Dramatic tumour response to pemetrexed single-agent in an elderly patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report

BMC Cancer. 2006 Dec 18:6:289. doi: 10.1186/1471-2407-6-289.

Abstract

Background: To date, there is no standard treatment for unresectable malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; either best supportive care or systemic chemotherapy with palliative intent are accepted options.

Case presentation: Here, we report the case of a 79-year old patient with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma who was treated with pemetrexed single-agent and obtained an impressive long-lasting response.

Conclusion: Single-agent pemetrexed is a treatment option for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in selected elderly patients or in patients with unpaired performance status.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use*
  • Glutamates / therapeutic use*
  • Guanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Guanine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / drug therapy*
  • Pemetrexed
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Glutamates
  • Pemetrexed
  • Guanine