The symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome include frequent and debilitating diarrhea that can seriously affect the patient’s quality of life; facial flushing; abdominal pain; and fatigue. Xermelo targets an enzyme that interferes with the overproduction of serotonin in metastatic NET cells. It is currently the only oral treatment for this condition, unlike the other available treatments, such as SSA. Xermelo provides a convenient oral treatment option for patients and is now available by prescription through select specialty pharmacies.
“The approval of XERMELO establishes a new treatment option for patients with carcinoid syndrome diarrhea that is inadequately controlled by SSA therapy. Inhibition of tumoral serotonin production represents a novel approach for patients with this condition. Studies have shown that XERMELO can reduce the debilitating effects of carcinoid syndrome diarrhea and has a favorable efficacy and safety profile in patients who currently have limited treatment options,” said Matthew H. Kulke, MD, Director of the Program in Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and primary investigator of TELESTAR, the study that led to the FDA approval of Xermelo.
Patients should discontinue taking Xermelo if severe constipation or severe persistent or worsening abdominal pain develops. In clinical trials, the most common side effects with Xermelo were nausea, headache, depression, swelling (peripheral edema), intestinal gas (flatulence), decreased appetite, and fever. For more information visit www.xermelo.com.
