Is Tabrecta a chemotherapy drug?
Tabrecta (capmatinib) is a targeted chemotherapy drug. It differs from traditional chemotherapy drugs which attack all dividing cells, damaging healthy cells as well as cancerous ones.
Tabrecta is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread (metastasized) in adults whose tumors have a mutation that leads to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping.
Tabrecta targets NSCLC cells with a mutant MET gene lacking exon 14, which is a mutation associated with increased cancer cell growth. Tabrecta works by blocking the signals from these cells that drive the growth of cancer cells.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tabrecta Product Label. [Accessed November 24, 2022]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/213591s004lbl.pdf.
- American Cancer Society. How Targeted Therapies Are Used to Treat Cancer. January 29, 2021. [Accessed November 24, 2022]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/targeted-therapy/what-is.html.
Read next
How effective is Tabrecta?
In clinical studies, the overall response rate (ORR) for Tebrecta in 60 participants who had never received any treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was 68%, with half of patients having a duration of response lasting 16.6 months. Continue reading
Will Tabrecta cure lung cancer?
No, Tabrecta is not a cure for lung cancer, but in studies some people saw their tumors shrink or disappear for more than a year. There currently is no cure for lung cancer, but you may be eligible for treatments that could extend your life. Continue reading
Is small cell or non-small cell lung cancer worse?
Generally, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10-15% of people who have lung cancer and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. SCLC usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi), and although the cells are small, they grow very quickly and create large tumors. Early on in the course of the disease, there are rarely any symptoms. If caught early (limited-stage disease) 20-25% of people can be potentially cured. Extensive SCLC is more difficult to treat. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Tabrecta Information for Consumers
- Tabrecta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Tabrecta (detailed)
- Tabrecta user reviews (1)
Related support groups
- Tabrecta (3 questions, 3 members)
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (53 questions, 73 members)