For the first time in history, Dostarlimab, a monoclonal antibody drug, has been termed as a 'potential' cure for cancer.
A clinical trial conducted by the US-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2022 discovered that all 18 rectal cancer patients found that their cancer had disappeared within six months after receiving an experimental treatment of this promising breakthrough medication. Participants of the trial were given at least nine doses of the drug every three weeks for six months.
After the completion of the duration, all patients showed a clinical complete response with no signs of the tumour. The treatment was followed by chemotherapy, radiation sessions, endoscopy, biopsy, and invasive surgery.
How does it work?
Dostarlimab, sold under the brand name Jemperli and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is an immunotherapy drug with laboratory-produced molecules and it acts as substitute antibodies in the human body. This medication blocks cancer-causing cells that help the immune system to identify and act against such cells and tissues.
Dostarlimab was approved for medical use in the United States and the European Union in April 2021.
According to researchers, Dostarlimab is used in the treatment of endometrial cancer and is an effective treatment for advanced deficient Mismatch Repair (dMMR) solid tumours.
Usage and side effects
Dostarlimab is in a liquid (solution) form, which is injected into a vein over 30 minutes. The drug is given once every three weeks for four cycles, and then once every six weeks, according to the doctor's recommendations. The doctor may permanently or temporarily reduce or stop the Dostarlimab-led treatment, depending on the patient's response to the medication and side effects.
Only patients with the genetic property of mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, can receive the treatment of this drug.
The most common side effects of Dostarlimab include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, joint and chest pain, itching, fever, anaemia, diarrhoea, constipation and hypothyroidism.
Cost of cancer drug
According to New York Times, the estimated cost of the Dostarlimab drug is nearly $11,000 or Rs 8.55 lakh per dose.
