Results for the substance lurbinectedin

Lurbinectedin is an anticancer medicine for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. In the EU it is used with atezolizumab as maintenance treatment in adults whose disease has not progressed after atezolizumab, carboplatin and etoposide. It acts on tumour-cell DNA and disrupts processes required for cancer-cell multiplication.

It is given in an oncology unit as an intravenous infusion lasting about one hour, usually every three weeks. Anti-sickness medicines are given beforehand, and the regimen includes prevention of low neutrophil counts. Treatment can be delayed or reduced according to blood tests. Blood counts and liver function need monitoring.

Adverse effects include tiredness, nausea, anaemia and low white blood cell or platelet counts. These changes can lead to serious infections and bleeding. Liver injury and other effects of the combined treatment can occur. Report pain, burning or swelling around the infusion immediately because leakage outside the vein can damage tissue.

Fever, chills, breathlessness, unusual bruising or bleeding require urgent contact with the oncology team. Check before starting any new medicine or supplement because interactions matter. Treatment can harm an unborn baby: follow contraception advice and report a possible pregnancy. Breastfeeding is contraindicated during treatment.