Methotrexate

  (meh-thuh-TREK-sayt)

This page contains brief information about methotrexate and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s):		Abitrexate
		Folex PFS
		Folex
		Methotrexate LPF
		Mexate-AQ
		Mexate
FDA Approved:		Yes

Use in Cancer

Methotrexate is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia that has spread to the central nervous system, or to prevent it from spreading there.

• Breast cancer.

• Gestational trophoblastic tumors.

• Head and neck cancer (certain types).

• Lung cancer.

• Mycosis fungoides (a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) that is advanced.

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is advanced.

• Osteosarcoma that has not spread to other parts of the body. It is used following surgery to remove the primary tumor.

Methotrexate is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Methotrexate - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

• warnings about this drug,
• what this drug is used for and how it is used,
• what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
• what you should know about this drug before using it,
• other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
• possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Clinical Trial Results: Young Children with Medulloblastoma May Be Able to Avoid Post-Surgery Radiotherapy - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Children Often Develop Fragile Bones from Cancer and Its Treatment - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

During Pregnancy, Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Is Safe - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Immunosuppressant Drug Methotrexate May Increase Risk of Lymphoma - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Find Clinical Trials for Methotrexate - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

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