![[logo] HealthTree Foundation](https://static.healthtree.org/icons/icon_spinner.svg){kind=icon}
![[logo] HealthTree Foundation](https://static.healthtree.org/logo_icon_only.svg){kind=icon}
How it is administered
Pralatrexate is given as an intravenous (IV) injection. This means it is administered directly into a vein by a healthcare professional. The recommended dosage is 30 mg/m², delivered over 3 to 5 minutes once weekly for 6 weeks in 7-week cycles. The medication comes in single-dose vials (20 mg/mL), and is not diluted before use.
Before starting pralatrexate, patients should begin taking folic acid by mouth daily (starting 10 days before the first dose) and receive a vitamin B12 injection (within 10 weeks before the first dose and then every 8–10 weeks).
How it works
Pralatrexate is a type of chemotherapy known as a folate analog metabolic inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme called dihydrofolate reductase, which is essential for making DNA and other molecules needed for cell growth. By inhibiting this enzyme, pralatrexate prevents cancer cells from making the DNA they need to grow and divide.
Additionally, pralatrexate interferes with another process called polyglutamylation, further reducing the ability of cancer cells to use folate, which is necessary for their survival. This dual action helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells, particularly in certain types of blood cancers like peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).
Common side effects
- Mucositis (painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Constipation
- Fever
- Swelling (edema)
- Cough
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Vomiting
- Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Rash
- Itching (pruritus)
- Abnormal liver function tests
Serious side effects can include severe skin reactions, tumor lysis syndrome, and liver toxicity. Always report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Who Should take it
Pralatrexate is specifically indicated for adults with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). This means it is used in patients whose disease has returned after previous treatment or has not responded to other therapies.
It is generally considered when other standard treatments have not worked, and its use is based on studies showing it can help control the disease in some patients. The decision to use pralatrexate should be made by a healthcare provider experienced in treating blood cancers.
Who should not take it
There are no absolute contraindications listed for pralatrexate, but certain patients should avoid or use it with caution. Patients with end-stage renal disease (severe kidney problems) should generally not receive pralatrexate, as it can increase the risk of serious side effects. If the potential benefit outweighs the risk, close monitoring and dose adjustments are necessary.
Women who are pregnant should not take pralatrexate, as it can cause harm to the unborn baby. Women of childbearing potential and men with partners of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for a period after the last dose. Patients with severe liver problems or significant blood count abnormalities may also need to avoid or delay treatment.
Commonly used with
Pralatrexate is often used alone for relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. However, patients are required to take folic acid and receive vitamin B12 injections to help reduce the risk of side effects, especially mouth sores and blood cell problems.
It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, as some drugs (such as probenecid or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can interact with pralatrexate and increase the risk of side effects.
Commonly tested with
In clinical studies, pralatrexate was primarily tested as a single agent in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Supportive medications such as folic acid and vitamin B12 were always used alongside pralatrexate to help manage side effects.
Other medications, such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF or GM-CSF), may be used if patients develop low white blood cell counts during treatment.
HealthTree Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Copyright © 2025 HealthTree Foundation. All rights reserved.
Tax ID 45-5354811