Phase II trial of pemetrexed as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this single-center phase II study was to determine the activity of pemetrexed administered as second-line therapy in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. Methods: Patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma that had relapsed after receiving perioperative chemotherapy, or progressed on first-line chemotherapy for metastatic disease, were eligible for enrollment. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg/m² every 21 days along with folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation. Results: A total of 13 patients were enrolled. An objective response was achieved in 1/12 evaluable patients for an overall response rate of 8% (90% upper limit 29%). This level of activity did not meet criteria for expansion based on the pre-defined optimal 2-stage Simon design and the trial was concluded. Treatment was generally well tolerated, however, 2/13 patients developed febrile neutropenia. Non-hematologic grade ≥ 3 toxicity was rare. Conclusions: Pemetrexed as second-line therapy in advanced urothelial carcinoma is associated with modest activity. The role of this novel antifolate in chemotherapy-naïve patients warrants further investigation.