Anyone using Alimta ?

[tecnico]

Is Alimta a good chemo therapy for lung cancer ? Its said to have the less second efects : /

[topgun]

Alimta combined with Cisplatin is considered the 'Gold' standard of Chemotherapy. As to side effects, each person reacts differently to it and is dependant on how fit you are. I used to be off-colour for a couple of days about 5 days after the infusion and really nauseous after the 1st infusion. The sickness can be controlled or negated by tablets. I had 4 cycles of the combination and then went on to Alimta Maintenance for another 4 cycles. By that time my 2.5cm tumour shrunk to a 7mm nodule and there no longer any signs of cancer in the mediastinal or armpit Lymph nodes. Unfortunately I had to come off the maintenance appeared to be damaging my kidneys. I've now been off it since October and remain stable.

[tecnico in reply to topgun]

Good to know you are stable -but sorry about your kidney problem ,didnt they check kidney function with blood tests during the cycles to adjust the dose ? Yes i have read cisplstin is the recomended combo even it says so i. Almitas page, but doctor recomended Carboplatin with Alimta instead ,has anyone used this combo ,,?

[topgun in reply to tecnico]

Yes, kidney function was regularly monitored and dosage reduced but without having the desired effect. Your combination may be because it is the less aggressive treatment for you with reduced side effects.

[tecnico in reply to topgun]

Good to know its the less agresive ,but read you said aftet the 4 cycle you went on mantainence cycle : ( ? Dont they stop chemo after the.tumor has reduced or gone?

[LorraineD Partner Roy Castle]

Tecnico

We do have a booklet on chemotherapy that you might find useful. If so give us a call on Freephone 0333 323 7200 option 2. Or you can have a look online at our website roycastle.org

best wishes

Lorraine

Information & Support team