Antifolate drugs play a pivotal role in cancer therapy, representing a class of medications designed to target and inhibit the activity of folate-dependent enzymes essential for DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. These drugs interfere with the folate metabolic pathway, which is crucial for the production of nucleotide building blocks required for DNA replication. By disrupting this process, antifolate drugs impede the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis.
Methotrexate and pemetrexed are prominent examples of antifolate drugs commonly used in cancer treatment. Methotrexate, a versatile chemotherapy agent, is effective against various cancers, including breast, lung, and leukemia. Pemetrexed, on the other hand, is particularly used for treating mesothelioma and non-small cell lung cancer. The targeted action of antifolate drugs makes them valuable components of chemotherapy regimens, often employed in combination with other agents to enhance efficacy. Ongoing research continues to explore new antifolate compounds and optimize existing ones, aiming to broaden the spectrum of treatable cancers and improve patient outcomes.