LuciTivo 1.34mg, Tivozanib Capsules

LuciTivo 1.34mg is a pharmaceutical product containing the active ingredient Tivozanib, a potent and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It is used primarily in the treatment of certain types of kidney cancer, particularly advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Manufactured with precision to meet oncology needs, LuciTivo is designed to offer targeted cancer therapy with a tolerable side effect profile, improving quality of life and outcomes in patients.

What is LuciTivo (Tivozanib)?

LuciTivo 1.34mg contains Tivozanib hydrochloride, a targeted therapy drug that inhibits angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. It is an oral anticancer medication, approved in several countries for the treatment of adults with advanced RCC, especially after prior therapies have failed. It is often used when cancer has not responded to other treatments like sunitinib or sorafenib.

How It Works / Mechanism of Action

Tivozanib works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3), which are essential in the signaling pathways responsible for the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).

• Tumors need a blood supply to receive nutrients and oxygen.
• VEGFRs are proteins found on the surface of blood vessels that stimulate their growth.
• By specifically blocking these receptors, tivozanib deprives the tumor of nutrients, which causes the tumor to shrink or grow more slowly.
• This highly selective mechanism reduces off-target side effects often seen with less specific TKIs, making Tivozanib relatively well-tolerated.

How to Use / Indications

Indications:

LuciTivo is primarily indicated for:

• Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) as a first-line treatment or after prior systemic therapies.
• It may also be considered in cases where other VEGFR TKIs have failed.
• Tivozanib is not a cure, but it helps to control the progression of the disease, relieve symptoms, and extend progression-free survival.

How to Take / Dosage

Standard Dosage:

• The usual recommended dose of LuciTivo is 1.34mg once daily.
• It follows a 21-day on / 7-day off schedule, meaning:
• Take it once daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day break.
• This 28-day cycle is repeated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

Administration:

• Take the capsule with or without food.
• Swallow whole with water.
• Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

Other Dosage Considerations

Dose Modifications:

• Dose may be adjusted based on side effects (e.g., hypertension, fatigue, liver enzyme elevations).
• After recovery, treatment may be stopped or the dosage lowered in situations of grade 3 or higher toxicity.

Missed Dose:

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it’s close to the next dose.
• Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Special Populations:

• Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment in mild/moderate cases; limited data in severe impairment.
• Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously; dose modifications may be required.
• Elderly: No special modifications, but keep a close eye out for toxicity.

Side Effects

Tivozanib is generally well tolerated but, like all cancer medications, it can cause side effects. Common and serious adverse effects include:

Common Side Effects:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Voice changes (dysphonia)
• Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Heart failure
• Liver enzyme elevation (hepatotoxicity)
• Proteinuria (protein in urine)
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Thyroid dysfunction

Monitoring:

• Regular blood pressure monitoring
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Thyroid function tests
• Urinalysis for proteinuria

Storage

• Store LuciTivo capsules at room temperature (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep in the original blister pack to protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Benefits

• High Selectivity: Targets VEGFRs with minimal off-target activity, leading to a more favorable safety profile.
• Convenient Oral Administration: Taken by mouth, no hospital visits needed for infusions.
• Efficacy in Resistant RCC: Demonstrated activity in patients who have failed previous treatments.
• Prolonged Progression-Free Survival: Especially when compared with other TKIs like sorafenib in clinical trials (e.g., TIVO-1 and TIVO-3).

Prescription

• Prescription-only medication (Rx)
• Must be prescribed by an oncologist or healthcare professional experienced in cancer care.
• Requires regular follow-up and monitoring during therapy.
• Not available over the counter.

Drug Interactions

Tivozanib is metabolized in the liver (primarily via CYP3A4 pathway), so caution is needed with drugs that influence this enzyme.

Potential Interactions:

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir): May increase Tivozanib levels.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin): May reduce efficacy.
• Antihypertensives: May need dose adjustment due to Tivozanib-induced hypertension.
• Other VEGFR inhibitors: Avoid mixing due to cumulative toxicity.
• Anticoagulants: Monitor bleeding risk closely.

FAQs

Is LuciTivo a chemotherapy drug?

No, it is a targeted therapy (VEGFR TKI), not traditional chemotherapy.

Can LuciTivo cure kidney cancer?

It does not cure RCC but helps control it and extend survival.

How long can I take LuciTivo?

You can take it as long as it’s effective and side effects are tolerable, under medical supervision.

What should I do if I get high blood pressure while on LuciTivo?

Inform your doctor; dose adjustment or antihypertensives may be prescribed.

Conclusion

LuciTivo 1.34mg (Tivozanib) represents a significant advancement in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, offering a targeted approach with manageable toxicity. Its selective inhibition of VEGFRs provides effective tumor control with fewer side effects than some other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. With its convenient oral dosing, it also improves patient compliance and quality of life. However, like all potent oncologic therapies, it must be used under strict medical supervision, with regular monitoring for side effects and potential drug interactions.

Always consult your oncologist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance before starting or continuing LuciTivo therapy.