Is genetic testing required before using pemetinib/dabotan?

Pemigatinib(Pemigatinib), trade namePEMAZYRE, is a targeted drug mainly used to treat cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and other tumors. Genetic testing is particularly important before starting pemetinib because its efficacy is closely related to specific genetic mutations. Particularly in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, pemetinib is approved to treat patients with FGFR2 gene fusions or other rearrangements. Fusion or rearrangement of the FGFR2 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 2) gene is a key biomarker for the efficacy of pemetinib.

According to the approval guidelines of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), before using pemetinib, patients should confirm whether there is FGFR2 gene fusion or rearrangement through relevant genetic testing. Only if these specific genetic abnormalities are detected, there is a high probability that pemetinib will be effective. FDA-approved testing methods can help doctors select the right patient groups, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and avoiding unnecessary treatments and side effects.

In addition, pemetinib is also used to treat some other types of tumors, especially Patients with relapsed or refractory myeloid/lymphoid tumors with FGFR1 rearrangements. However, there are currently no FDA-approved reagents that specifically detect FGFR1 rearrangements in patients with relapsed or refractory myeloid/lymphoid tumors, which also indicates that the standards and methods of genetic testing have not yet been unified for different types of tumors. Therefore, during treatment, doctors should decide whether to use pemetinib based on the specific patient's clinical condition and genetic testing results.

In general, pemetinib treatment options rely on genetic testing results, specificallythe presence of FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements. Genetic testing can not only guide treatment selection, but also ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment plan to maximize efficacy and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

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