What is Repotrectinib?

What is Repotrectinib?

Repotrectinib (generic name: repotrectinib) is an oral prescription medicine used to treat two specific types of cancer. The first is ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, indicated for adult patients whose tumor has spread within the chest or to other parts of the body, caused by an abnormal ROS1 gene. The second is NTRK-positive solid tumors, indicated for adults and children aged 12 years and older whose tumors are caused by a specific abnormal NTRK gene, have metastasized, or where surgical removal is likely to cause severe complications, and whose tumor has grown or spread after other treatments, or for whom no satisfactory alternative treatment exists. It is not known if repotrectinib is safe and effective for children with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer or for children under 12 years of age with NTRK-positive solid tumors. You should discuss in detail with your healthcare team the specific meaning of having an abnormal ROS1 or NTRK gene.

How does Repotrectinib work?

Repotrectinib is a precise targeted therapy drug specifically designed for ROS1-positive lung cancer or NTRK-positive cancer. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapies can precisely identify and act on specific proteins on cancer cells. The mechanism of repotrectinib is to recognize the ROS1 protein or NTRK protein produced by the abnormal gene, which sends "growth" signals to cancer cells, causing the tumor to continuously proliferate and spread throughout the body. Once repotrectinib enters the body, it effectively shuts down these abnormal "growth" signals, thereby inhibiting tumor development. It is not a chemotherapy drug, but a precise, individualized treatment option aimed at helping your immune system and body function better to fight cancer.

How should I take Repotrectinib correctly?

Take repotrectinib exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Usually, your doctor will determine the dose based on your specific situation. For the first 14 days of treatment, the recommended dose is once daily; starting from day 15, the dose may be increased to twice daily. You can take it at about the same time each day (e.g., morning or evening), with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not open, crush, chew, or dissolve the capsules. Do not take any capsule that is cracked, broken, or damaged. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice during treatment, as this may affect drug metabolism. Repotrectinib capsules come in two strengths: one with a white opaque cap and body, with "REP40" printed in blue on the cap, containing white to off-white powder; the other with a blue opaque cap and body, with "REP160" printed in white on the cap. Both capsules are 1.8 cm in length and contain several inactive ingredients. Store the medicine at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C, and keep it out of the reach of children.