A Groundbreaking Approval: FDA Greenlights Truqap for Advanced Breast Cancer
What is Truqap prescribed for?
Truquap is perscribed in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of adult patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer with one or more PIK3CA/AKT1/PTEN-alterations as detected by an FDA-approved test following progression on at least one endocrine-based regimen in the metastatic setting or recurrence on or within 12 months of completing adjuvant therapy.
What is Truqap and what does it do?
Truqap, pronounced TRUE-cap, (generic name: capivasertib) targets cancers that have mutations in the AKT genes, which play a crucial role in cell growth.
When these genes are altered, they can contribute to the rapid progression of cancer. Truqap is prescribed for patients who have previously undergone other cancer treatments without success and whose cancer continues to advance.
The drug is administered in conjunction with fulvestrant, a medication that interferes with estrogen receptors to further inhibit cancer growth.
How does Truqap work?
Truqap is a type of drug known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by targeting and blocking specific enzymes (kinases) that cancer cells need to grow and divide.
By stopping these enzymes, Truqap helps to slow down the growth of cancer cells and can reduce the spread of the disease.
What did the research discover?
Research has shown that Truqap is effective in treating breast cancer that has specific genetic alterations.
In clinical trials, patients taking Truqap in combination with fulvestrant had better outcomes compared to those who received other treatments.
This included a longer time before the disease progressed and, in some cases, a reduction in the size of tumors.
What are some of the side effects?
- Diarrhea
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Truqap is taken orally in tablet form. The recommended dosage is 400 mg twice daily for four days on, followed by three days off.
This cycle is repeated as directed by a healthcare provider. Truqap can be taken with or without food, but patients should follow their doctor's instructions closely to ensure the best results.
Source:
- Highlights of Prescribing Information for Truqap (capivasertib). Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/218197s000lbl.pdf. Accessed 18 July 2024.
