Loncastuximab Tesirine Vaccine: Let's talk briefly about this drug for lymphoma cancer

When you or someone close to you is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious when doctors talk about new medications. Especially if the names of the medications are a bit complicated and difficult to pronounce. "Loncastuximab Tesirine" is one such name. But don't worry. In this article, we will talk about this medicine in very simple terms, in language that you can understand. It's like a friend or family member is telling you about it.

What is Loncastuximab Tesirine?

Simply put, this is a specific medicine that is given to treat a type of cancer called Lymphoma . It is also known as ZYNLONTA in the market.

Now let's see how this works. Think of cancer cells as some very naughty cells in our body that have no control. They don't just sit there, they divide rapidly, multiply, and try to spread throughout the body. There is a special protein that helps these naughty cells grow like that.

Here's what this drug, Loncastuximab Tesirine, does: It goes straight to the protein that helps cancer cells grow and deactivates it. In other words, it's like feeding those naughty cells, stopping them from growing. In this way, the drug can control the growth and spread of cancer cells, or even stop them altogether.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before you start this treatment, there are a few things you should definitely tell your care team. Don't ignore these as minor things. This information is very important for your safety.

• Current Infections: Tell us if you have any infections, such as a fever, cough, cold, or an abscessed wound.
• Liver disease: It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any liver disease.
• Allergies: If you have an allergy, not just to this medicine, but to any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
• Pregnancy and Childbirth: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or your partner is trying to get pregnant, talk openly with your doctor about this. This is a very important point, and we will talk about this in more detail later.
• Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also inform the doctor.

How is this treatment given?

This is not a pill or syrup that you can take home. This medicine is given as an injection into a vein . This means it is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical team.

What if I accidentally miss a dose of medication?

This treatment is given on a scheduled schedule. Therefore, it is very important not to miss the dates and times that your doctor gives you. If you are unable to go on your scheduled date, call your medical team immediately. They will tell you what to do next.

What if the dose of the medicine increases?

Since this is given in a hospital, the chance of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Things to be especially careful about when receiving treatment

You need to take a little extra care of your body while taking this medicine.

Constant medical supervision

While you are receiving this treatment, your medical team will monitor your condition closely. They will also order blood work to check how the medicine is affecting your body and to check your blood cell counts.

Be careful of the sun!

This is a very important point that many people overlook. While taking this medication, your skin may become slightly sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). This means that your skin may become red, burn, or develop a rash more quickly than usual when exposed to the sun.

• So avoid going out in the sun as much as possible.
• If you are going out, wear long, well-covered clothing.
• Use a good, high SPF sunscreen .
• Do not use devices that artificially tan the skin, such as sun lamps and tanning beds, during this time.

What you need to know about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

This part is very important. This medicine can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby. Therefore, you need to be very careful about this.

• For women: You will be tested to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medication. It is important to use a reliable form of birth control during treatment and for 10 months after your last dose . Talk to your doctor about this and choose the method that is best for you.
• For men: If you are a man, while taking this medicine and for 7 months after the last doseAvoid conceiving a child. If you have sex during this time, you should definitely use a condom .
• Breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding completely while taking this medicine and for 3 months after the last dose .
• Possible effect on fertility: This medicine may have some effect on fertility. This means that it may affect your ability to have children in the future. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it openly. Don't worry, they will explain this to you in more detail.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Also, some side effects are serious, while others are mild. The important thing is to be aware of them.

This can be clearly understood from the table below.