Clinical Research Directory

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria: * Histologically confirmed pleural mesothelioma * Unresectable disease Exclusion criteria: * Clinically detected pleural effusion or ascites that cannot be controlled by drainage or other procedures PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Inclusion criteria: * WHO performance status 0-2 * Life expectancy \> 3 months * Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mm\^3 * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm\^3 * Creatinine clearance \> 45 mL/min * Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) * Transaminases ≤ 3 times ULN (5 times ULN if liver metastases) * Not pregnant or nursing * Fertile patients of must use effective contraception during and for 6 months after completion of study treatment Exclusion criteria: * Hypersensitivity to pemetrexed disodium or any of its excipients * Peripheral neuropathy ≥ grade 2 * Impossible to receive study therapy due to geographical, social, familial, or psychological reasons PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Inclusion criteria: * At least 28 days since prior radiotherapy (21 days for injected radiotherapy) Exclusion criteria: * Prior chemotherapy * Prior yellow fever vaccine * Inability to discontinue aspirin (\> 1.3 g/day) or NSAIDs for 2 days prior to, during, and 2 days after day 1 of each course of study therapy * Concurrent participation in another clinical study