Retrospective review of pemetrexed with or without platinum in malignant mesothelioma: The Australian 'Special Access Scheme' experience

Background: Pemetrexed and cisplatin have recently been shown to significantly improve survival compared with cisplatin alone. However, there are only limited data reflecting teaching hospital experience outside a clinical trial. Pemetrexed has only been available in Australia on a restricted basis since 2002. We reviewed our experience of patients treated on the Australian ‘Special Access Scheme’ at three major thoracic oncology units. Methods: Charts were reviewed for all patients enrolled on the scheme. Data was extracted on age, World Health Organization (WHO) performance status, histology, prior therapy, time from diagnosis to starting pemetrexed, chemotherapy (pemetrexed alone or with a platinum), cycle number, response rate, actuarial progression‐free and overall survival. Doses were cisplatin 75 mg/m² or carboplatin AUC = 5 and pemetrexed 500 mg/m² every 21 days. Results: 52 patients (32 male and 20 female) were reviewed. Median age was 58 years and 88% were WHO 0–1. Histology included 54% epithelial, 17% biphasic (epithelial and sarcomatoid) and 21% undefined. The median time from diagnosis to administration of pemetrexed was 145 days. Sixty‐five percent had minimal surgical intervention with video assisted thoracoscopy, pleurodesis and biopsy, while 19% had received prior palliative radiation. Seventy‐one percent were chemotherapy naïve, the remaining 29% having received previous platinum and/or gemcitabine regimens. Twenty‐three percent had pemetrexed alone, 35% in combination with carboplatin and 42% with cisplatin. The median number of cycles was 4 (range 1–13). The response rate was 33%. No toxicity was observed in 20% grade 3–4 toxicity in 10% (majority nausea/vomiting). The median progression‐free and overall survival times from starting pemetrexed were 184 days and 298 days, respectively. Conclusions: Pemetrexed‐based regimens are safe and effective in a community setting in malignant mesothelioma.     

Evaluation of tissue response to MTA and Portland cement with iodoform.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of Portland cement with the addition of iodoform, compared to MTA (ProRoot). STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each. Polyethylene tubes were filled either with freshly mixed MTA or Portland cement mixed with iodoform (20% wt/wt) and implanted subcutaneously. An empty tube served as control. After 7, 30, or 60 days, the implants together with the surrounding tissues were removed in blocks. Sections were evaluated for the presence and thickness of a fibrous capsule, presence of granulation tissue, and the severity of inflammatory response. Data were submitted to nonparametric statistical analysis with individual comparisons between groups at a significance level of P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were no differences between inflammatory responses at 7 and 30 days. After 60 days from surgical removal, there was significantly more tissue reaction to the MTA and Portland cement compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences regarding inflammatory responses between MTA and Portland cement with iodoform after 7, 30, or 60 days. After 60 days, the fibrous capsule around the Portland cement appeared more organized than tissue surrounding MTA implants. After 60 days, there was still a significantly increased tissue reaction to the 2 cements compared to the empty polyethylene tubes.