(moe GAM ue LIZ ue mab kpkc)
Trade Name: Poteligeo®
Mogamulizumab-kpkc is the generic name for the drug Poteligo®. In some cases, health care professional may use the trade name Poteligo® when referring to the generic drug Mogamulizumab-kpkc.
Drug Type: Mogamulizumab-kpkc is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug. This medication is classified as an "Anti-CC Chemokine Receptor 4 (CCR4) monoclonal Antibody" (for more detail, see "How Mogamulizumab-kpkc Works" below).
What Mogamulizumab-kpkc Is Used For
- Mogamulizumab-kpkc is used for treatment of relapsed or refractory mycosis fungoides.
- Mogamulizumab-kpkc is used for the treatment of relapsed or refractory Sezary syndrome.
Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.
How Mogamulizumab-kpkc Is Given
- Mogamulizumab-kpkc is given as intravenous injection through a vein (IV), as an infusion
- There is no pill form of Mogamulizumab-kpkc
The amount of Mogamulizumab-kpkc that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition you have. Your doctor will determine your exact dosage and schedule.
Side Effects
Important things to remember about the side effects of Mogamulizumab-kpkc:
- Most people will not experience all of the Mogamulizumab-kpkc side effects listed.
- Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset, duration, and severity.
- Side effects will often improve after therapy is complete.
- Side effects may be quite manageable. There are many options to minimize or prevent the side effects of Mogamulizumab-kpkc.
Infusion-related side effects (symptoms which may occur during the actual treatment) include:
- Infusion-related reaction: Usually occur within the first 30-60 minutes after the start of the infusion and most commonly during the first week of treatment.
- Symptoms include: fever and chills, rigors, nausea and vomiting, itching, skin rash, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, shortness of breath, increased heart rate and/or low blood pressure.
- Premedication is given to reduce the incidence and severity of infusion-related reactions.
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Mogamulizumab-kpkc:
These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving Mogamulizumab-kpkc:
Not all side effects are listed above. Side effects that are very rare (occurring in less than about 10 percent of patients) are not listed here. But you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, closing up of the throat, swelling of facial features, hives (possible allergic reaction).
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and is unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry our self-care activities)
- Mouth sores (painful redness, swelling or ulcers)
- Swelling, redness and/or pain in one leg or arm and not the other
- Signs of infection such as redness or swelling, pain on swallowing, coughing up mucous, or painful urination
- Unable to eat or drink for 24 hours or have signs or dehydration: tiredness, thirst, dry mouth, dark and decrease amount of urine, or dizziness
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Precautions
- Before starting Mogamulizumab-kpkc treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.). Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
- Avoid the combination of Mogamulizumab-kpkc with natalizumab, pimecrolimus, and tacrolimus.
- Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking Mogamulizumab-kpkc.
- Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. Women who are pregnant or become pregnant must be advised of the potential hazard to the fetus.
- For both men and women: use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Mogamulizumab-kpkc. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended for at least 3 months after the last dose of Mogamulizumab-kpkc.
- Risk of fetal exposure are unknown. Avoid breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Self-Care Tips
- Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise.
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- To help treat/prevent mouth sores, use a soft toothbrush, and rinse three times a day with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 8 ounces of water.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Follow regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea).
- Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 30 (or higher) sunblock and protective clothing.
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
Monitoring and Testing While Taking Mogamulizumab-kpkc
You will be checked regularly by your doctor while you are taking Mogamulizumab-kpkc, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy, Periodic blood work will be obtained to monitor your complete blood count (CBC) as well as the function of other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) will also be ordered by your doctor.
How Mogamulizumab-kpkc Works
Targeted therapy is the result of about 100 years of research dedicated to understanding the differences between cancer cells and normal cells. To date, cancer treatment has focused primarily on killing rapidly dividing cells because one feature of cancer cells is that they divide rapidly. Unfortunately, some of our normal cells divide rapidly too, cause multiple side effects.
Targeted therapy is about identifying other features of cancer cells. Scientists look for specific differences in the cancer cells and the normal cells. This information is used to create a targeted therapy to attack the cancer cells without damaging the normal cells, thus leading to fewer side effects. Each type of targeted therapy works a little bit differently but all interfere with the ability of the cancer cell to grow, divide, repair and/or communicate with other cells.
There are different types of targeted therapies, defined in three broad categories. Some targeted therapies focus on the internal components and function of the cancer cell. The targeted therapies use small molecules that can get into the cell and disrupt the function of the cells, causing them to die. There are several types of targeted therapy that focus on the inner parts of the cells. Other targeted therapies target receptors that are on the outside of the cell. Therapies that target receptors are also known as monoclonal antibodies.
Researchers agree that targeted therapies are not a replacement for traditional therapies. They may best be used in combination with traditional therapies. More research is needed to identify which cancers may be best treated with targeted therapies and to identify additional targets for more types of cancer.
Mogamulizumab-kpkc is a first of its kind targeted therapy that targets and binds to the C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) on the surface of the cell. CCR4 is found on the surface of cancer cells. By binding to these receptors Mogamulizumab-kpkc marks the cancer cell for cell death.
Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.