Pemetrexed is Mildly Active with Good Tolerability for Treatment of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: This systematic analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed basedsalvage chemotherapy for treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Methods: Clinical studiesevaluating the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed based regimens on response and safety for patients with colorectalcancer were identified using a predefined search strategy. Pooled response rates (RRs) were calculated.
Results:For pemetrexed based regimens, 4 clinical studies including 201 patients with advanced colorectal cancer wereconsidered eligible for inclusion. The analysis suggested that, in all patients, pooled RR was 20.4% (41/201).Major adverse effects were neutropenia, anorexia, fatigue, and anemia. No treatment related death occurredwith pemetrexed based treatment.
Conclusion: This systematic analysis suggests that pemetrexed based regimensare associated with mild activity with good tolerability in treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.