Alcohol Consumption Emerges as a Key Risk Factor for Buccal Cancer in India
December 24, 2025
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Brand Name :
Lartruvo
Synonyms :
Class :
Antineoplastics and Monoclonal Antibody
Brand Name :
Lartruvo
Synonyms :
Class :
Antineoplastics and Monoclonal Antibody
Adult dosing
Dosage forms and strengths
Intravenous solution
500mg/50mL
vial (10mg/mL) (Withdrawal globally from the market)
Olaratumab has been withdrawn from the global marketplace, based on the findings from the ANNOUNCE Phase III clinical trial evaluating the combination of olaratumab plus doxorubicin compared with doxorubicin given alone in patients with advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS) that did not show any meaningful clinical benefit of adding olaratumab to doxorubicin.
On April 25, 2019, Eli Lilly and Company issued a press release announcing the findings of the ANNOUNCE study, which were originally announced in January 2019. Based on the results, Eli Lilly and Company recommended not to treat new patients with olaratumab outside of an appropriate clinical trial. Patients who had been treated with olaratumab who are experiencing clinical benefit may continue therapy after following up with their physician. They also set up an access program for maintaining these patients.
Soft tissue sarcoma
Olaratumab is prescribed in combination with doxorubicin for patients with specific histologic subtypes where anthracycline-based therapy is suitable and when the disease cannot be cured by surgery or radiation
The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg administered by intravenous infusion over one hour on day first and day eighth of every treatment cycle of 21 days
It should be given alongside doxorubicin at 75 mg/m² on first day, for up to eighth cycles. Treatment may continue beyond this period until the disease progresses, or the patient experiences unacceptable side effects
Safety and efficacy are not established
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the neutropenic effect of deferiprone
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the myelosuppressive effect of ropeginterferon alfa-2b
it may diminish the therapeutic effect of bcg (intravesical)
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the myelosuppressive effect of fexinidazole
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the adverse or toxic effects of myelosuppressive agents
when both drugs are combined, there may be an increase in the risk of the myelosuppressive effect of myelosuppressive agents
aminosalicylic acid derivatives
it may enhance the myelosuppressive effect of myelosuppressive agents
it may diminish the therapeutic effect of antidiabetic agents
it may diminish the therapeutic effect of fc receptor-binding agents
It may diminish the effects when combined with rozanolixizumab by receptor binding competition
Action:
Olaratumab is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α), a receptor involved in cell growth, survival, and angiogenesis. By binding to PDGFR-α, olaratumab blocks its activation by natural ligands (PDGF), inhibiting downstream signaling pathways that promote tumor cell proliferation and survival. This blockade helps to slow or stop the growth of certain tumors driven by PDGFR-α.
Spectrum:
Olaratumab is primarily used in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), especially in combination with doxorubicin for advanced or metastatic cases. Its effectiveness is linked to tumors that express PDGFR-α or are dependent on PDGF signaling for growth.
Adverse drug reactions:
Frequency defined
>10%
Lymphopenia
Nausea
Fatigue
Neutropenia
Musculoskeletal pain
Thrombocytopenia
Mucositis
Alopecia
Hyperglycemia
Hypokalemia
Hypophosphatemia
Headache
Increased alkaline phosphatase
Hypomagnesemia
Infusion-related reactions
Anxiety
Dry eyes
1-10%
Fatigue
Musculoskeletal pain
Hypokalemia
Increases aPTT
Abdominal pain
None
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to olaratumab or any of its components.
Cautions
Cardiac toxicity
Hemorrhage
Impaired wound healing
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy warnings:
Breastfeeding warnings:
Pregnancy Categories:
Olaratumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α). By blocking PDGFR-α activation, olaratumab inhibits downstream signaling pathways responsible for cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. This targeted inhibition disrupts tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment, particularly in cancers dependent on PDGF signaling, such as soft tissue sarcoma.
Pharmacodynamics
Olaratumab binds specifically to the platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-α) on the surface of tumor and stromal cells. This binding blocks the receptor’s interaction with its natural ligands, preventing receptor activation and downstream signaling that promotes cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. By inhibiting PDGFR-α signaling, olaratumab slows tumor growth and disrupts the supportive tumor microenvironment. This contributes to its anti-cancer effects, especially when used in combination with chemotherapy.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Administered intravenously, ensuring complete bioavailability.
Distribution
The volume of distribution is 7.7 L.
Metabolism
Degraded by proteolytic enzymes into small peptides and amino acids, as typical for monoclonal antibodies.
Excretion and Elimination:
The rate of clearance is 0.56 L/day.
The terminal half-life is approximately 11 days.
Olaratumab is given by intravenous infusion over approximately 60 minutes. The infusion should be delivered through a dedicated IV line using a sterile, nonpyrogenic, low-protein-binding filter. Patients should be monitored during and after the infusion for any signs of infusion-related reactions, and appropriate premedication or interventions should be available if needed.
Generic Name: olaratumab
Pronounced: oh-lar-At-ue-mab
Why do we use olaratumab?
Olaratumab is primarily used in combination with doxorubicin for the treatment of advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). It is intended for patients whose tumors are not amenable to curative treatment with surgery or radiation. By targeting PDGFR-α, olaratumab helps to inhibit tumor growth and improve outcomes when combined with chemotherapy in this aggressive type of cancer.
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