Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Tabrecta (capmatinib)

Opdivo (nivolumab) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor specifically targeting the PD-1 receptor on T cells, used to enhance the body's immune response against various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. Tabrecta (capmatinib), on the other hand, is a selective MET inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has a specific mutation (METex14 skipping mutation) as detected by an FDA-approved test. When deciding between these medications, it is crucial to consider the type of cancer and its molecular profile, as Opdivo is used for a broader range of cancers, whereas Tabrecta is tailored for a specific genetic alteration in NSCLC.

Difference between Opdivo and Tabrecta

Metric	Opdivo (Nivolumab)	Tabrecta (capmatinib)
Generic name	Nivolumab	Capmatinib
Indications	Various types of cancer including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and others	Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with MET exon 14 skipping mutations
Mechanism of action	PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor that enables the immune system to better detect and attack cancer cells	MET kinase inhibitor that blocks the activity of the MET gene in cancer cells, preventing tumor growth and spread
Brand names	Opdivo	Tabrecta
Administrative route	Injection (IV)	Oral
Side effects	Fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, etc.	Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, edema, decreased appetite, etc.
Contraindications	Severe hypersensitivity to nivolumab or any of its excipients	Hypersensitivity to capmatinib or any of its excipients
Drug class	Monoclonal antibody, Immune checkpoint inhibitor	Kinase inhibitor
Manufacturer	Bristol Myers Squibb	Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Efficacy

Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Lung Cancer Treatment

Opdivo (Nivolumab) is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody used in the treatment of several types of cancer, including lung cancer. It is particularly indicated for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Opdivo can significantly extend overall survival in NSCLC patients compared to docetaxel, a standard chemotherapy drug. The efficacy of Opdivo has been observed across different subgroups of lung cancer patients, including those with varying levels of PD-L1 expression, a biomarker that can predict response to PD-1 inhibitors.

Opdivo works by inhibiting the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, which can help restore the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. The improved survival rates in patients treated with Opdivo highlight its efficacy as a second-line treatment for NSCLC. However, the response to Opdivo can vary, and not all patients may benefit from its use, underscoring the importance of personalized treatment strategies in lung cancer.

Tabrecta (Capmatinib) in Lung Cancer Treatment

Tabrecta (Capmatinib) is a novel therapeutic agent approved for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have mutations leading to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) exon 14 skipping. This targeted therapy has shown significant efficacy in a patient population with this specific genetic alteration, which is present in a small percentage of NSCLC cases. Clinical trials have reported that Tabrecta can achieve substantial response rates in patients with MET exon 14 skipping mutations, leading to tumor shrinkage and, in some cases, prolonged periods of disease control.

Capmatinib's mechanism of action involves the selective inhibition of the MET tyrosine kinase, which plays a critical role in the growth, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. The targeted nature of Tabrecta's activity against MET exon 14 alterations allows for a more individualized approach to lung cancer treatment, offering a new line of therapy for patients who harbor these specific genetic changes. As with all targeted therapies, the identification of eligible patients through molecular testing is essential for the appropriate use of Tabrecta in clinical practice.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Opdivo

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Medsafe (NZ)

Tabrecta

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan

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