Managing and Understanding Possible Adverse Reactions of Tukysa
Tukysa, a prescription medication approved by the FDA in 2020, is making a significant impact in the treatment of advanced forms of HER2-positive breast cancer in adults. The drug's active ingredient, tucatinib, belongs to the drug class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Tukysa is often used in combination with Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Xeloda (capecitabine) or trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1). This triple therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in progression-free survival and overall survival, particularly in patients with brain metastases due to tucatinib's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
While Tukysa offers promising results, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects. Mild side effects can occur and include nausea and vomiting, fatigue, reduced appetite, weight loss, joint pain, peripheral neuropathy, abdominal pain, headache, skin rash, nosebleeds, anemia, stomatitis, and hand-foot syndrome.
Hand-foot syndrome is a common side effect and can cause redness, tightness, pain or tenderness, tingling or burning, itching, rash, blistering, cracking, peeling, and trouble walking or performing daily activities that involve using hands. To ease symptoms, one can try sucking ice chips, frequently rinsing the mouth with salt water, eating cold sour cream or yogurt before meals to coat the mouth and throat, avoiding foods and drinks that are hot, spicy, or acidic, choosing softer foods over those that are crunchy or need lots of chewing, using a toothbrush with soft bristles, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.
Diarrhea is the most common side effect reported with Tukysa and can be severe, leading to dehydration, low blood pressure, and kidney damage in rare cases. It's important to stay hydrated and consult your doctor immediately if you experience severe diarrhea.
Severe liver problems can also occur while taking Tukysa, with symptoms including pain in the upper right abdomen, dark-colored urine, jaundice, fatigue, itching, bruising or bleeding easily, and increased liver enzymes in blood tests (LFTs). If you have symptoms of liver damage, extra LFTs may be ordered, and the dose of Tukysa may be lowered or temporarily stopped until liver function improves.
In case of severe stomatitis, the dose of Tukysa may be lowered or temporarily stopped until symptoms are managed. Your doctor may prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash, a numbing gel or spray, or a pain reliever such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) to help with symptoms of stomatitis.
Tukysa is a long-term treatment, and while it provides substantial benefits against HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with brain involvement, patients require careful monitoring for gastrointestinal and hepatic side effects to mitigate risks during long-term therapy.
It's worth noting that Tukysa may reduce female and male fertility based on animal studies. If you plan to have children in the future, talk with your doctor before starting treatment for your breast cancer.
If you have severe kidney problems, Tukysa may not be suitable for you, as capecitabine (used in combination with Tukysa to treat breast cancer) isn't suitable for people with severe kidney problems.
Lastly, Tukysa isn't safe to take during pregnancy. Females who can become pregnant should use birth control while taking Tukysa and for at least 1 week after stopping Tukysa. Males with a female partner who can become pregnant should also use birth control while taking Tukysa and for at least 1 week after stopping Tukysa. It's not known if Tukysa passes into breast milk. Due to the possible risks for a breastfed child, you should avoid breastfeeding while taking Tukysa and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
In summary, Tukysa offers a new treatment option for HER2-positive breast cancer, with significant benefits in progression-free survival and overall survival. However, it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects and to monitor liver and kidney function regularly during treatment. As always, consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice and guidance.
- Tukysa, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is making an impact in treating advanced HER2-positive breast cancer due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
- Hand-foot syndrome, a common side effect of Tukysa, can cause various symptoms such as redness, pain, and trouble walking, but can be eased with ice chips, salt water rinses, and softer foods.
- Severe diarrhea, a common side effect, can lead to dehydration and kidney damage, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Warnings regarding liver problems, such as pain, dark-colored urine, and jaundice, have been associated with Tukysa use, necessitating regular monitoring and possible dose adjustments.
- Stomatitis, another side effect, may require dose adjustments or temporary suspension of Tukysa treatment, and can be managed with antiseptic mouthwash, numbing gels, or pain relievers.
- Tukysa may affect female and male fertility, kidney function, and is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, necessitating discussions with healthcare providers about birth control options.
