cisplatin + pemetrexed or carboplatin + gemcitabine

This entry refers to two alternative platinum-based doublet chemotherapy regimens commonly used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors. The first regimen, cisplatin + pemetrexed, combines a platinum compound (cisplatin) with an antifolate antimetabolite (pemetrexed). This combination is approved for use in NSCLC and malignant pleural mesothelioma, where it has demonstrated improved survival compared to cisplatin alone. Pemetrexed inhibits multiple folate-dependent enzymes involved in nucleotide synthesis, while cisplatin forms DNA crosslinks that inhibit DNA replication and transcription[1][3][4]. The second regimen, carboplatin + gemcitabine, pairs another platinum agent (carboplatin) with a nucleoside analog antimetabolite (gemcitabine). This combination is used as first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC and bladder carcinoma—especially in patients who are elderly or unfit for cisplatin-based therapy—offering efficacy with a more favorable toxicity profile than some alternatives[5][6][7][8]. Both regimens act by targeting rapidly dividing cells through distinct but complementary mechanisms of action.

Brand names

AlimtaGemCarbo

Other names

cis/pemGemCarbo