The difference between taking platinib and not taking it

A study examining patient experiences, values, and preferences related toRET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its treatment, collecting information from 4 patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC and 1 caregiver receiving pralsetinib. Patient and carer interviewees highlighted the consequences of delayed diagnosis due to mild and non-specific symptoms such as low back pain, weight loss, cough and shortness of breath.

Patients are often diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage and have a relatively poor prognosis. Patients report that chemotherapy has limited long-term effectiveness due to toxicity. Patients experienced severe side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss, and blood clots, which negatively impacted patient function and quality of life and placed additional burden on patients.

Patients who have experienced treatment with platinib have shown that the drug is effective in reducing tumor size, has mild side effects, and improves function. For all5 u200bu200bpatients, the benefits of platinib treatment allowed them to continue working or doing household chores and carry out their daily lives with autonomy and dignity. The most common side effect is fatigue, which occurs during induction and the first few weeks of treatment. Patients also reported other general side effects, such as dry mouth, anemia, constipation, loss of appetite, itching, and/or dry skin. One patient was readmitted to the hospital for liver function problems and developed severe headaches. Patients report that side effects lessen once their dose is reduced.

Important outcomes for patients are the effectiveness of treatment in terms of controlling symptoms, arresting or delaying disease progression, placing the patient in long-term remission to improve survival, having manageable side effects, maintaining the patient's independence and function (thus minimizing the burden on their caregivers and family members), and improving quality of life. If your doctor directs platinib to treat your condition, you can continue to use platinib for as long as you tolerate it.