Phase I Study of Concomitant Pemetrexed and Cisplatin Plus External Beam Radiation Therapy in Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal or Gastroesophageal Junction Carcinomas.

Purpose: To establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety profile of bi-weekly Pemetrexed (PEM) when combined with weekly cisplatin (CDDP) and standard dose external beam radiation (EBRT) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas.

Methods: We conducted an open label, single institution, phase I dose escalation study designed to evaluate up to 15-35 patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal and GEJ carcinomas.

Results: 10 patients were treated with bi-weekly PEM, weekly CDDP, and EBRT.