack healthy cells, however, because pemetrexed is not discriminating, and thus injures other cells that may be in the process of dividing or repairing damage. Blood cells in particular can be vulnerable because their turnover is so high, along with epithelial cells like those in the lining of the mouth.
This drug is given by injection in a chemotherapy infusion center or hospital. Patients may need to stay for a brief waiting period after treatment so they can be monitored for signs of drug reactions. They also need to take folic acid and vitamin B12 while in treatment with the medication to prevent some common side effects. A doctor may recommend the use of steroid medications as a preventative measure to address skin reactions known to occur on pemetrexed therapy.
People taking pemetrexed can experience nausea, loss of appetite, and fatigue. White blood cell counts drop as the medication kills dividing cells, making patients more vulnerable to infection. They can also develop sores in their mouths because the mucous membrane cannot heal as quickly and repair small injuries like cuts from crunchy foods. Managing side effects like these is important for patient comfort and can help people continue with treatment if they need multiple courses and patients should discuss side effects rather than assuming nothing can be done about them.
Studies on pemetrexed show it is hazardous to developing fetuses because of its effect on dividing cells. It will cause birth defects if used in a pregnant patient. A doctor may recommend proceeding with cancer treatment, however, because of the high risks of not treating cancer, in which case the pregnancy may need to be terminated. Patients can bank eggs or embryos if they have concerns about fertility after cancer treatment.