Trilaciclib

Allopathic
Indications
  • Approved Indications:
    • Prophylactic use to reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (particularly neutropenia) in adult patients receiving certain myelosuppressive chemotherapy regimens for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
  • Off-label Uses:
    • Investigational use in other malignancies undergoing myelosuppressive chemotherapy to protect hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
    • Potential future use to reduce chemotherapy-induced bone marrow toxicity in other cancers under clinical evaluation.
Dosage & Administration
  • Adults:
    • Administered intravenously at a dose of 240 mg/m² given as a 30-minute infusion within 4 hours prior to the start of chemotherapy on each chemotherapy treatment day.
    • Dosing schedules correspond with the patient’s chemotherapy regimen.
  • Pediatrics:
    • Safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years.
  • Elderly:
    • No dose adjustment recommended solely based on age; monitor for tolerability.
  • Special Populations:
    • No specific dosage adjustment recommended for mild to moderate renal or hepatic impairment; data limited for severe impairment.
  • Administration Notes:
    • Administer intravenously as a separate infusion before chemotherapy.
    • Avoid mixing with other drugs; administer through a dedicated intravenous line if possible.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Trilaciclib is a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6). By transiently arresting hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, trilaciclib protects these cells from chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity, which mainly targets rapidly dividing cells. This mechanism helps to preserve bone marrow function and reduce chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, leading to decreased rates of neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption: Administered intravenously; systemic availability is 100%.
  • Distribution: Exhibits moderate plasma protein binding (~70%).
  • Metabolism: Primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 in the liver.
  • Elimination: Eliminated mainly via feces; minor renal excretion.
  • Half-life: Approximately 14 hours, supporting once-per-chemotherapy-cycle dosing.
  • Onset of Action: Transient cell cycle arrest occurs rapidly post-infusion, protecting bone marrow during chemotherapy exposure.
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy:
    • No adequate human data; animal studies indicate potential fetal harm. Use only if benefit justifies risk.
  • Lactation:
    • Unknown if excreted in human milk. Breastfeeding not recommended during treatment.
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Class: CDK4/6 inhibitor
  • Subclass: Myelopreservation agent / Chemoprotective agent
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to trilaciclib or any formulation components.
  • Severe hepatic impairment (use with caution).
  • Concurrent use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers requires caution but not absolute contraindication.
Warnings & Precautions
  • Monitor for potential hematologic adverse effects despite prophylaxis.
  • Use cautiously in patients with active infections due to risk of myelosuppression.
  • Monitor liver function tests due to hepatic metabolism.
  • Not a substitute for standard supportive measures (e.g., growth factors, transfusions).
  • Early signs of severe adverse reactions such as hypersensitivity or infusion reactions require immediate attention.
Side Effects
  • Common:
    • Fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite.
    • Electrolyte abnormalities (e.g., hypokalemia).
    • Headache.
  • Hematologic:
    • Generally reduces severity of neutropenia but possible mild anemia or thrombocytopenia may occur.
  • Serious/Rare:
    • Hypersensitivity reactions.
    • Infusion-related reactions (rare).
  • Dose-Dependence & Timing:
    • Most side effects occur within days after infusion; severity is generally mild to moderate.
Drug Interactions
  • CYP3A4 metabolism:
    • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase trilaciclib plasma levels, requiring caution.
    • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may reduce trilaciclib efficacy.
  • No significant interactions with chemotherapy agents; however, monitor clinical status.
  • Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment.
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • FDA granted accelerated approval for trilaciclib to reduce chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in ES-SCLC patients receiving specific regimens.
  • Updated oncology guidelines incorporate trilaciclib as a supportive care option for myelopreservation in ES-SCLC.
  • Ongoing clinical trials exploring expanded indications and combination therapies.
  • Emphasis on monitoring hematologic parameters to optimize dosing and manage toxicities.
Storage Conditions
  • Store at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in a refrigerator.
  • Protect from light; keep vial in original carton until use.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Use immediately after reconstitution as per manufacturer instructions.
  • Handle aseptically; do not shake vigorously.