Indicator Explainer
Methotrexate
An antimetabolite and antifolate agent with antineoplastic and immunosuppressant activities. Methotrexate binds to and inhibits the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, resulting in inhibition of purine nucleotide and thymidylate synthesis and, subsequently, inhibition of DNA and RNA syntheses. Methotrexate also exhibits potent immunosuppressant activity although the mechanism(s) of actions is unclear.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C642. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Methotrexate (C642)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C642. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Comparison of the Efficacy of Intralesional Methotrexate and Triamcinolone in the Treatment of Nail Psoriasis: A Randomized, Investigator-Blind, Controlled Trial. — Indian Dermatol Online J, 2026-10-19 (PMID 42899822; literature)
- Comparable efficacy of extraoral and intraoral photobiomodulation in preventing oral mucositis during high-dose methotrexate therapy in pediatric oncology: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. — Support Care Cancer, 2026-10-19 (PMID 42897331; literature)
- Cardioprotective mechanisms and efficacy of colchicine, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and leflunomide in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. — Rheumatology (Oxford), 2026-10-23 (PMID 42920274; literature)
- Prospective evaluation of serum methotrexate pharmacokinetics following intrathecal methotrexate in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. — Br J Haematol, 2026-10-23 (PMID 42919823; literature)
- Aminophylline Administration for Treatment of Methotrexate-Induced Neurotoxicity in Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Single-Center Case Series. — Pediatr Blood Cancer, 2026-10-22 (PMID 42911034; literature)
- Triple therapy with deucravacitinib, methotrexate, and dexamethasone unsuccessful for refractory lichen planus. — J Dtsch Dermatol Ges, 2026-10-22 (PMID 42908406; literature)