Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases

Abstract Pemetrexed, a multi-target antifolate chemotherapeutic widely used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is associated with various adverse drug events (ADEs), some of which may be underrecognized in clinical trials. This study conducted a comprehen...

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Main Authors: Luo Lv, Xiangyang Wu, Yubo Ren, Yuli Guo, Haixiong Wang, Xiaofang Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02426-9
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author Luo Lv
Xiangyang Wu
Yubo Ren
Yuli Guo
Haixiong Wang
Xiaofang Li
author_facet Luo Lv
Xiangyang Wu
Yubo Ren
Yuli Guo
Haixiong Wang
Xiaofang Li
author_sort Luo Lv
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Pemetrexed, a multi-target antifolate chemotherapeutic widely used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is associated with various adverse drug events (ADEs), some of which may be underrecognized in clinical trials. This study conducted a comprehensive pharmacovigilance analysis using two major spontaneous reporting systems—FAERS (2004Q1–2024Q3) and JADER (2007Q1–2024Q3)—to evaluate pemetrexed-related ADEs. Disproportionality analysis was performed using four algorithms: Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS). Time-to-onset (TTO) patterns were assessed using Weibull distribution modeling. A total of 12,026 and 4,522 pemetrexed-related ADE reports were retrieved from FAERS and JADER, respectively. The most frequently reported ADEs included hematologic toxicities (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and renal impairment. Strong safety signals were consistently identified for these events. Notably, novel ADE signals such as hepatobiliary injury, endocrine dysfunction, and thromboembolic events were observed in both databases. Subgroup analyses revealed sex- and age-specific ADE patterns, with younger patients and males showing distinct toxicity profiles. Sensitivity analysis excluding combination therapies confirmed the robustness of primary signals. TTO analysis revealed that most ADEs occurred within the first two months after pemetrexed initiation, with a median TTO of 27 days and a predominance of early failure patterns (Weibull β < 1), highlighting the importance of close monitoring during early treatment. Rare but severe ADEs, including myocarditis, sepsis, cholestasis, and pseudocellulitis, were identified, several of which are not currently listed in official drug labeling. This study provides a comprehensive safety assessment of pemetrexed, confirming known toxicities and identifying new safety signals. Continuous pharmacovigilance is essential to optimize its clinical use and improve patient safety.
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spelling doaj-art-b2502bc9c0794cb58f8cc0f3310c95652025-08-20T03:22:02ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111410.1038/s41598-025-02426-9Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databasesLuo Lv0Xiangyang Wu1Yubo Ren2Yuli Guo3Haixiong Wang4Xiaofang Li5Department of Digestive oncology, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityDepartment of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese MedicineShanxi Medical UniversityShanxi Medical UniversityDepartment of Cardiology, Shanxi Cardiovascular HospitalDepartment of Digestive oncology, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityAbstract Pemetrexed, a multi-target antifolate chemotherapeutic widely used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), is associated with various adverse drug events (ADEs), some of which may be underrecognized in clinical trials. This study conducted a comprehensive pharmacovigilance analysis using two major spontaneous reporting systems—FAERS (2004Q1–2024Q3) and JADER (2007Q1–2024Q3)—to evaluate pemetrexed-related ADEs. Disproportionality analysis was performed using four algorithms: Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-Item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS). Time-to-onset (TTO) patterns were assessed using Weibull distribution modeling. A total of 12,026 and 4,522 pemetrexed-related ADE reports were retrieved from FAERS and JADER, respectively. The most frequently reported ADEs included hematologic toxicities (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and renal impairment. Strong safety signals were consistently identified for these events. Notably, novel ADE signals such as hepatobiliary injury, endocrine dysfunction, and thromboembolic events were observed in both databases. Subgroup analyses revealed sex- and age-specific ADE patterns, with younger patients and males showing distinct toxicity profiles. Sensitivity analysis excluding combination therapies confirmed the robustness of primary signals. TTO analysis revealed that most ADEs occurred within the first two months after pemetrexed initiation, with a median TTO of 27 days and a predominance of early failure patterns (Weibull β < 1), highlighting the importance of close monitoring during early treatment. Rare but severe ADEs, including myocarditis, sepsis, cholestasis, and pseudocellulitis, were identified, several of which are not currently listed in official drug labeling. This study provides a comprehensive safety assessment of pemetrexed, confirming known toxicities and identifying new safety signals. Continuous pharmacovigilance is essential to optimize its clinical use and improve patient safety.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02426-9PemetrexedPharmacovigilanceFAERS and JADERAdverse drug events (ADEs)Signal detection
spellingShingle Luo Lv
Xiangyang Wu
Yubo Ren
Yuli Guo
Haixiong Wang
Xiaofang Li
Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases
Scientific Reports
Pemetrexed
Pharmacovigilance
FAERS and JADER
Adverse drug events (ADEs)
Signal detection
title Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases
title_full Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases
title_fullStr Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases
title_full_unstemmed Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases
title_short Postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using FAERS and JADER databases
title_sort postmarketing safety evaluation of pemetrexed using faers and jader databases
topic Pemetrexed
Pharmacovigilance
FAERS and JADER
Adverse drug events (ADEs)
Signal detection
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02426-9
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