Methotrexate

Methotrexate is one of the oldest anti-metabolite chemotherapy drugs. It is used in the treatment of many types of cancer, including breast, bladder and bone cancers, as well as some of the leukemias.

Anti-metabolites are similar to normal body molecules but they are slightly different in structure. These differences mean that anti-metabolites stop cells working properly instead of helping them. Anti-metabolites often stop cells making and repairing DNA. Cancer cells need to make and repair DNA in order to grow and multiply. Anti metabolites also stop normal cells working properly. This is why you get side effects when you take anti-metabolites.

The molecule in the body that methotrexate is similar to, is folinic acid. Folinic acid is often given to you 24 hours after you have had methotrexate. It helps the normal cells recover and helps stop side effects.

You usually have methotrexate as an injection into a vein or intrathecally.

Common Side Effects

Many people have one or more of the following side effects

• Fatigue - patients say this is the most disruptive side effect of all. Tiredness often carries on after treatment has ended. Most people find their energy levels are back to normal from 6 months to a year after their treatment finishes.
• Temporary drop in bone marrow function causing
  • Drop in white blood cell count. This increases the risk of severe infection. You may have headaches, aching muscles, cough, sore throat, pain when passing urine or feel cold and shivery. Infections can sometimes be life threatening. You should urgently contact your doctor if you think you have an infection.
  • Drop in red cell count (anaemia), which may make you feel tired and look pale or be short of breath. You may need a blood transfusion or treatment to bring up your red cell count
  • Drop in platelet numbers in the blood causing bleeding or bruising. You may have lots of tiny red spots or bruises on your arms or legs. You may have nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
• Changes in taste
• Mouth sores and ulcers
• Diarrhoea
• Gritty eyes
• Hair loss or hair thinning at high doses
• Tiredness

Occasional Side Effects

Some people have the following side effects

• Feeling or being sick
• Damage to the kidneys
• Blurred vision or eye pain
• Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• Skin rash which may be itchy
• Coughing or shortness of breath caused by changes to lung tissue
• Changes to liver function
• Darkening or lightening of skin
• Allergic reaction including skin rashes and itching, high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizzyness, headache, shortness of breath, anxiety and a need to pass urine

More on antifolate

High-dose methotrexate in combination with interferons in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Distinct mechanistic activity profile of pralatrexate in comparison to other antifolates in in vitro and in vivo models of human cancers

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This website is sponsored by Jonathan David* of The David Law Firm. The David Law Firm is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area) and can be reached toll free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on mesothelioma. Jonathan David is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of mesothelioma patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor.

*  Licensed by the Supreme Court  of Texas.

The use of chemotherapy in patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma: a clinical practice guideline.

Advances in the systemic therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Kinase Inhibitors for Mesothelioma Treatment

journal abstracts

Active symptom control with or without chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MS01): a multicentre randomised trial

The second wave in kinase cancer drugs

Cisplatin and vinorelbine first-line chemotherapy in non-resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma

Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma.