If you or a loved one is being treated for cancer, it's normal to feel a little nervous and confused when doctors talk about new, complicated medications. But once you understand everything, that fear goes away. Today we're talking about one such special drug, Loncastuximab Tesirine (brand name: ZYNLONTA). We'll talk about this drug in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What kind of medicine is this? (What is Loncastuximab Tesirine?)
Simply put, Loncastuximab Tesirine is a drug used to kill cancer cells. It works in two main ways. One is that it is a chemotherapy drug. That is, it stops cancer cells from growing and destroys them.
The other special thing is that this belongs to a group called Monoclonal Antibody . Think of it like a missile that goes straight to the target. It can find only cancer cells, attach to them, and deliver the drug directly into those cells to destroy them, without causing much harm to the healthy cells in our body. This method can reduce the side effects to a certain extent compared to regular chemotherapy.
This medicine is mainly used to treat a type of cancer called lymphoma . If you have been prescribed this medicine for another condition, you can ask your doctor for more information.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, do not hide anything and inform your doctor about the following things. This is very important for your safety.
- Current infections: If you have any infection, such as fever, cough, or cold, tell us about it.
- Liver disease: If you have a pre-existing liver condition.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies, not just to this medicine, but to any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or have any doubts about it, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, tell us about that too.
Giving this information to your doctor will help him provide you with the safest and most effective treatment.
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a pill or syrup to take at home. Loncastuximab Tesirine is given to you in a hospital or clinic . It is given through a vein (intravenous infusion), just like a saline solution. This is done under the supervision of a doctor or a trained nursing staff. So you have nothing to worry about.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
In treatments like this, it is very important to take the medicine on the scheduled date and time. Therefore, go to the appointment given by the doctor exactly. If for some reason you are unable to go, call the hospital immediately and inform them about it, and ask for advice on the next day to come.
Things to consider during treatment
You need to take a little more care of your body while taking this medicine.
- Medical supervision: Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout your treatment and may order regular blood tests to see how the medication is affecting your body.
- Be careful with the sun: This medicine can make your skin very sensitive to the sun. This means that even a short time in the sun can cause your skin to burn, turn red, and peel . Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. If you do go out, wear long-sleeved clothing, a hat, and ask your doctor for a good sunscreen .
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is a very important point.
- Avoid getting pregnant: You should completely avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 10 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- Avoid breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking the medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment.
- Infertility: This medicine may affect fertility (the ability to have children). If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor about it before starting treatment.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects. But not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what those side effects are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor or hospital immediately | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | What you feel |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Edema (fluid accumulation in the body) | Sudden weight gain, swelling of ankles, feet, hands, difficulty breathing. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, burning or pain when urinating. |
| Decreased red blood cells | Feeling lethargic, faint, extremely tired, pale. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Even a small cut on the skin can cause blueness, bleeding from the nose or gums. |
| Increased blood sugar levels | Excessive hunger, excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Stomach ache, loss of appetite. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Muscle and joint pain | Feeling like your body hurts. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, tell your doctor about them too. If you think you have overdosed, you will know about it at the hospital, so inform the medical staff immediately. In case of an emergency, they will refer you to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) . If you need information about a poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Take-Home Message
- Loncastuximab Tesirine is a targeted therapy for cancers such as lymphoma.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your health information and any other medications you are taking.
- This medicine is given through a vein in a hospital. It is very important to receive treatment on time.
- Be careful of the sun while taking the medication, and avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding altogether.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as allergic reactions, swelling, or fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. You are not alone, and there is a medical team to help you.
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