Side Effects of Dotalizumab (Jemperli) Treatment

Dotalizumab (Jemperli) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat ovarian cancers with highly unstable microsatellite mismatches (dMMR) or deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR). While dotalizumab offers hope and has produced significant results for some patients, it can also trigger a host of side effects. This article will explore the side effects of dotalizumab treatment in detail to help patients and physicians better understand and manage these potential adverse effects.

Common side effects of dotilizumab

The side effects of dotalizumab can generally be divided into two categories: immune-related side effects and general side effects. The following are common side effects:

1. Immune-related side effects:

The main mechanism of dotalizumab is to enhance the immune system's attack on cancer cells by lifting the inhibitory effect on the PD-1 (programmed death 1) receptor. However, this can also cause the immune system to mount an aggressive response against normal tissue, triggering a range of immune-related side effects.

Skin reactions: Immune-related skin reactions are common and include rash, itching, dry skin, macules, etc. In some cases, more serious skin reactions, such as skin inflammation or herpes, may occur.

Gastrointestinal reactions: Immune-related gastrointestinal reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases they can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.

Liver problems: Dotalizumab may cause immune-related liver problems, such as hepatitis. This may lead to symptoms such as abnormal liver function and jaundice.

Lung problems: Immune-related lung problems, such as pneumonia, may also occur, causing symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing.

Thyroid problems: Some patients may develop thyroiditis, which can present with symptoms such as abnormal thyroid function and swelling of the neck.

2. General side effects:

In addition to immune-related side effects, dotilizumab may also cause some general side effects that are similar to those that may occur with other drug treatments, including:

Fatigue: Patients may experience extreme fatigue and weakness.

Headache: Occasionally, headache or dizziness may occur.

Muscle and joint pain: Some patients may experience muscle and joint discomfort.

Decreased appetite: Dotalizumab may cause decreased appetite, leading to weight loss.

3. Managing dotalizumab side effects

Managing the side effects of dolutelimumab is critical to ensure patients continue to benefit from treatment. Here are some ways to manage the side effects of dotalizumab:

Early detection and monitoring: Doctors will regularly check patients for immune-related side effects, including problems with the skin, liver, lungs, thyroid, etc. Early detection facilitates timely intervention.

Medical management: Some immune-related side effects can be controlled with medication. For example, skin reactions can be treated with topical medications, and gastrointestinal problems can be relieved with medications.

Rest and recovery: Fatigue is a common side effect, and patients need adequate rest and recovery time to reduce feelings of fatigue.

Diet and nutrition: A dietitian can help patients develop a meal plan that works for them to ensure they are getting enough nutrients, especially if they have a reduced appetite.

Close monitoring: Physicians need to closely monitor the patient's condition and adjust the treatment plan as needed, including reducing or suspending the dose of dotalizumab.

Dotalizumab is an important immunotherapy drug that provides a new treatment option for some patients with ovarian cancer. However, it may trigger a range of immune-related and general side effects that require close monitoring and management. Patients should actively cooperate with the medical team during the treatment process and report any discomfort to the doctor to ensure the best treatment effect and quality of life. Furthermore, management strategies for these side effects may vary among individuals, so treatment should be highly individualized.

Dotalizumab is not currently on the market in China, and it is not included in medical insurance. Patients cannot purchase it domestically and need to purchase dotalizumab through overseas channels. There are only original drugs available abroad, mainly from the United States, and the price is as high as about 50,000 yuan.