Lurbinectedin is a medication used to treat patients with small cell lung cancer. Although it has shown promising results in clinical trials, there are some risks associated with its use.

According to the drug label [3], the most common adverse reactions associated with lurbinectedin treatment include fatigue, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Other possible side effects include anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and increased levels of liver enzymes. Patients may also experience infusion-related reactions, such as fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

The drug label [3] also warns that lurbinectedin can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, such as myelosuppression (a decrease in blood cell counts), respiratory failure, and hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Patients with pre-existing liver disease or impaired liver function may be at a higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine [2] reported that patients treated with lurbinectedin had a higher risk of developing febrile neutropenia (a condition in which the body has a low white blood cell count and a fever) compared to patients treated with standard chemotherapy. The study also found that patients who received lurbinectedin had a higher risk of developing thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count) and anemia compared to patients who received placebo.

In conclusion, while lurbinectedin has shown promising results in clinical trials, it is not without risks. Patients who receive lurbinectedin may experience common side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and musculoskeletal pain, as well as more serious side effects such as myelosuppression, respiratory failure, and hepatotoxicity. Patients with pre-existing liver disease or impaired liver function may be at a higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity. It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of lurbinectedin treatment with their healthcare provider.

Sources:
[2] Trigo J, Subbiah V, Besse B, et al. Lurbinectedin as Second- or Third-Line Palliative Therapy in Relapsed Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Phase II Single-Arm Study (Lurbinectedin Study Group). J Clin Med. 2021;10(10):2035. doi:10.3390/jcm10102035
[3] FDA. Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) injection, for intravenous use. Full prescribing information. 2020. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/213702s000lbl.pdf.