Detailed explanation of common side effects of Tepotinib (Tudekan) and how to deal with them

Tepotinib (Tepotinib) is an oral selective METtyrosine kinase inhibitor, mainly used to treat MET exon14Patients with advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with skip mutations (METex14). As a targeted therapy drug, tepotinib has significant efficacy in improving patient survival and alleviating tumor symptoms, but it may also suffer from a variety of side effects in clinical application. Understanding these common side effects and corresponding treatment methods is of great significance to ensure patient safety and continued treatment.

1. Whole body edema and edema

One of the common side effects of tepotinib is generalized edema and puffiness, especially in the lower limbs and ankles. Such side effects may result from the drug's effects on endothelial function, leading to fluid retention. For edema, patients should pay attention to reducing salt intake, controlling daily water intake, and maintaining moderate activities, such as light walking to promote blood circulation. In addition, doctors may adjust the dose or intervene with diuretics based on severity. If sudden severe edema or difficulty breathing occurs, seek medical attention immediately to rule out abnormalities in heart and kidney function.

2. Digestive system discomfort

Tepotinib may cause gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite during treatment. To alleviate these discomforts, patients can eat small, frequent meals, eat a bland diet, take warm fluids, and avoid greasy, spicy, or high-sugar foods. Doctors may prescribe anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal drugs based on symptoms, and the dosage may be gradually adjusted during the initial stages of drug use to improve tolerance. Persistent or severe diarrhea should alert to electrolyte imbalance, and blood testing and fluid replacement should be performed if necessary.

3. Abnormal liver function

During tepotinib treatment, some patients may experience elevated liver enzymes, such as ALT, AST or abnormal bilirubin levels. To reduce risk, patients should complete a liver function assessment before taking the drug and have it reviewed regularly during treatment. If mild liver function abnormalities are found, doctors usually recommend continued observation and enhanced monitoring; for moderate or severe liver damage, suspension of medication or dosage adjustment may be considered, and liver protection measures may be taken, such as the use of liver-protective drugs or the combined use of drugs to avoid liver damage.

4. Skin reactions and other adverse reactions

Tepotinib may also cause rash, itching, or mild hair loss, which is usually mild to moderate and may be relieved by topical antiallergic ointments or oral antihistamines. Some patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or mild joint pain, which can be alleviated through rest, nutritional support, and symptomatic treatment. For patients who are seriously unwell or have an impact on their daily life, they should promptly report back to their doctor to evaluate whether the dosage needs to be adjusted or the medication needs to be temporarily discontinued.

5. Special risks and monitoring

In addition, tepotinib may cause serious respiratory adverse events such as interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pneumonia. Although the incidence is low, once persistent cough, dyspnea or fever occur, you should seek medical treatment immediately and discontinue the drug. At the same time, drugs may affect blood pressure and cardiac function, so patients with hypertension or heart disease should regularly monitor blood pressure and electrocardiogram during medication. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should avoid use to avoid potential risk to the fetus or infant.

In general, tepotinib shows good efficacy in the treatment of METex14 mutation-positive NSCLC patients, but patients may suffer from a variety of side effects during the medication. Through reasonable diet and life management, regular laboratory examinations, symptomatic treatment and necessary dosage adjustments, the occurrence and severity of adverse reactions can be effectively reduced and patients' safe medication and continuous treatment can be ensured. Patients should maintain close communication with their doctors and provide timely feedback on their physical conditions so that the best management plan can be formulated based on individual differences and achieve safe and effective targeted treatment.

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