Zongertinib is a kinase inhibitor that targets activating mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of HER2 (ERBB2). It is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have previously received systemic therapy.
Precautions for Zongertinib Administration
Dosage and Administration
Dose Adjustment: The recommended dose of Zongertinib is determined based on body weight. Patients with a body weight of <90 kg should take 120 mg orally once daily, while those with a body weight of ≥90 kg should take 180 mg orally once daily.
Administration Time: Take the medication at a fixed time each day, either with food or on an empty stomach. The tablet must be swallowed whole; do not break, crush, or chew it.
Management of Missed Dose or Vomiting: If a dose is missed and less than 12 hours have passed since the scheduled time, the missed dose can be taken. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose. In case of vomiting after administration, do not take an additional dose; proceed with the next scheduled dose as planned.
Contraindications and Special Populations
Pregnancy and Lactation: Zongertinib has embryo-fetal toxicity and is contraindicated in pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraceptive measures during treatment and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Lactating women should discontinue breastfeeding.
Hepatic and Renal Impairment: Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment or moderate to severe renal impairment should use Zongertinib with caution. Specific dose adjustments must be made based on clinical assessment.
Drug Interactions
Strong CYP3A Inducers: Drugs such as carbamazepine and rifampicin can significantly reduce the plasma concentration of Zongertinib. Concomitant use should be avoided. If co-administration is necessary, the dose of Zongertinib should be increased (e.g., from 120 mg to 240 mg for patients with a body weight of <90 kg).
BCRP Substrate Drugs: Concomitant use of Zongertinib with BCRP substrate drugs (e.g., rosuvastatin) may increase the toxicity of the latter. It is necessary to monitor for adverse reactions or adjust the dose accordingly.
Prevention of Adverse Reactions
Diarrhea: Diarrhea has a relatively high incidence (approximately 53%). In case of grade 2 or higher diarrhea, treatment should be suspended and anti-diarrheal therapy administered. If diarrhea persists without improvement, permanent discontinuation of the medication is required.
Rash and Nail Disorders: Maintain skin cleanliness and avoid irritation. For nail disorders, regular trimming is necessary to prevent infection.
Zongertinib Administration Monitoring
Hepatic Function Monitoring
Monitoring Frequency: Measure alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin at baseline and every 2 weeks during the first 12 weeks of treatment, then monthly thereafter. If an increase in liver enzymes is observed, the monitoring frequency should be increased.
Interventions: For grade 3 elevation of ALT/AST or grade 3 elevation of bilirubin: Suspend the medication; resume treatment at a reduced dose once indicators return to ≤grade 1.
Grade 4 Hepatic Injury or Hepatic Failure: Permanent discontinuation of the medication is required.
Cardiac Function Assessment
Left Ventricular Function: Evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) before starting treatment, and recheck it regularly during treatment (e.g., every 3 months).
If LVEF decreases to 40%-50% or drops by 10%-19% from baseline: Suspend the medication; if LVEF recovers within 4 weeks, treatment can be resumed at the original dose.
If LVEF <40% or symptomatic heart failure occurs: Permanent discontinuation of the medication is required.
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Monitoring
Symptom Observation: Be alert to ILD/pneumonia in case of new or worsening dyspnea, cough, or fever.
Management Principles: For confirmed grade 2 ILD, suspend the medication and resume at a reduced dose after recovery. For grade 3 or higher ILD, permanent discontinuation of the medication is required.
Other Laboratory Monitoring
Complete Blood Count and Electrolytes: Focus on monitoring lymphopenia (9% of cases are grade 3-4) and hypokalemia (2.7% of cases are grade 3-4).
Pancreatic Enzymes: Regularly monitor amylase and lipase to be alert to the risk of pancreatitis.
