New Breast Cancer Rx Gets Go-Ahead

(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new breast cancer medication.

This new approval is called Tukysa (tucatinib). The FDA approved it to treat advanced HER2-positive breast cancer in adults. 

Tucatinib is to be given with chemotherapy (trastuzumab and capecitabine) and is approved for those:

• Whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body
• Who have been given one or more treatments in the past
• Whose cancer can’t be removed with surgery

HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer. It makes up about 25 percent of breast cancer cases. 

This medication works by blocking a specific enzyme, which helps prevent the cancer cells from growing. 

Available in tablet form, Tukysa’s recommended dose is 300 mg twice daily, with or without food.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting/diarrhea, burning or tingling discomfort in the hands and feet, feeling tired, decreased appetite, stomach pain and headache. 

As with all medications, this medication can cause serious side effects. One possible serious side effect is severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration, kidney problems and even death. 

Patients are advised to contact their health care provider if they start to have diarrhea. Your health care provider will determine whether antidiarrheals and/or changes to your dose or treatment are needed. 

This medication may also cause liver damage. 

Tucatinib is not to be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the baby. 

This approval was granted to Seattle Genetics, Inc.

Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.