Publication
Title
Raltitrexed in mesothelioma
Author
Abstract
Raltitrexed is a cytotoxic agent, rationally designed to inhibit a specific molecular target, thymidylate synthase. In contrast to other agents, raltitrexed inhibits thymidylate synthase directly and specifically in a mixed, noncompetitive manner, which may lead to an improved toxicity profile. After promising Phase II trials exploring the activity of raltitrexed either as a single agent or in combination with a platinum agent, a Phase III randomized study demonstrated that the combination of raltitrexed and cisplatin improves overall survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and is superior compared with cisplatin alone, without harmful effect on health-related quality of life. Moreover, the cost-effectiveness analysis found raltitrexed plus cisplatin to be cost effective compared with cisplatin and compared with active supportive care. Based on these results, raltitrexed is registered for the treatment of MPM in several European countries. MPM is hard to treat and has a poor prognosis. New treatment options, such as a combination of cisplatin and raltitrexed, which improve patient outcomes with no detrimental effect on quality of life, are a welcome addition to our therapeutic portfolio.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Expert review of anticancer therapy. - London, 2001, currens
Publication
London : Future Drugs , 2011
ISSN
1473-7140 [print]
1744-8328 [online]
DOI
10.1586/ERA.11.136
Volume/pages
11 :10 (2011) , p. 1481-1490
ISI
000296856800006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.11.2014
Last edited 24.02.2023
To cite this reference