Lurbinectedin is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by inhibiting the activity of a protein called RNA polymerase II, which is involved in the transcription of DNA into RNA [1]. By inhibiting this protein, lurbinectedin can prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing, which can help to slow or stop the progression of the disease.

In addition to its direct effects on cancer cells, lurbinectedin has also been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other chemotherapy drugs. For example, in a clinical trial involving patients with small cell lung cancer, the combination of lurbinectedin and another chemotherapy drug called doxorubicin was found to be more effective than doxorubicin alone [3]. The researchers believe that lurbinectedin may enhance the activity of doxorubicin by increasing the expression of certain genes that are involved in DNA repair and cell death [3].

Another study found that lurbinectedin can enhance the activity of another chemotherapy drug called cisplatin in patients with advanced solid tumors [2]. The researchers believe that lurbinectedin may enhance the activity of cisplatin by inhibiting the repair of DNA damage caused by the drug [2].

In summary, lurbinectedin is a chemotherapy drug that works by inhibiting the activity of RNA polymerase II, which can prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing. It has also been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin and cisplatin, by increasing the expression of certain genes and inhibiting the repair of DNA damage. These findings suggest that lurbinectedin may be a useful addition to standard chemotherapy regimens for certain types of cancer.

Sources:
[1] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620049.html
[2] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LURBINECTEDIN
[3] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/clinical-trials/intervention/c82382