Generic Name: tucatinib
Drug Class: Targeted Therapy Medications
Company: Seattle Genetics
Approval Status: Approved
Generic Version Available: No
Drug Indication
Tukysa is a kinase inhibitor approved for use in combination therapy for people with previously treated inoperable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, including cancer that has spread to the brain.
General Info
Tukysa is a kinase inhibitor that blocks human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which plays a role in cell division and repair. About 20% of breast tumors have high HER2 expression, and blocking these receptors can slow cancer growth.
The Phase II HER2CLIMB trial showed that a combination of Tukysa plus with Herceptin (trastuzumab) and capecitabine chemotherapy improved overall survival and progression-free survival in people with inoperable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who had been treated with other HER2 inhibitors. The combination shrank tumors in 41% of patients, and it delayed disease progression in those with brain metastasis. Tukysa was first approved in April 2020.
Dosage
Dosing Info:
Tukysa is taken as a tablet twice daily with or without food.
Side Effects
Common adverse events include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, fatigue, anemia, headache, mouth sores, rash and hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), with redness, swelling and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Potential serious side effects may include severe diarrhea and liver toxicity. Tukysa can cause fetal harm if used during pregnancy.
For More Info: https://www.tukysa.com/
Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.seagensecure.com/patient_tukysa/
Last Reviewed: April 20, 2020
