HEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING

Pemetrexed

Source: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: May 15, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.

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Context: Treatment of Progressive Stage IV, Relapsed, and Recurrent NSCLC / Treatment Options for Progressive Stage IV, Relapsed, and Recurrent NSCLC (Second-Line Therapy) / Chemotherapy

Evidence (pemetrexed):

A randomized phase III trial of 571 patients was designed to demonstrate the noninferiority of pemetrexed compared with docetaxel.

The trial showed no difference in response rates, PFS, or OS between treatments.[12][Level of evidence A1]

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A randomized phase III trial of 571 patients was designed to demonstrate the noninferiority of pemetrexed compared with docetaxel.

Of note, patients with squamous histology benefited from docetaxel, and those with nonsquamous histologies appeared to benefit more from pemetrexed.[13]

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Publication references

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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice