The drug tarlatamab-dlle has been licensed by the US to treat metastatic small cell lung cancer, priced at $780,000 for a year of treatment. Sold under the trade name Imdelltra, it is a targeted immunotherapy that uses specific antibodies to bind to cancer cells and immune cells, instructing the immune system to destroy cancer.
Tarlatamab-dlle can bind to DLL3 on tumor cells, activating the immune system to destroy cancer cells. The mechanism of action involves targeting the protein Delta 3 (DLL3) in the Notch signaling pathway of cancer, which plays a role in cell differentiation and proliferation. This unique mechanism of action makes tarlatamab-dlle a valuable option for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer that progresses during or after chemotherapy.
Studies have shown that tarlatamab-dlle can reduce tumor size and increase survival time in patients. However, it can also cause serious side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity. The FDA evaluated the drug under the Project Orbis framework, in collaboration with health regulatory authorities from other countries such as Brazil, Canada, Israel, and the UK.
Overall, tarlatamab-dlle represents a significant advancement in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, providing patients with a more effective and innovative option. With its unique mechanism of action and potential to activate the immune system against tumors, it has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.
