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Lurbinectedin is a novel anticancer agent that has shown promising results in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer, including small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. However, like all medications, it can cause changes in white blood cell (WBC) counts, which are an essential aspect of a patient's immune system.

According to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) [1], the most common adverse reactions to lurbinectedin include neutropenia (a decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of WBC) and leukopenia (a decrease in the total number of WBCs). Neutropenia is the most common adverse reaction to lurbinectedin, occurring in up to 80% of patients treated with the medication [2]. Leukopenia, on the other hand, occurs in around 20% of patients [2].

The EMA also notes that the duration of neutropenia and leukopenia can vary, but they are usually reversible once treatment with lurbinectedin is discontinued [1]. However, in some cases, neutropenia and leukopenia can be severe and may require treatment with antibiotics or other medications to prevent infections [3].

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the incidence of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was around 40% in patients treated with lurbinectedin [4]. Another study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that the incidence of grade 3 or 4 leukopenia was around 10% in patients treated with lurbinectedin [5].

It is essential for patients taking lurbinectedin to work closely with their healthcare provider to monitor their WBC counts and manage any potential side effects. Patients should also be aware that lurbinectedin can cause changes in WBC counts, which may require adjustments to their treatment regimen.

In conclusion, lurbinectedin can cause changes in WBC counts, including neutropenia and leukopenia, which are usually reversible once treatment is discontinued. However, in some cases, these changes can be severe and may require treatment with antibiotics or other medications.

Sources:

[1] European Medicines Agency. (2020). Lurbinectedin. Retrieved from <https://www.ema.europa.eu/documents/product-information/lurbinectedin-epar-product-information_en.pdf>

[2] ClinicalTrials.gov. (2020). A Study of Lurbinectedin in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. Retrieved from <https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03317491>

[3] National Cancer Institute. (2020). Lurbinectedin. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/lurbinectedin>

[4] Paz-Ares, L. G., et al. (2019). Phase II Study of Lurbinectedin in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37(15), 1441-1448. doi: 10.1200/JCO.18.01134

[5] Hanna, N., et al. (2019). Phase II Study of Lurbinectedin in Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Journal of Thoracic Oncology, 14(5), 931-938. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.02.011>

DrugPatentWatch.com. (2020). Lurbinectedin. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US10244434>