Logo of Gesundheitsinformation.de

Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) for the treatment of advanced tumors

Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) for the treatment of advanced tumors

Introduction

Larotrectinib (trade name: Vitrakvi) has been approved in Germany since September 2019 for the treatment of all solid tumors with NTRK (neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase) gene fusions.

The solid tumors include lung, bowel, skin and thyroid cancer. This medication is considered as a treatment if the cancer is advanced and there are no other satisfactory treatment options.

An NTRK gene fusion results from the "joining together" of an NTRK gene with another gene. This causes too many cells to grow. Larotrectinib aims to inhibit the overactive gene product that is responsible in order to slow down the growth of the cancer.

Application

Larotrectinib can be used in the form of a solution or capsules. Adults take 100 mg twice daily. The dose for children is based on their body surface area. A gastric (stomach) tube or nasogastric tube (through the nose) can also be used to deliver the drug. The treatment is stopped if severe side effects arise or if the cancer progresses.

Other treatments

Best supportive care (BSC) is the standard treatment for advanced cancer in adults and children if there is no other suitable treatment or surgery. This treatment should be tailored to the patient’s individual needs, relieve symptoms such as pain, and improve their quality of life.

Assessment

In 2019 the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany) wanted to find out whether larotrectinib has any advantages or disadvantages for the treatment of advanced cancer with NTRK gene fusions compared to treatment with BSC.

The manufacturer didn’t provide any data that could be used to draw conclusions about the pros and cons in the treatment of certain types of cancer. Also, the studies didn’t compare larotrectinib with BSC or another treatment. A direct or indirect comparison is needed in order to draw any conclusions about the advantages or disadvantages of a specific treatment compared to another treatment.

More information

This information summarizes the main results of a review produced by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany). The review was commissioned by the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) as part of the “early benefit assessment of medications.” On the basis of the review and the hearings received, the G-BA passed a resolution on the added benefit of larotrectinib (Vitrakvi).

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany).Larotrectinib (solid tumors with NTRK gene fusion) – Benefit assessment according to §35a Social Code Book V. Dossier assessment; Commission A19-90. January 13, 2020. (IQWiG reviews; Volume 866).

IQWiG health information is written with the aim of helping people understand the advantages and disadvantages of the main treatment options and health care services.

Because IQWiG is a German institute, some of the information provided here is specific to the German health care system. The suitability of any of the described options in an individual case can be determined by talking to a doctor. informedhealth.org can provide support for talks with doctors and other medical professionals, but cannot replace them. We do not offer individual consultations.

Our information is based on the results of good-quality studies. It is written by a team of health care professionals, scientists and editors, and reviewed by external experts. You can find a detailed description of how our health information is produced and updated in our methods.

Comment on this page

What would you like to share with us?

We welcome any feedback and ideas. We will review, but not publish, your ratings and comments. Your information will of course be treated confidentially. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required fields.

Please note that we do not provide individual advice on matters of health. You can read about where to find help and support in Germany in our information “How can I find self-help groups and information centers?”

Print page

Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) for the treatment of advanced tumors
Created on February 13, 2020
Next planned update: 2023

Authors/Publishers:

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG, Germany)

How we keep you informed

Follow us on Twitter or subscribe to our newsletter or newsfeed. You can find all of our films online on YouTube.

Print page

To the glossary entry