Is rubitin/rubicatin (Zanbiga) a chemotherapy drug or a targeted drug and analysis of its mechanism

Lurbinectedin (Lurbinectedin) is a new type of anti-tumor drug. It is strictly a chemotherapy drug, not a targeted drug. Although it has a certain selective effect, its mechanism of action is different from traditional molecular targeted drugs. It mainly inhibits tumor proliferation by directly interfering with the DNA function and transcription process of tumor cells.

Rubitidine binds to the DNA minor groove and inhibits the activity of RNA polymerase II, thus blocking the transcription process of tumor cells, causing tumor cells to be unable to synthesize key proteins and trigger apoptosis. In addition, rubitin can also affect immune regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment, such as inhibiting the pro-inflammatory effect of macrophages, thus enhancing the anti-tumor effect.

Due to its chemotherapeutic properties, rubitidine is suitable for the treatment of solid tumors, especially small cell lung cancer, recurrent ovarian cancer, etc. Clinical studies have shown that the drug can significantly prolong progression-free survival (PFS) and improve overall survival (OS) to a certain extent in relapsed or refractory tumors. Compared with traditional chemotherapy, its toxic and side effects are controllable, but bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal reactions still need to be paid attention to.

Unlike EGFR inhibitors, ALK inhibitors and other targeted drugs, rubitidine does not rely on specific gene mutations or molecular markers. It has a wide range of effects and directly targets the DNA and transcription mechanism of tumor cells. Therefore, it cannot be classified as a targeted drug, but is a new type of chemotherapy drug and can be used in combination with other targeted drugs or immunotherapy to improve clinical efficacy and treatment flexibility.

Reference materials:https://www.drugs.com/