How does Loqtorzi work for nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
Loqtorzi (toripalimab) is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody that works by binding to the PD-1 receptor that exists on the outside of some cancer cells. PD-1 prevents our immune system from attacking the cancerous cells, but once Loqtorzi has bound to PD-1, the immune system is no longer inhibited, and immune system components, such as T cells, can kill the cell. Loqtorzi is also thought to lower the number of PD-1 receptors on the outside of the cancer cells by causing the PD-1 receptor to be absorbed inside the cancer cells.
Loqtorzi belongs to the class of medicines called Checkpoint Inhibitors and is given by intravenous infusion. It has been FDA-approved to treat:
- metastatic or recurrent, locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine as first-line treatment
- NPC that has returned and cannot be removed with surgery or has spread (metastatic), despite prior treatment with a platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen.
Is Loqtorzi chemotherapy?
Loqtorzi works with the immune system to help fight cancer and is considered an immunotherapy treatment, not chemotherapy.
References
- Toripalimab-tpzi. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-drug/def/toripalimab
- Junshi Biosciences and Coherus Share Update on the FDA Review of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for Toripalimab as Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). GlobeNewsWire.com. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/12/25/2579403/0/en/Junshi-Biosciences-and-Coherus-Share-Update-on-the-FDA-Review-of-the-Biologics-License-Application-BLA-for-Toripalimab-as-Treatment-for-Recurrent-or-Metastatic-Nasopharyngeal-Carci.html
- Loqtorzi Prescribing Information. Reviewed October 2023. https://loqtorzi.com/pdf/prescribing-information.pdf
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Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading
What is the MOA of Loqtorzi (toripalimab)?
Loqtorzi (toripalimab) is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody that binds to the PD-1 protein on T-cells (a type of immune cell). It works by blocking PD-L1 and PD-L2 molecules found on the surface of some cancer cells. This allows the immune system to activate and kill the tumor. Loqtorzi is the first FDA-approved agent for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Continue reading
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Screening of nasopharyngeal cancer: Clinical trial results have shown a significant improvement in diagnosing accuracy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Toripalimab Information for Consumers
- Toripalimab prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Toripalimab (detailed)
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