Larotrectinib is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. It is used to treat adults and children who have advanced solid tumors that have a certain genetic change (NTRK fusion gene) and cannot be removed by surgery, or have spread to other parts of the body. Larotrectinib is usually given after other treatments have been tried without success.
Larotrectinib is a prescription medication used to treat specific cancers caused by genetic mutations [1, 2]. Here's a breakdown of how it works and what conditions it targets:
- Targets genetic mutations: Larotrectinib works by targeting a specific genetic alteration in cancer cells. This mutation occurs in a gene called neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) [1, 2]. When NTRK genes are mutated, they can cause the production of abnormal proteins that signal cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably [3].
- Conditions treated: Larotrectinib is approved for the treatment of various cancers harboring NTRK gene fusions, including:
- Adult and pediatric solid tumors: These can occur in various parts of the body, such as the lungs, thyroid, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and salivary glands [2, 4].
- Advanced or metastatic tumors: This refers to cancer that has spread beyond its original location to other parts of the body [2].
- How Larotrectinib works: Larotrectinib is a type of medication called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) [1]. It works by specifically targeting and blocking the abnormal proteins produced by the mutated NTRK genes. By inhibiting these proteins, Larotrectinib disrupts the signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide [2, 3]. This can help shrink tumors and slow down cancer progression.
Dosage and administration:
Larotrectinib is typically administered as capsules taken orally, usually twice a day with or without food [1]. The exact dosage will depend on the specific type and severity of the cancer being treated. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment.
Important things to remember:
- Larotrectinib is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
- It can cause side effects, including fatigue, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting [2].
- Larotrectinib may affect the nervous system, potentially causing vision problems, numbness, tingling, or weakness in hands and feet [2].
- It can interact with other medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting Larotrectinib treatment [2].
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Larotrectinib as it can harm the developing baby [2].
If you have any further questions or concerns about Larotrectinib, talk to your doctor. They can advise you on whether it's the right treatment for your specific type of cancer and discuss the potential risks and benefits.
Here are some additional points to note:
- Larotrectinib is considered a targeted therapy because it specifically targets the genetic mutation in cancer cells [5].
- It has shown promising results in shrinking tumors and improving outcomes for patients with NTRK fusion cancers [2, 4].