How Effective is Capmatinib?

Capmatinib is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors harbor mutations that cause MET exon 14 skipping.

How Effective is Capmatinib?

The primary efficacy endpoint is the overall response rate (ORR), defined as the percentage of participants achieving a certain level of tumor shrinkage. Another efficacy endpoint is the duration of response (DoR). The efficacy population included 28 treatment-naive participants (who had never received prior therapy for NSCLC) and 69 previously treated participants.

Among the 28 treatment-naive participants, the ORR was 68%, with 4% achieving a complete response (CR) and 64% achieving a partial response (PR). Among the 69 previously treated participants, the ORR was 41%, all of which were partial responses.

Of the treatment-naive participants who achieved a response, 47% had a duration of response of 12 months or longer, compared with 32.1% of the previously treated participants who achieved a response.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the application for this drug under the accelerated approval program, and granted it priority review, orphan drug designation, and breakthrough therapy designation. The approval for capmatinib’s marketing authorization was issued to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Which Substances May Interact with Capmatinib?

Capmatinib may interact with a variety of substances, including caffeine, certain antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin), specific antiviral drugs used to treat HIV or hepatitis, some antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole), and certain antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin).

In addition, digoxin, grapefruit juice, rosuvastatin, and St. John’s wort may also interact with capmatinib. It should be noted that the above list is not exhaustive. Therefore, it is essential to fully inform your physician of all medications, herbal products, over-the-counter drugs, or dietary supplements you are taking, as well as whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs, to comprehensively assess the risk of potential interactions.

What Precautions Should Be Taken During Capmatinib Administration?

1. Regular follow-up visits: Allow your medical team to monitor the progress of your condition. It may take some time for the therapeutic effects of this drug to become evident.

2. Laboratory tests: You may need to undergo blood tests during treatment with this drug.

3. Photosensitivity risk: This drug may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure. If sun exposure is unavoidable, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

4. Pregnancy and lactation warnings:If you or your partner are pregnant or may become pregnant, inform your medical team immediately. Administration of this drug during pregnancy or within 1 week after the last dose may cause severe birth defects.

5. Do not breastfeed during treatment with this drug and for 1 week after the last dose.