Sotorasib is a highly effective treatment for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have a specific genetic mutation called KRAS G12C.
How Effective Is Sotorasib in Treating KRAS G12C-Mutated NSCLC?
Sotorasib has demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials for patients with KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC.
- Objective Response Rate (ORR): Clinical trials have shown an ORR of around 37% for patients treated with sotorasib. This means that about 37% of patients experienced a significant shrinkage of their tumors.
- Progression-Free Survival (PFS): Sotorasib has also been shown to extend PFS, meaning that patients live longer without their cancer progressing. The median PFS for patients treated with sotorasib was around 6.3 months in a pivotal clinical trial.
- Overall Survival (OS): While long-term OS data is still being collected, early results suggest that sotorasib may also improve overall survival for patients with KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC.
How Does Sotorasib Work?
Sotorasib is a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting the KRAS G12C protein. This protein is involved in cell growth and division, and mutations in this protein can lead to uncontrolled cancer growth. By blocking the activity of KRAS G12C, sotorasib can help to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Important Considerations
It is important to note that sotorasib is not effective for all patients with NSCLC. It is only effective for patients with the specific KRAS G12C mutation.
- Genetic Testing: Before starting treatment with sotorasib, patients need to undergo genetic testing to confirm the presence of the KRAS G12C mutation.
- Side Effects: Like all medications, sotorasib can cause side effects. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. Some patients may experience more serious side effects, such as liver problems or lung inflammation.
Conclusion
Sotorasib is a promising new treatment option for patients with KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC. It has shown significant efficacy in clinical trials and has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of sotorasib with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
