Advice

Following a full submission.

Pemetrexed (Alimta) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland as a monotherapy for second-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Pemetrexed appears to have comparable efficacy and possibly a more favourable toxicity profile compared to another agent used in second–line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

However, the economic case has not been demonstrated.

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Medicine details

Medicine name:
pemetrexed, 500mg, powder for reconstitution (Alimta)
SMC ID:
342/07
Indication:
Locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
Pharmaceutical company
Eli Lilly and Company Ltd
BNF chapter
Malignant disease and immunosuppression
Submission type
Full
Status
Not recommended
Date advice published
12 February 2007