Pemetrexed maintenance therapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Purpose: To investigate the toxicity and effectiveness of pemetrexed maintenance therapy (PMT) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

Patients And Methods: Eligible were patients with histologically proven advanced MPM, WHO PS 0-2 and adequate hematological, renal and hepatic function in whom during 6 courses of pemetrexed containing induction therapy no disease progression was observed. PMT, 500 mg/m intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks, was continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or if continuation was considered to be not in the patient's best interest.

Management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions with a chronic indwelling pleural catheter.

Many patients with various forms of cancer develop sooner or later malignant pleural effusions, resulting in feelings of discomfort and reduced quality of life. Several palliative options exist, including repeated thoracocentesis and pleurodesis with a sclerosing agent. However, these "therapeutic" possibilities are not always successful and sometimes even contraindicated.