| Common Brands | Tabrecta |
|---|---|
|
Drug Class |
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) |
|
Controlled Substance Classification |
Not a controlled medication |
|
Generic Status |
Lower-cost generic available |
|
Availability |
Prescription only |
Capmatinib (Tabrecta) is a targeted therapy for the treatment of NSCLC in patients with a specific genetic mutation, the MET exon 14 skipping mutation. This mutation leads to the aberrant activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase, which in turn promotes the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Capmatinib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 for the treatment of MET exon 14 skipping mutation-positive NSCLC in patients who have already been treated with or are ineligible for chemotherapy. It is an oral medication and is typically used as a second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic disease.
Capmatinib is administered orally in the tablet form. The recommended dosages are as follows:
Start Dosage: The recommended initiation dose of Capmatinib is 400 mg orally twice a day (a total of 800 mg a day). This dose is given with or without food.
Dose Adjustments: The dose may be adjusted based on the patient’s response to the medication and the occurrence of side effects. In case of severe side effects, like liver toxicity, the dose may be reduced or temporarily interrupted.
Important Notes:
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is near the time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.
Regular monitoring, including liver function tests and imaging studies, is recommended during treatment with Capmatinib.
Capmatinib is a specific inhibitor of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase, a protein involved in some of the signaling pathways related to cell growth, survival, and migration. In virtually all cancers, including NSCLC, mutations in MET gene lead to the overactivation of this receptor, which may cause cellular proliferation without any control or brakes.
The MET exon 14 skipping mutation leads to a defective MET that fails to be adequately regulated. Such a mutation creates a situation where the MET receptor is permanently active, with cancer cells continuously proliferating.
This provides Capmatinib with a more specific targeted action for the patient carrying this unique genetic mutation than would be the case with traditional chemotherapy or immunotherapy in those patients.
Although Capmatinib can work effectively for the treatment of MET exon 14 mutation-positive NSCLC, there are cases where it will cause side effects in a patient.
Edema (Swelling): This is swelling on the hands, feet, ankles, or legs.
Nausea: Some patients experience nausea, especially during the first few days when beginning treatment.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect.
Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea may arise.
Loss of Appetite: A few patients may face decreased appetite.
Elevated Liver Enzymes: Capmatinib affects the liver function and thus increases the liver enzymes.
Liver Toxicity: This is a rare serious adverse reaction of Capmatinib, characterized by severe problems in the liver that could even lead to liver failure. Monitoring through regular tests for liver function during treatment is necessary.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Capmatinib is known to cause lung toxicity in rare cases, which can lead to interstitial lung disease. This can lead to breathing difficulties and other severe pulmonary issues.
Severe Edema: Some patients may suffer from severe swelling, especially in the limbs.
There are important warnings and precautions that must be taken into consideration when using Capmatinib:
Liver Function: Capmatinib can cause liver toxicity. Liver function tests should be done regularly before and during the treatment to look for raised liver enzymes or evidence of liver damage.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Capmatinib should be used with caution during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Drug Interactions: Capmatinib may interact with other medications, especially those that affect the liver enzymes. It should be communicated to your physician if you are taking other drugs, including over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements.
Edema: Patients should be watched out for edema, especially in the lower limbs, as it may be a side effect of Capmatinib. Management of edema includes adjustment of the dose and symptomatic treatments.
Capmatinib, a MET inhibitor used to treat certain lung cancers, interacts with various medications, affecting its efficacy and safety.
The recommended capmatinib dosing schedule is given below:
Induction dose: 400 mg orally BID (800 mg per day).
Dose adjustment: If adverse events like liver injury, interstitial lung disease, or serious edema have occurred, the dose might be adjusted or interrupted for some period.
Discontinue: Capmatinib could be discontinued permanently if intolerable adverse effects cannot be managed.
Dosages must always be made to follow the individual patients’ toleration and response towards treatment.
Capmatinib is a prescription drug; it needs to be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional, ideally an oncologist. A patient should undergo genetic testing for the presence of MET exon 14 skipping mutations before being treated with Capmatinib. Follow-up visits are critical to ensure that the efficacy of treatment is monitored and any adverse effects are regulated and dose adjusted if necessary.
Capmatinib is a targeted therapy drug used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 mutations.
Capmatinib works by inhibiting the MET receptor tyrosine kinase, which is involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival, particularly in tumors with MET mutations.
Capmatinib is primarily approved for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a MET exon 14 alteration.
Capmatinib is taken orally, typically as a tablet, and should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and swelling (edema).
Serious side effects can include liver problems, interstitial lung disease, and severe allergic reactions.
Capmatinib can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, depending on the specific cancer treatment plan prescribed by the oncologist.
Duration of treatment varies depending on response and tolerability, but it is often continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose.
Yes, Capmatinib should be taken with food to improve absorption. Avoid grapefruit juice and other foods that may affect drug metabolism.
Before starting treatment, patients typically undergo genetic testing to confirm the presence of MET exon 14 alterations.
Capmatinib is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its components.
Capmatinib may harm an unborn baby, and it is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Women should use effective contraception during treatment.
Capmatinib can interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect liver enzymes or are highly metabolized by the liver. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Regular monitoring of liver function tests and assessments for respiratory symptoms is essential during treatment with Capmatinib.
Capmatinib is specifically designed for patients with lung cancer that has MET exon 14 alterations; it may not be effective for patients without this mutation.
If Capmatinib is no longer effective, your oncologist may recommend alternative treatments based on the progression of the disease.
Capmatinib should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it out of reach of children.
Yes, there may be patient assistance programs available to help with the cost of Capmatinib. Check with the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for options.
Capmatinib is available by prescription and can be obtained through specialty pharmacies or healthcare providers.
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