See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lurbinectedin

Lurbinectedin is a novel anticancer drug that has been approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of relapsed small cell lung cancer. To monitor the effects of this drug, several specific tests are employed. These tests include:

1. Hematologic tests: Lurbinectedin can cause myelosuppression, which is a decrease in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. Hematologic tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) with differential, are used to monitor the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood. These tests help to assess the patient's overall health and determine the appropriate dosage of lurbinectedin.

2. Biochemical tests: Biochemical tests, such as liver function tests (LFTs) and renal function tests, are used to monitor the effects of lurbinectedin on the liver and kidneys. These tests measure the levels of enzymes, proteins, and other substances in the blood that can indicate damage to these organs.

3. Tumor markers: Tumor markers are substances that are produced by cancer cells or by normal cells in response to cancer. These markers can be measured in the blood, urine, or other body fluids. In the case of small cell lung cancer, the levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) are often measured before and during treatment with lurbinectedin. A decrease in the levels of these markers may indicate a response to treatment.

4. Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, are used to monitor the size and location of tumors in the body. These studies help to assess the response to treatment and detect any new or recurrent tumors.

It is important to note that the specific tests used to monitor the effects of lurbinectedin may vary depending on the patient's individual circumstances and the treating physician's preference.

Sources:

1. European Medicines Agency. Sylentis. Sylentis receives EU authorisation for Lurbinectedin for the treatment of relapsed small cell lung cancer. <https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/sylentis-receives-eu-authorisation-lurbinectedin-treatment-relapsed-small-cell-lung-cancer>.
2. DrugPatentWatch. Lurbinectedin. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lurbinectedin>.
3. National Cancer Institute. Lurbinectedin. <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/lurbinectedin>.
4. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Lurbinectedin. <https://www.cancer.net/drugs/lurbinectedin>.