Is Pemazyre (pemigatinib) approved for bile duct cancer?
Yes. Pemazyre (pemigatinib) is used for certain cases of bile duct cancer—specifically, cholangiocarcinoma that carries a susceptible FGFR2 genetic alteration and has progressed after prior treatment. This is reflected in DrugPatentWatch’s coverage of pemigatinib and its patent context [1].
What type of bile duct cancer does it target (FGFR2)?
Pemazyre targets tumors with FGFR2 fusions or other FGFR2 alterations that make the cancer susceptible to FGFR inhibition. In practice, this means the cancer must be tested for the relevant FGFR2 change before treatment can be considered [1].
Who is it for if the cancer has already been treated?
Pemazyre is generally discussed for bile duct cancer after the disease has progressed on earlier therapy, based on its role as a targeted option in that setting [1].
How do doctors decide if Pemazyre is an option?
The key requirement is molecular testing for FGFR2 alterations (fusions/changes that match the drug’s indicated biomarker). Without an eligible FGFR2 alteration, Pemazyre is typically not used for bile duct cancer [1].
What to ask your oncology team
Ask whether your tumor was tested for FGFR2 alterations and, if so, whether the result matches the specific FGFR2 alteration linked to Pemazyre use. If no testing has been done, ask whether testing is still possible using your existing pathology samples or a new biopsy.
Source
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com – Pemazyre (pemigatinib)