, or , is one of the drugs used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC.
is a checkpoint inhibitor. Checkpoint inhibitors are immunotherapy drugs designed to target the PD-1 protein receptor, which is what can sometimes be used to trick T-cells into thinking a cancer cell is a regular cell so that the T cells do not attack it. is designed to disrupt this faulty signal, revealing the cancer cell(s) to the immune system.
NSCLC Lung Cancer Treatments
When a doctor decides that a patient will receive , the drug will be administered intravenously over a 60-minute period. This will usually happen every two weeks. However, both the dosage and the frequency will depend on several factors. Dosage and frequency often depend on how the cancer responds to the drug therapy as well as on the severity of any side effects the patient experiences.
The most common side effects of include:
- joint and/or muscle pain
- fatigue
- constipation
- coughing
- decreased appetite
When taking , some patients may have an auto-immune reaction. This is where the T-cells attack healthy cells when also attacking the cancer cells.
Patients should inform their doctor of any auto-immune conditions they have, such as lupus or Crohn’s disease. Patients should also inform their doctors of any organ transplants, lung or breathing problems, liver problems, or any other serious medical conditions that they have.
Additionally, moves through the bloodstream. Therefore, patients should inform their doctors of their pregnancy, breastfeeding, or pregnancy plans.
is used in the treatment of some other cancers as well. These include melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Side effects of may vary depending on the type of cancer the drug is being used to treat.
Talk to your doctor to find out if is right for you.
Featured image: designer491 via DepositPhotos
Posted on March 24, 2023