Let's simply learn about the Sacituzumab Govitecan vaccine for breast cancer

It is difficult to put into words the fear and anxiety you feel when you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Meanwhile, when you hear the names of new drugs that doctors are telling you, your mind becomes even more confused . Sacituzumab Govitecan is another drug with a slightly complicated name. But don't be afraid. In this article today, we are talking about this drug, as if your own friend or family member were simply telling you about it.

Simply put, what is Sacituzumab Govitecan?

This is a specific drug used to treat breast cancer. It is most commonly available on the market under the name TRODELVY . This is a drug that works like a "smart bomb" that attacks its target. Think of cancer cells as a bad weed that we don't want growing in our body, which spreads quickly. There is a special protein that helps this weed to grow and spread further. This drug, called Sacituzumab Govitecan, finds that protein and stops its activity. It's like turning off the water pipe to that weed. Then the ability of cancer cells to grow, divide, and spread throughout the body is lost or greatly reduced. This is a targeted therapy that targets only cancer cells, so it is a little different from regular chemotherapy.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment

Before starting this medication, it is extremely important that your doctor is aware of your complete health status. This information will help determine whether this medication is right for you or if the dosage needs to be adjusted. Be sure to tell your doctor about the following:

• If you have the gene UGT1A1*28: This is a bit of a medical term. Simply put, this is a special genetic condition that some people have. People with this gene may not be able to metabolize this medication properly. Therefore, they are at higher risk of side effects . If necessary, your doctor can do a genetic test to look for this.
• If you have a liver condition: The liver is the main organ that filters and removes toxins , including medications, from our body. If you have a liver condition, this medication may not be properly eliminated from the body and may accumulate. This may increase the risk of side effects.
• If you have an existing infection : Tell your doctor about any infections such as fever, cough, or cold .Tell me. Because this treatment can reduce the body's immunity.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important . This medicine can cause serious harm to the baby during pregnancy .
• If you are breastfeeding : This medicine can pass into your baby's breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.
• Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Sacituzumab Govitecan or any other substance.

How will this medicine be given to you?

This is not a pill that you can take home. This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or a trained nurse. It is given as an injection into a vein. It is given through a vein (intravenous or IV infusion) , just like a saline solution. This usually takes a few hours.

What to do if the dose of the medicine increases?

This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have overdosed, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Can this interact with other medications? (Drug Interactions)

Yes, absolutely. This is a very strong medicine. So it may interact with other medicines you are taking. It may also increase the side effects. So, when you go to see your doctor, bring a list of everything you are taking.

• Medicines prescribed by doctors for other diseases
• Over-the-counter medications (e.g. painkillers, vitamins) from the pharmacy
• Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicine
• Nutritional supplements
• If you smoke or drink alcohol, tell me.

Based on this information, the doctor will be able to treat you safely.

Things you should be aware of during treatment

When undergoing such a powerful treatment, you need to take great care of your body. It's important to pay attention to even the slightest changes.

It's normal to feel uncomfortable.

This medicine kills cancer cells, but it can also affect healthy cells that divide rapidly in our body (e.g. hair cells, blood cells). Therefore, it is normal to feel tired, weak, have a loss of appetite, and feel nauseous during treatment. This is a common symptom of chemotherapy. Continue the treatment as prescribed, even if it is uncomfortable, until your doctor tells you to stop. However, if the side effects are severe, tell your doctor immediately.

The importance of blood tests

During treatment, your doctor will order regular blood tests. These will check the levels of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and whether your liver and kidneys are working properly. The results of these tests will determine whether you can take the next dose of the medicine or if your dosage needs to be adjusted.

Be aware of allergic reactions.

Some people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine when or after taking it. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, hives, itching, or swelling of the face or lips, tell your nurse or doctor right away. To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you other medications (pre-medications) to prevent allergies before giving you this medicine.

Diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration

This medicine can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. If this happens, water and salts can be lost from the body and cause dehydration. This is dangerous. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice, orange juice, and porridge . If diarrhea or vomiting is too severe to control, or if you are sweating excessively, call your doctor immediately.

Take special care during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility.

This is a very important part.

• Avoid pregnancy: You should completely avoid getting pregnant during treatment and for 6 months after stopping treatment. For this, it is imperative to use a very reliable method of birth control. Talk to your doctor about this and choose a suitable method.
• For men: If you are a man and your partner is of childbearing potential, be sure to use a condom during sex while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping treatment. This medicine can pass through sperm and harm a fetus.
• Avoid breastfeeding: Avoid breastfeeding your baby during treatment and for 1 month after stopping treatment.
• Possible effect on fertility:This medicine may temporarily or permanently affect the ability of women and men to have children. If you hope to have children in the future, talk to your doctor about this before starting treatment. Options such as egg/sperm freezing can then be discussed.

Protect yourself from infections.

This medicine can reduce the number of white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells are like the army of our body, the cells that protect us from disease. When they are low, even a small germ can cause a major infection. Therefore,

• Avoid crowded places (buses, trains, markets) as much as possible.
• Stay away from people who are sick (fever, cough).
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap .
• Eat only well-cooked foods . Be careful with things like salads and fruits that are eaten raw.
• If you develop symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, and cough , do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately.

Be careful when taking painkillers.

Fever is a major symptom of an infection. Some painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can suppress a fever. This can mask the presence of an infection. Therefore, do not take any painkillers without first consulting your oncologist.

What are the possible side effects of the medication?

Like any medicine, Sacituzumab Govitecan has side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some people may not experience any, while others may experience several. The important thing is to be aware of these and take action quickly if necessary. If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them. Sacituzumab Govitecan, TRODELVY, breast cancer, cancer medicine, cancer treatment, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, side effects