Lurbinectedin is a chemotherapy drug that has been found to enhance the effectiveness of other chemotherapy drugs. Lurbinectedin is a synthetic compound that was derived from the Caribbean marine organism Ecteinascidia turbinata [3]. It is used to treat small cell lung cancer, a type of cancer that is usually treated with chemotherapy [2]. Lurbinectedin works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called RNA polymerase II, which is responsible for the transcription of DNA into RNA [3]. This inhibition leads to the accumulation of DNA damage and the activation of cell death pathways, ultimately resulting in the death of cancer cells [3].

Recent studies have shown that lurbinectedin can enhance the effectiveness of other chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and etoposide, which are commonly used to treat small cell lung cancer [1]. Lurbinectedin has been found to sensitize cancer cells to these drugs, making them more effective at killing cancer cells [1]. This synergistic effect is thought to be due to the ability of lurbinectedin to enhance the DNA damage caused by cisplatin and etoposide [1].

In addition to its ability to enhance the effectiveness of other chemotherapy drugs, lurbinectedin has also been found to have a unique mechanism of action that may make it effective against cancer cells that are resistant to other chemotherapy drugs [2]. Lurbinectedin has been shown to be effective against cancer cells that have mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are known to be involved in DNA repair [2]. These mutations can cause cancer cells to become resistant to chemotherapy drugs that target DNA damage, such as cisplatin and etoposide [2]. Lurbinectedin is able to overcome this resistance by targeting a different DNA repair pathway [2].

In conclusion, lurbinectedin is a chemotherapy drug that has been found to enhance the effectiveness of other chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and etoposide, and may be effective against cancer cells that are resistant to other chemotherapy drugs. Its ability to inhibit RNA polymerase II and enhance DNA damage make it a promising treatment option for small cell lung cancer and other types of cancer.

Sources:
[1] Drug Patent Watch. Lurbinectedin. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LURBINECTEDIN
[2] MedlinePlus. Lurbinectedin. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620049.html
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information. Lurbinectedin (PM01183), a new DNA minor groove binder, inhibits growth of orthotopic primary graft of cisplatin-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4795692/