Lung cancer patients live nearly three months longer with Alimta

Oct 22, 2009

A recent clinical trial showed that the cancer drug Alimta improved the survival of lung cancer patients by nearly three months, compared to those who were treated with a placebo. When a patient’s lung cancer does not progress after receiving chemotherapy, they may be treated with Alimta, an injectable drug, as maintenance therapy.

The clinical trial included 663 patients. Study participants received either best available care plus Alimta or best available care plus a placebo. Those who were treated with Alimta lived for an average of 13.4 months, while those who were treated with the placebo lived for an average of 10.6 months.  The difference was even more striking among patients with non-squamous tumors; patients treated with Alimta lived for an average of 15.5 months, while those treated with placebo lived for an average of 10.3 months. Patients with squamous tumors did not have an increased survival rate with Alimta.

Alimta is approved as a primary treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer, as a complementary treatment along with chemotherapy or as a standalone secondary treatment for the disease. Alimta is also approved for the treatment of mesothelioma, a rare but serious form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

For the full story, go to Forbes.

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