New therapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer patients to lower chance of getting neutropenia: FDA Approval of COSELA (trilaciclib)

[Miranda_GO2]

On February 12th, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cosela (trilaciclib) for patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) (cancer which has spread outside of the lung) to help reduce the frequency of chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression in adults receiving certain types of chemotherapy. The FDA based their approval off of three different clinical trials which showed that patients receiving Cosela along with their chemotherapy had a lower chance of getting neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and those that did experience neutropenia had it for a shorter period of time.

Cosela is a first in class drug for ES-SCLC patients meant to protect bone marrow health and increase quality of life.

“Quite often, people diagnosed with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer rely on chemotherapy to not only extend their lives, but also to acutely alleviate their symptoms… Unfortunately, the vast majority will experience chemotherapy-induced side effects, resulting in dose delays and reductions, and increased utilization of healthcare services. We are thrilled to see new advancements that can help improve the lives of those living with small cell lung cancer.” -Bonnie J. Addario, Co-Founder and Board Chair, GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

As someone who required 4 transfusions during the course of my treatment due to low neutrophils I’m glad to see this is an option.

Is this approved for NSCLC yet? It would have saved me from some of the worst fatigue.

[Miranda_GO2 Partner in reply to Denzie]

Great question, Denzie. Right now Cosela is only approved for SCLC, not NSCLC. The way the drug works, it should be particularly effective in SCLC because it works better when there are mutations of the Rb gene, which is common in SCLC.

[Jando2021]

My partner has been using Life Mel honey to help with white blood cells. This has been recommended by Dr Chris on TV and it has helped my partner.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Jando2021]

I’m glad it worked for your friend. I looked up the clinical trial the claims are based on and they closed it in 2009 without releasing their results or publishing their data. When that happens it’s often because they didn’t meet their end goals or the results did not substantiate their claims.

That said, honey does help soothe radiation caused esophagitis. But at $50-65 US for 4 ounces Life Mel is more than most can afford. A typical bottle of honey is about $4 US.

Always talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about using supplemental treatments because some will interfere with treatment.