Zepzelca

Malignant Neoplasms, disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Zepzelca

What is Zepzelca

Lurbinectedin

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Lurbinectedin is a medication used to treat cancer. It was approved by the FDA in June 2020 for the treatment of metastatic small-cell lung cancer in adults who have already tried platinum-based chemotherapy. Lurbinectedin is derived from the marine-derived agent ecteinascidin and works by attacking cancer cells’ DNA. It has also been investigated as a possible treatment for other types of cancer, including mesothelioma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and breast cancer.

Zepzelca

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Zepzelca Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Zepzelca

Lurbinectedin

2020

1

Effectiveness

How Zepzelca Affects Patients

Lurbinectedin works by attaching to DNA and causing cell death. Taking this drug may suppress the production of white blood cells and platelets, so people taking it should have their neutrophil and platelet counts checked at the start of treatment and monitored regularly. If the neutrophil count drops below 500 cells/mm3, a medication that increases the production of white blood cells (called G-CSF) may be used. Additionally, it may cause liver damage, so liver function tests should also be monitored before and during treatment, and the drug may need to be stopped or the dose reduced if there are signs of liver

How Zepzelca works in the body

Lurbinectedin is a drug that damages the DNA in cells, ultimately leading to their death. It does this by attacking guanine molecules in the DNA and causing them to bend in a certain way. This triggers a series of events that make it harder for the cell to repair its DNA and eventually leads to cell death. Lurbinectedin also stops certain proteins from working properly, which stops human monocytes from being able to fight the tumor and stops macrophages from entering tumor tissue.

When to interrupt dosage

The suggested dosage of Zepzelca is contingent upon the identified disorder. The amount as well deviates based on the technique of delivery (e.g. Intravenous or Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution) listed in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Malignant Neoplasms

0.5 mg/mL, , 4.0 mg

Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Powder - Intravenous, Powder

disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy

0.5 mg/mL, , 4.0 mg

Intravenous, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, , Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, Powder - Intravenous, Powder

Warnings

There are 1 known major drug interactions with Zepzelca.

Common Zepzelca Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Tucatinib

Moderate

The metabolism of Tucatinib can be decreased when combined with Lurbinectedin.

Zepzelca Toxicity & Overdose Risk

There is not enough information on overdosing on lurbinectedin, but potential side effects could include those reported in other cases, such as fatigue, low blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Zepzelca Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Zepzelca?

Currently, there are no active clinical trials assessing the potential of Zepzelca to inhibit disease progression in individuals who have received platinum-based chemotherapy.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Malignant Neoplasms

0 Actively Recruiting

Zepzelca Reviews: What are patients saying about Zepzelca?

5

Patient Review

11/19/2021

Zepzelca for Small Cell Cancer of the Lung

I had ES SCLC with liver and brain mets, so I started treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy and Atezolizumab immunotherapy. Unfortunately, the immunotherapy stopped working after just 3 months (there were multiple new mets at that point). However, after 3 cycles of Zepzelca, the mets stopped growing and I felt much better. Additionally, I had whole brain radiation which was also successful.

3.3

Patient Review

5/28/2022

Zepzelca for Small Cell Cancer of the Lung

While this medication has been successful in halting the cancer's growth, my husband has become incredibly weak and frail. His red blood cells are also depleted.

1

Patient Review

11/13/2021

Zepzelca for Small Cell Cancer of the Lung

My grandfather passed away less than a week after starting this medication. He developed a low white blood cell count, a fever, and quickly became septic. While the warning label did list these side effects, it was still a very quick and unexpected death.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about zepzelca

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Zepzelca chemo?

"ZEPZELCA is approved to treat people with metastatic small cell lung cancer who have progressed after prior platinum-based chemotherapy. The approval for this use is based on response rate and duration of response."

Answered by AI

What kind of drug is Zepzelca?

"ZEPZELCA is used to treat small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body."

Answered by AI

How is Zepzelca administered?

"The suggested infusion of ZEPZELCA is 60 minutes every 21 days at a dose of 3.2 mg/m2. This treatment will continue until the disease progresses or the patient experiences intolerable side effects."

Answered by AI