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Pemetrexed + carboplatin
Pemetrexed inhibits multiple folate-dependent enzymes involved in nucleotide synthesis, while carboplatin causes DNA crosslinking, together producing synergistic cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
Pemetrexed inhibits multiple folate-dependent enzymes involved in nucleotide synthesis, while carboplatin causes DNA crosslinking, together producing synergistic cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including nonsquamous histology, Mesothelioma, Ovarian cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | Pemetrexed + carboplatin |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Platinum based Standard of Care Chemotherapy |
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | Antifolate antimetabolite + platinum-based chemotherapy combination |
| Target | Thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (pemetrexed); DNA (carboplatin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate that inhibits thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase, disrupting DNA and RNA synthesis. Carboplatin is a platinum-based alkylating agent that forms DNA adducts and crosslinks, leading to cell death. The combination leverages complementary mechanisms to enhance cytotoxicity in rapidly dividing cells.
Approved indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including nonsquamous histology
- Mesothelioma
- Ovarian cancer
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fatigue
- Mucositis
- Renal toxicity
- Peripheral neuropathy
Key clinical trials
- Reduced-dose Carboplatin-doublet-chemotherapy + Cemiplimab vs Cemiplimab Monotherapy in Treatment Naive Older and Frail Patients With Metastatic NSCLC With PD-L1 <50% (PHASE2)
- Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) Versus Pemetrexed and Carboplatin Combination Therapy in Participants With Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR)-Mutated, Advanced Nonsquamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Who Have Progressed on Prior EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (MK-2870-009) (PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of an Anti-Cancer Drug, TRC102, to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment (Pemetrexed, Cisplatin or Carboplatin) During Radiation Therapy for Stage III Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
- Methoxyamine, Cisplatin, and Pemetrexed Disodium in Treating Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors or Mesothelioma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery or Mesothelioma That Is Refractory to Pemetrexed Disodium and Cisplatin or Carboplatin (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Bioavailability of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Via Subcutaneous (SC) Injection of Pembrolizumab Formulated With Berahyaluronidase Alfa (MK-5180) [MK-3475A] In Advanced Solid Tumors (MK-3475A-C18) (PHASE1)
- A Study of LY4050784 in Participants With Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
- A Global Phase III Study of Rilvegostomig or Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Non-squamous NSCLC (PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of an Antibody to Standard Chemoradiation Followed by the Antibody for One Year to Standard Chemoradiation Followed by One Year of the Antibody in Patients With Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Pemetrexed + carboplatin CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Pemetrexed + carboplatin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI