Italian scientists have reported that a combination of Alimta® (pemetrexed) and Paraplatin® (carboplatin) is effective chemotherapy for elderly patients suffering from mesothelioma. Recently, some mesothelioma researchers have questioned the benefit of chemotherapy, as opposed to just supportive care, especially in elderly patients. The current study evaluated Alimta and Paraplatin in 178 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, 48 of whom were 70 years of age or older. Those over 70 years of age had more severe hematologic toxicities than the younger patients. Still, the study’s data support the view that advanced age is not a contraindication to chemotherapy with Alimta and Paraplatin for mesothelioma patients. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the BRITISH JOURNAL OF CANCER.
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