Lurbinectedin for injection (trade name: Zepzelca ®) is a novel alkylating anticancer agent with an innovative mechanism of action. It was approved in China in December 2024 for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) whose disease has progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. 

The drug has already been approved in multiple countries worldwide and is recommended by leading international guidelines. It is now available at Jiahui International Cancer Center, offering a new treatment option for Chinese patients with small cell lung cancer.

New Hope for Platinum-Resistant Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 15% of lung cancers. It is highly aggressive and progresses rapidly. Especially for patients whose disease has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy, subsequent treatment options are extremely limited, and the prognosis is poor. These patients often face the challenge of rapid disease deterioration and significantly shortened survival.

Lurbinectedin's approved indication precisely targets patients with platinum-resistant or advanced metastatic small cell lung cancer. Through its unique dual mechanism of action—selectively blocking the tumor’s gene activity and regulating the tumor microenvironment—it interferes with tumor cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (self-destruction of old cells), providing a new treatment pathway for these refractory patients.

Significantly Prolongs Survival, with a Manageable Safety Profile

Lurbinectedin demonstrated encouraging efficacy and safety in pivotal clinical studies (including the PM1183-B-005-14 trial and the Chinese bridging study LY01017/CT-CHN-101):

01) An objective response rate (ORR) of 35.2% meant that more than one-third of patients experienced significant tumor shrinkage;

02) A median overall survival (mOS) of 9.3 months provided clinically significant survival extension for later-line treatment;

03) Common adverse reactions were mainly myelosuppression (this s when the bone marrow makes fewer blood cells than normal, such as low number of neutrophils and a low number of platelets), fatigue, and hepatotoxicity, most of which could be managed with supportive care, and the overall safety profile was manageable. 

The launch of Lurbinectedin marks a new era in the treatment of small cell lung cancer in China, ushering in a new era of transcription inhibitors and offering new hope for survival to patients resistant to platinum-based drugs.

Jiahui International Cancer Center and its pharmacy department are committed to introducing cutting-edge global anti-tumor drugs and combining them with high-standard pharmaceutical services to provide patients with comprehensive care from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up.

Jiahui International Hospital: Aligned with International Guidelines, Providing Comprehensive Management

One-Stop Personalized Treatment

Patients can receive multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultations at Jiahui International Cancer Center to develop personalized treatment plans, including Lurbinectedin.

Comprehensive Medication Monitoring

Clinical pharmacists and the medical team will monitor patients' blood routine, liver function, and other indicators throughout the treatment process, promptly managing adverse reactions to ensure treatment safety.

Jiahui Pharmacy Department Pharmaceutical Service Support

Drug Supply and Quality Management

1. Strictly adhere to GSP (Good Supply Practice) regulations to ensure traceability throughout the entire process of drug procurement, storage, and dispensing.

2. Introduce internationally renowned original drugs, including Lurbinectedin, to meet the specific medication needs of cancer patients.

Clinical Pharmacy Services

1. Pharmacists participate in multidisciplinary consultations to provide medication advice for complex cases.

2. Implement therapeutic drug monitoring and individualized dosage adjustments.

3. Implement full pre-prescription review and 24/7 online manual prescription review to ensure safe and standardized medication use.

Comprehensive Patient Medication Education

Provide medication consultation, face-to-face medication guidance, bedside discharge medication education, and conduct focused follow-up and support for patients receiving anti-tumor treatment for the first time to improve treatment adherence and confidence.

References

[1] Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer (2025). Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology Guidelines Working Committee.

[2] NCCN. Small Cell Lung Cancer. Version 4.2025. Dingemans AC, et al. Ann Oncol. 2021 Jul;32(7):839-853