How to monitor liver function safety during Tepotinib treatment?

Tepotinib is a drug that targets MET gene abnormalities and is commonly used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Abnormal liver function is one of the more common adverse reactions during the use of tepotinib, so it is important to closely monitor liver function throughout the entire treatment process. Reasonable monitoring and timely intervention can help ensure patient medication safety and improve treatment effects.

Before starting tepotinib treatment, doctors usually recommend conducting baseline liver function tests, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. These indicators can help evaluate the patient's initial liver status and provide a basis for comparison for subsequent monitoring. If baseline liver function is found to be abnormal, it is necessary to carefully evaluate whether it is appropriate to initiate tepotinib treatment.

During treatment, it is recommended to conduct a liver function review every 2 to 4 weeks, especially during the first two to three months of treatment. Once a significant increase in ALT or AST is detected (such as more than 3 times the upper limit of normal), or total bilirubin increases, the doctor may decide whether to adjust the dose, temporarily discontinue the drug, or permanently discontinue the drug based on the severity. In some cases, hepatoprotective drugs may be used as auxiliary treatment.

In addition, patients should also pay attention to whether they have symptoms related to liver damage such as fatigue, jaundice, loss of appetite, darker urine, etc. during medication, and report to the doctor in a timely manner. Family doctors or attending physicians should also remind patients to avoid drinking alcohol and using other drugs that may increase the burden on the liver to reduce the risk of hepatotoxicity. Through scientific monitoring and standardized management, the risk of liver function damage during tepotinib treatment can be significantly reduced.

Reference materials:https://www.tepotinib.com/