The current state of pemetrexed in ovarian cancer.

INTRODUCTION

Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate drug that has shown benefit in several clinical trials in solid tumors. It is currently approved for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma, and is being explored in epithelial ovarian cancer.

AREAS COVERED: In this article, the clinical development of pemetrexed in relation to ovarian cancer is discussed. Early phase clinical trials using pemetrexed monotherapy or in combination with other cytotoxic or target agents are reviewed. The safety profile of pemetrexed will also be evaluated.

EXPERT OPINION: A number of Phase I and II clinical trials have evaluated the use of pemetrexed in patients with ovarian cancer. Thus far, there are no randomized studies that address the role of pemetrexed compared to current, standard treatments. The activity of single agent pemetrexed in platinum-resistant patients is worth exploring. Biomarker-driven randomized, clinical trials and patient selection are key for the future development of pemetrexed.