Emrelis (Telisotuzumab Vedotin-Tllv) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Emrelis is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that shows high c-Met protein overexpression. It is prescribed for people who have already received a prior systemic therapy. This approval is based on accelerated approval standards, using tumor response rate and duration of response as criteria. Continued approval may depend on results from future confirmatory trials. Emrelis is also known by its drug name, telisotuzumab vedotin-tllv.

Emrelis belongs to a class of treatments known as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It works by targeting the c-Met protein found in high levels on some lung cancer cells. Once attached to the cancer cell, it delivers a chemotherapy agent that disrupts the cell’s internal structure, helping to slow or stop tumor growth.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Emrelis is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every two weeks. The treatment continues until the disease progresses or side effects become too severe. Emrelis must be prepared by a healthcare provider before being administered.

Side effects
Common side effects of Emrelis include peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that can cause pain or tingling), fatigue, decreased appetite, and peripheral edema (swelling in limbs due to fluid build-up). The most common grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities included decreased lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), increased glucose (blood sugar), increased liver enzymes, and imbalances in phosphorus, sodium, hemoglobin, and calcium levels.

Rare but serious side effects may include interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis (inflammation or scarring of the lungs), ocular surface disorders (eye conditions that can affect vision), infusion-related reactions (such as chills, fever, or shortness of breath during or after the infusion), and embryo-fetal toxicity (risk of harm to an unborn baby). Emrelis may also cause fertility problems. People with moderate or severe liver impairment should not take Emrelis.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Emrelis (Telisotuzumab Vedotin-Tllv) for Injection, for Intravenous Use — AbbieVie