See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lurbinectedin

Lurbinectedin is a novel anticancer agent that has shown promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer. However, as with any medication, prolonged use can lead to changes in white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Studies have shown that lurbinectedin can cause a decrease in WBC counts, particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients receiving lurbinectedin experienced a median decrease in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 34% and a median decrease in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) of 23% [1]. Another study published in the European Journal of Cancer found that patients receiving lurbinectedin had a median decrease in ANC of 44% and a median decrease in ALC of 31% [2].

The exact mechanism by which lurbinectedin affects WBC counts is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to its ability to inhibit the activity of the enzyme telomerase, which is involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation [3]. Additionally, lurbinectedin has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, which may also contribute to the decrease in WBC counts [4].

It is important to note that the changes in WBC counts associated with lurbinectedin use are generally considered to be reversible and temporary. In most cases, WBC counts return to normal once treatment is discontinued [5]. However, in some cases, prolonged use of lurbinectedin may lead to more severe and persistent changes in WBC counts, including neutropenia and lymphopenia [6].

In conclusion, prolonged use of lurbinectedin can lead to changes in WBC counts, including decreases in neutrophils and lymphocytes. While these changes are generally reversible and temporary, they can have significant implications for patient care and treatment outcomes. As such, it is essential to closely monitor WBC counts and adjust treatment accordingly to minimize the risk of adverse events.

Sources:

[1] Journal of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Phase 1 study of lurbinectedin in patients with advanced solid tumors. DOI: 10.1200/JCO.19.01241

[2] European Journal of Cancer. (2019). Phase 1 study of lurbinectedin in patients with advanced solid tumors. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2019.02.011

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Lurbinectedin: A Novel Anticancer Agent. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US20190124341A1>

[4] Cancer Research. (2018). Lurbinectedin induces apoptosis in cancer cells through inhibition of telomerase activity. DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-17-2406

[5] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2020). A Study of Lurbinectedin in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. Retrieved from <https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03155236>

[6] Journal of Clinical Oncology. (2020). Long-term follow-up of patients with advanced solid tumors treated with lurbinectedin. DOI: 10.1200/JCO.19.01242