pemetrexed

drug

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

Pemetrexed is a drug used in chemotherapy, particularly for treating mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium. It is most effective when combined with platinum-based chemotherapy agents like cisplatinum. Pemetrexed belongs to a class of drugs known as folate antimetabolites, similar to methotrexate, which interfere with the synthesis of nucleic acids and inhibit cell reproduction. While it can lead to tumor arrest and shrinkage, improving survival rates, its use is carefully considered, especially in patients with advanced disease.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

mesothelioma
Survival prediction and treatment
…used in this class is pemetrexed, which is most effective when combined with platinum-based agents, such as cisplatinum. These drugs may be given as definitive treatment to patients that are not surgical candidates, and up to 50 percent of treated individuals may respond with tumour arrest and shrinkage and modestly…
Read More
…used in this class is pemetrexed, which is most effective when combined with platinum-based agents, such as cisplatinum. These drugs may be given as definitive treatment to patients that are not surgical candidates, and up to 50 percent of treated individuals may respond with tumour arrest and shrinkage and modestly…
Read More