© Copyright khedmeh Wall
Ribociclib (brand name Kisqali) is a medicine used to treat breast cancer, particularly HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. It works by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), which play an important role in cell division and proliferation. While ribociclib can be effective in treating some cancers, it can also cause a number of adverse effects. These can range from mild to severe and include:
Common adverse effects:
Neutropenia (low white blood cell count) - this is the most common and serious side effect, which can increase the risk of infection. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor white blood cell levels.
Fatigue - many people experience tiredness or low energy levels while taking ribociclib.
Nausea - this can include vomiting, although it usually resolves with anti-nausea medications.
Diarrhoea - Some people have gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea, which can be severe in some cases.
Liver problems - Ribociclib can affect liver function, which can cause liver enzymes to rise. Liver function tests are monitored during treatment.
Thinning or hair loss - This can happen, although it is usually less obvious than with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
Serious adverse effects:
Prolongation of the QT interval - Ribociclib can affect the electrical activity of the heart, causing a condition called QT prolongation. This can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which can be life-threatening. Patients are usually monitored with an ECG to detect any cardiac problems.
Severe neutropenia and infections - Severe cases of low white blood cell counts can lead to infections that can be serious or fatal if not treated promptly.
Lung problems - Rarely, ribociclib can cause lung problems such as interstitial lung disease, which may lead to difficulty breathing or other respiratory problems.
Serious liver toxicity - In rare cases, the drug can cause significant damage to the liver, which may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
Less common side effects:
Loss of appetite - Some people may have a loss of appetite.
Musculoskeletal pain - Some patients may have joint pain or muscle pain.
Headache - Ribociclib may cause mild to moderate headache.
Rash - Skin rashes or other skin reactions may develop.
Risk factors:
The risk of serious side effects may be higher in some people, including people with pre-existing heart or liver problems, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Monitoring:
Patients taking ribociclib usually have regular blood tests to monitor side effects, especially neutropenia, liver function, and electrolyte levels. An ECG is also done to check for heart problems.
If you or someone you know is being treated with ribociclib, it is important to report any unusual symptoms to a healthcare provider right away, as some of these side effects can be controlled by adjusting treatment.
Website: Ribociclib Price in Malaysia
The duration of lenvatinib treatment depends on the type of cancer being treated, how the patient responds to the drug, and how well they tolerate it. Lenvatinib is mainly used for the following types of cancer:
Thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer, used when radioactive iodine treatment is not effective)
Renal cell carcinoma (often in combination with pembrolizumab)
Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
Endometrial cancer (in combination with pembrolizumab for some advanced cases)
Factors affecting duration:
Response to treatment: If the cancer responds well to lenvatinib, patients may continue taking the drug for months or years, depending on how long the cancer remains stable or shows regression and Lenvatinib Price Malaysia.
Side effects: Like any targeted therapy, lenvatinib can have side effects, such as high blood pressure, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and changes in liver enzymes. If side effects become severe or intolerable, treatment may be adjusted or stopped.
Disease progression: If cancer progresses despite treatment, or if lenvatinib becomes ineffective, it may be stopped in favor of alternative treatments.
Combination therapy: Lenvatinib is often used in combination with other drugs (e.g., pembrolizumab for endometrial cancer and renal cell carcinoma). The duration of treatment depends on how well the combination works for the individual.
Treatment plan:
Initial phase: Lenvatinib is usually started with a standard dose, and doctors will regularly assess its effectiveness.
Ongoing therapy: Many patients continue treatment as long as the drug is controlling the cancer and side effects are manageable.
Discontinuation: Treatment may be stopped if the cancer becomes resistant, progresses, or there are intolerable side effects.
In general, lenvatinib is a long-term treatment, but the exact duration should be determined based on the patient's response and overall health, as well as regular evaluation by an oncologist and Lenvatinib Price Philippines.