Olaratumab is the first medicine developed to treat cancer that develops in soft tissues, such as muscles, fat or blood vessels, for example.
This medicine contains an antibody that is able to bind to the protein, present in the cancer cells, responsible for its multiplication and growth. In this way the proteins stop working and the cancer loses its capacity to grow.
However, further testing is needed to confirm the efficacy of Olaratumab and therefore this drug is still used along with another cancer drug, Doxorubicin. Because of the need for further testing, Olaratumabe can only be used with indication and supervision of an oncologist.
Where to buy
Olaratumab is distributed under the brand name of Lartruvo, however, it is not yet available in Brazil, and should only be used in oncology institutes, such as INCA, in 2018 or 2019.
What is it for
This medication is indicated for the treatment of adults with advanced soft tissue sarcoma in cases that have not had results after radiation therapy and surgery or have not received Doxorubicin.
How it is used
Olaratumab is a medicine that can only be used in the hospital, since it must be administered directly into the vein. The recommended dose is 15 mg per kilogram of patient weight on day 1 and 8 of each cycle of Doxorubicin chemotherapy.
This drug can be used with Doxo rubicin for 8 cycles of chemotherapy and should be used alone after this time.
Possible side effects
The use of Olaratumab may cause some side effects such as:
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Muscle aches;
- Headache;
- Diarrhea.
In addition, changes in blood tests, such as decreased lymphocytes and neutrophils, may also occur.
Who should not use
This medication is contraindicated for people with allergy to Olaratumab or any other component of the formula. In addition, it should also not be used in pregnant and lactating women.
