Long-term follow-up after preoperative chemotherapy using pemetrexed (Alimta) in rectal cancer.

Aim: To assess the long-term outcome in a cohort of patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy using pemetrexed (Alimta) for rectal cancer.

Patients And Methods: A prospective phase I/II study on preoperative chemotherapy using Alimta was conducted during 2006-2008. The long-term outcome was assessed here for both the study group (n=37) and the reference group (n=87). The focus was on cancer recurrence and survival with consideration of initial tumour stage and treatment response.

Results: There was one recurrence, each in stages I and II and three (23.1%) in stage III in the Alimta-treated group. One patient remains disease, free after surgery for metastasis. Patients with more symptoms remaining after treatment had a higher risk of recurrence.

Conclusion: The initial Alimta study concluded that treatment was feasible in rectal cancer with significant reductions in tumour symptoms and size. The long-term outcome is acceptable and does not provide evidence against the concept of preoperative chemotherapy using Alimta.