Lurbinectedin is a chemotherapy drug that has shown promising results in treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC) when combined with immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab. However, like any other chemotherapy drug, lurbinectedin can cause some side effects.
According to DrugPatentWatch [1], the most common side effects of lurbinectedin are nausea, fatigue, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, anemia, and increased liver enzymes. In rare cases, it can also cause serious side effects such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and febrile neutropenia.
When combined with immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab, lurbinectedin can cause additional side effects. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology [2] reported that the combination of lurbinectedin and pembrolizumab caused immune-related adverse events (irAEs) such as rash, hypothyroidism, and pneumonitis in some patients. However, the study also reported that these side effects were manageable and did not result in treatment discontinuation.
Another study published in Cancer Network [3] reported that the combination of lurbinectedin and pembrolizumab showed promising results in treating relapsed SCLC with a manageable safety profile. The study reported that the most common side effects of the combination therapy were fatigue, nausea, and anemia.
In conclusion, lurbinectedin can cause some side effects when used alone, and when combined with immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab, it can cause additional side effects such as immune-related adverse events. However, these side effects are generally manageable and do not result in treatment discontinuation. It is important to discuss the potential side effects of any treatment with your healthcare provider before starting it.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LURBINECTEDIN
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9469650/
[3] https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/antonio-calles-md-highlights-promising-preliminary-activity-of-lurbinectedin-and-pembrolizumab-in-relapsed-sclc