Taking a small molecule kinase inhibitor with a hearty breakfast or lunch enhances its effectiveness in patients with certain types of lung cancer.
- A drug prescribed for certain types of lung cancer is most effective when taken with a hearty breakfast or lunch.
- Absorption of this drug, alectinib, is facilitated by a substantial meal.
- The food-drug interaction should be given more consideration by physicians.
Diet plays a significant role in the effectiveness of many treatments. This is the case with alectinib in certain lung cancers: taking it with a hearty breakfast or with lunch reinforces its effect.
This is demonstrated a recent study by Dutch researchers. She examined the impact of different types of food on the absorption of this treatment in patients with lung cancer.
The researchers evaluated 20 patients with certain types of this cancer who took two daily doses of alectinib with low-fat yogurt, a full continental breakfast, or a lunch of their choice.
A drug more effective with a full breakfast or lunch
Results showed that taking alectinib with low-fat yogurt reduced drug exposure by 14% compared to the full breakfast group and 20% compared to those who took the drug at lunch. .
Patients are often advised to take their alectinib twice a day 12 hours apart, so some will take it with just a small snack in the morning or evening. The study demonstrates that taking it with a substantial meal containing enough fat is far more important for absorption and treatment efficacy than waiting 12 hours between doses.
The importance of diet in drug absorption
With oral cancer drugs, many food-drug interactions are known. Foods can affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of these drugs. This study therefore reminds patients and physicians that the food-drug interaction must be taken into account when choosing foods and planning medications.
Diet and Effectiveness of Lung Cancer Treatment
Patients and physicians should therefore be aware of this food-drug interaction and consider taking alectinib with a patient-chosen lunch as a safe and convenient alternative. According to the researchers, doctors must take into account the diet of patients and inform them of the importance of this food-drug interaction to optimize the effectiveness of their oral cancer treatment.
