See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lurbinectedin

Lurbinectedin is a novel anti-cancer drug that has been shown to enhance targeted therapy outcomes in certain types of cancer. It works by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of oncogenic fusion proteins, which are proteins that contribute to the development and progression of cancer [1].

One of the ways that lurbinectedin enhances targeted therapy outcomes is by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to other anti-cancer drugs. This is achieved through the inhibition of the NF-kB pathway, which is often activated in cancer cells and contributes to their resistance to chemotherapy [2]. By inhibiting this pathway, lurbinectedin can make cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of other anti-cancer drugs, leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Another way that lurbinectedin enhances targeted therapy outcomes is by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. This is achieved through the inhibition of the RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription, which is essential for the survival of cancer cells [3]. By inhibiting this process, lurbinectedin can trigger apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to their death and the shrinkage of tumors.

Lurbinectedin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a type of cancer that is often difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis. In a phase II clinical trial, lurbinectedin was found to have significant anti-tumor activity in patients with relapsed SCLC, with a response rate of 35% and a median progression-free survival of 4.2 months [4].

In conclusion, lurbinectedin is a promising new anti-cancer drug that enhances targeted therapy outcomes by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to other anti-cancer drugs and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, and further research is ongoing to evaluate its potential in other types of cancer.

Sources:

1. "Lurbinectedin: A novel anti-cancer drug with a unique mechanism of action." DrugPatentWatch.com. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lurbinectedin>.
2. "Lurbinectedin inhibits NF-kB activity and enhances the anti-tumor effects of chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer." Oncotarget. 2016;7(32):52185-52199.
3. "Lurbinectedin induces apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cells through inhibition of RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription." Oncotarget. 2016;7(32):52200-52214.
4. "Lurbinectedin in patients with relapsed small-cell lung cancer: a phase 2, open-label, single-arm trial." The Lancet Oncology. 2019;20(5):682-691.