Indianapolis, Indiana-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Company said, Sept. 29, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of cancer drug Alimta. The FDA has approved the drug as a first-line treatment for advanced and metastasized non-small-cell lung cancer, which can be caused by asbestos exposure.
Another Weapon against Asbestos Cancer Diseases
For the thousands of Americans living with a diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure, the approval of another use of Alimta as a weapon in the armamentarium for fighting asbestos diseases is good news.
Alimta Already Approved for Mesothelioma Cancer
Alimta (pemetrexed disodium) was FDA-approved in early 2004 for mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelium (tissue cells/lining in the chest cavity). The sole confirmed cause of mesothelioma cancer is exposure to asbestos, a toxic group of minerals that are carcinogenic.
Alimta had also previously been approved as a second-line treatment (after chemotherapy) for non-small cell lung cancer.
Now, according to Lilly, Alimta is approved by the FDA as a primary treatment for advanced and metastasized non-small cell lung cancer — the most common type of lung cancer — in combination with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Alimta acts by blocking particular enzymes that are thought to play a role in the growth of tumor cells.
Side Effects of Alimta
The most common side effects seen with Alimta use are:
- Low white blood count
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Mouth ulcers
The latter three symptoms may be a sign of infection due to bone marrow suppression; such symptoms should be reported to the treating physician immediately.
(Sources: Associated Press, www.fda.gov)
Getting Legal Help
If a diagnosis of non-small-cell lung cancer or another asbestos cancer disease has befallen you or a member of your family, learn more about your legal rights regarding asbestos poisoning - contact mesothelioma treatment centers to schedule a private consultation with an experienced asbestos attorney who will fight to ensure your rights are protected.