Is long-term use of pemetinib/dalbertan harmful?

Pemigatinib (Pemigatinib) is a targeted drug mainly used to treat cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with FGFR2 gene rearrangement. As a drug targeting specific molecular targets, pemetinib plays an important role in mitigating disease progression and improving patients' quality of life. However, whether long-term use of pemetinib will cause significant harm to patients is still a question worthy of concern.

First of all, the mechanism of action of pemetinib mainly reduces the proliferation and spread of tumor cells by inhibiting theFGFR2 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 2) signaling pathway. Like other targeted drugs, long-term use of pemetinib may cause some side effects, especially when the drug interacts with the patient's constitution, underlying diseases, or other drugs, and the risk of side effects increases.

Common side effects of pemetinib include oral ulcers, rash, hyperphosphatemia, abnormal liver function, etc. Long-term use of pemetinib may exacerbate these side effects, particularly hyperphosphatemia and hepatic impairment. Therefore, patients need to undergo regular blood tests, liver function monitoring and other related tests during long-term use of pemetinib to detect potential health problems in a timely manner. Side effects such as oral ulcers and rashes can often be alleviated by adjusting the drug dose or adjuncting symptomatic treatment.

In addition, pemetinib may have a certain impact on bone density, and some patients may develop osteoporosis and other problems. In order to avoid these problems, patients need to undergo regular bone density checks and take necessary preventive measures, such as supplementing calcium and vitamin D. For patients with osteoporosis or other bone diseases, doctors may adjust treatment options on a case-by-case basis.

Reference materials:https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB15102