Systematic analysis of pemetrexed-based chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer.

PURPOSE This systematic analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed-based chemoradiotherapy in treating patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer. METHODS Clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed based regimens on response and safety for relevant patients were identified using a predefined search strategy. Pooled response rates (RRs) were calculated. RESULTS For pemetrexed-based regimens, 4 clinical studies including 47 patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer were considered eligible for inclusion. Systematic analysis showed that, in all patients, the pooled RR was 51% (24/47) . Major adverse effects of grade III/IV were esophagitis, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia anorexia, fatigue, diarrhea, dysphagia and vomiting. No treatment related death occurred with pemetrexed-based treatment. CONCLUSION This systematic analysis suggests that pemetrexed based radiotherapy is associated with reasonable activity and good tolerability in treating patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal cancer.