Portrazza: Lung Cancer Treatment
Portrazza is a prescribed medicine and is used in combination with two chemotherapy drugs: cisplatin and gemcitabine for the treatment of lung cancer spread called metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer. It is a treatment option for those with squamous cell carcinoma and had not undertaken chemotherapy. It is a FDA approved drug for the treatment of lung cancer but is not indicated for treatment of non-squamous NSCLC. It helps to block the ligand binding site of human epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR). The generic name of Portrazza is necitumumab.
Treatment for Lung Cancer
NSCLC is the common type of lung cancer and it advances slowly as compared to small cell lung cancer. Smoking is the leading contributor for its cause. NSCLC occurs in three common forms and one of those is squamous cell carcinomas for which the drug is prescribed. Though early stages of NSCLC do not show up any symptoms but one gets to experience shortness of breath, unusual weight loss, loss of appetite etc. in the later stages.
Dosage
Necitumumab is given in the form of an infusion at a dose of 80 mg. It is generally given together with gemcitabine and cisplatin for up to six cycles, with one cycle being three weeks long. The drug is continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs.
Precautions to be Taken
It is recommended to not take drug during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may cause serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants. The drug should not be used in patients with non-squamous disease as it may cause even more serious and fatal toxicities. You should tell your doctors about all health conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or are at high risk for blood clots.
Do you know anyone facing lung cancer? What do you think about the treatment options available for this deadly disease? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
You should always consult your health care practitioner before starting intake of any medicine or drug. The information offered in this blog is for educational purposes only and is certainly not a substitute for medical advice.