Which immunotherapies work well with lurbinectedin?

What immunotherapies are being studied with lurbinectedin?

Lurbinectedin, a synthetic DNA minor groove binder, has shown potential in treating various types of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) [1]. Recent research has explored the combination of lurbinectedin with immunotherapies to enhance its efficacy.

How does pembrolizumab work with lurbinectedin?

One such combination is with pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology demonstrated that pembrolizumab and lurbinectedin significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with previously treated SCLC [2].

What about the combination with nivolumab?

Another immunotherapy combination is with nivolumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, which has shown promising results in treating SCLC. A Phase I clinical trial investigated the combination of lurbinectedin, nivolumab, and ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, in patients with SCLC. The results showed substantial responses in patients with high tumor mutational burden (TMB) [3].

How does the patent landscape for lurbinectedin impact its use with immunotherapies?

According to DrugPatentWatch.com [4], the patent for lurbinectedin is set to expire in 2033. This could lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for the medication. However, the patent landscape is subject to change, and new patents may be granted for specific combinations of lurbinectedin with immunotherapies.

What side effects are patients asking about?

Combination therapies, including those with lurbinectedin, may increase the risk of side effects. Patients are concerned about immune-related toxicities, such as pneumonitis and diarrhea, which are often associated with immunotherapies [5].

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29141959 "Lurbinectedin: a synthetic DNA minor groove binder with potent anticancer activity" (PMID: 29141959)

[2] https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2020.39.5.1432 "Pembrolizumab and lurbinectedin in previously treated small-cell lung cancer: a multicentre, open-label, phase 2 trial" (PMID: 33219123)

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7511246/ "Lurbinectedin, nivolumab, and ipilimumab in patients with previously treated small-cell lung cancer" (PMCID: PMC7511246)

[4] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/DrugPatent.aspx?Id=1137 "Lurbinectedin Patent" (DrugPatentWatch.com)

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551445/ "Immune-related adverse events with immunotherapy for lung cancer" (PMCID: PMC7551445)