Trabectedin (YONDELIS) is an innovative antineoplastic drug indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic liposarcoma or leiomyosarcoma in patients who have previously received anthracycline-based therapy. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to trabectedin, covering aspects such as its package insert, medical insurance status, price, efficacy, and side effects, aiming to offer valuable references for patients.
1. Trabectedin (YONDELIS): Package Insert, Medical Insurance, Price, Efficacy, and Side Effects
Trabectedin, with the English name "trabectedin" and the Chinese alias "tabiteding", is an antineoplastic drug developed by Johnson & Johnson (USA). It is available in the dosage form of injection, with trabectedin as its main active ingredient.
2. Medical Insurance Status and Price
Trabectedin has not yet been included in China's medical insurance system, which means patients need to bear the full cost of purchasing this drug. For the original brand drug of trabectedin (1mg specification) available in Turkey, the price is approximately 1,354 US dollars per box. This imposes a heavy economic burden on patients who require long-term treatment. It is expected that in the future, the cost of trabectedin for patients may be gradually reduced through approaches such as price negotiation or special disease protection policies.
3. Efficacy
Trabectedin has demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of specific types of tumors. It exerts its antitumor activity through a unique mechanism of action: primarily by binding to guanine residues in the minor groove of DNA, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and division of tumor cells. Clinical trial data show that trabectedin can significantly prolong the survival time of patients and improve their quality of life.
4. Side Effects of Trabectedin (YONDELIS)
4.1 Hepatotoxicity
The use of trabectedin may lead to hepatotoxicity. Before and during the administration of trabectedin, doctors need to closely monitor the patient's liver function indicators.
4.2 Febrile Neutropenia (Neutropenic Sepsis)
Trabectedin may cause neutropenic sepsis, including fatal cases. Before each administration of trabectedin, doctors need to assess the patient's neutrophil count and conduct regular evaluations throughout the entire treatment cycle. Once symptoms of neutropenic sepsis appear, the drug should be discontinued immediately, and appropriate anti-infective treatment should be administered.
4.3 Rhabdomyolysis
Trabectedin can cause rhabdomyolysis and musculoskeletal toxicity. Before using this drug, doctors need to assess the patient's creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels. Based on the severity of adverse reactions, decisions should be made regarding whether to suspend drug administration, reduce the dosage, or permanently discontinue the drug. For patients who develop rhabdomyolysis, timely symptomatic treatment should be provided to alleviate symptoms and prevent the occurrence of complications.
We also look forward to the emergence of more high-quality generic versions of trabectedin in the future, so as to reduce the treatment cost for patients and improve the accessibility of this drug.
