Raltitrexed

Raltitrexed is a chemotherapy drug that blocks an enzyme called thymidylate synthase, which cancer cells need to make DNA and multiply. In mesothelioma, it is most often given together with cisplatin when the standard drug pemetrexed is unavailable, not tolerated, or no longer working. It is approved and used more commonly in Europe, Canada, and parts of Asia than in the United States.

Origin

Raltitrexed (originally coded ZD1694 and marketed as Tomudex) was developed by ICI/Zeneca in the early 1990s as a folate-based thymidylate synthase inhibitor. It was first approved for advanced colorectal cancer in the mid-1990s and was later studied in mesothelioma when researchers sought antifolate drugs effective against this cancer.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, raltitrexed plus cisplatin is one of the few combinations shown in a randomized trial (EORTC 08983) to improve survival compared with cisplatin alone. It is considered a reasonable substitute when pemetrexed, the current first-line antifolate, cannot be used because of cost, supply, side effects, or insurance coverage. Knowing this option exists matters because access to pemetrexed varies by country and insurer, and raltitrexed may keep effective chemotherapy available to you. Medical records showing which chemotherapy regimens were used, why a switch was made, and how you responded can also become part of the damages and life-expectancy evidence in an asbestos claim.

Example Sentence

"Because the patient developed a severe reaction to pemetrexed, her oncologist switched her to raltitrexed and cisplatin to continue treating her pleural mesothelioma."

Related Terms

Pemetrexed, Cisplatin, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitor, Antifolate, First-Line Chemotherapy

Notes

• Ask your oncologist whether raltitrexed is available in your country and whether it is an option if pemetrexed is not tolerated, not covered by insurance, or no longer controlling the disease.
• Before each cycle, expect blood tests for kidney function, liver enzymes, and blood counts; tell your team promptly about diarrhea, mouth sores, fatigue, or signs of infection, as dose adjustments are common.
• Keep complete records of every chemotherapy drug, cycle, dose, response, and side effect. These documents support both ongoing medical care and the damages portion of an asbestos claim.
• Raltitrexed is given as a short IV infusion roughly every three weeks, which some patients find more convenient than other regimens; discuss scheduling and supportive care (anti-nausea, folate/B12) with your treatment team.