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Test ID: MTX    
Methotrexate, Serum

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Following therapy, serum concentration is used to judge whether the drug is being cleared appropriately and verify that a nontoxic level has been attained.

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Methotrexate is an antineoplastic agent that inhibits the enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase. Such inhibition causes a stoppage of synthesis of tetrahydrofolate that, in turn, results in an inhibition of nucleotide and ultimately of DNA synthesis.

 

Methotrexate is effective against malignancies with rapid cell proliferation such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, choriocarcinoma,

trophoblastic tumors in women, and carcinomas of the breast, tongue, pharynx, and testis.

 

When used as an antineoplastic agent against these tumors, it is administered at high dose (2.5 mg/kg or 3.3 mg/kg), and usually is followed by leucovorin (folinic acid) rescue to salvage nontumor cells.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Nontoxic drug concentration after 72 hours: <0.1 mcmol/L

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Following a 4 to 6 hour intravenous infusion of methotrexate, postinfusion concentrations greater than the following indicate an increased risk of toxicity if conventional low dose leucovorin rescue is given:

-24-hour postinfusion concentration: 5.0 to 10.0 mcmol/L

-48-hour postinfusion concentration: 0.5 to 1.0 mcmol/L

-72-hour postinfusion concentration: 0.1 mcmol/L

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

The specimen must be protected from light.

Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Cadman EC, Durivage HJ: Cancer chemotherapy: alkylating agents. In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 12th edition. Edited by JD Wilson, E Braunwald, KJ Isselbacher, et al. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1991, pp 1592-1594