Selinexor is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by interfering with the way cancer cells grow and spread in the body. Let's break down what Selinexor is and how it works in simple terms.
Selinexor belongs to a class of medicines called selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE). Essentially, it blocks a protein called XPO1, which plays a crucial role in transporting certain proteins out of the nucleus of cancer cells. When XPO1 is blocked, these proteins stay trapped in the nucleus, disrupting the cancer cells' ability to grow and survive.
Now, let's discuss how Selinexor is used and what it's used for:
Selinexor is taken orally, which means it's swallowed as a pill. It's usually taken once or twice a week, depending on the specific type of cancer being treated and how the individual responds to the treatment.
Selinexor is primarily used to treat two types of cancer:
1. **Multiple Myeloma**: This is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma can cause bone pain, weakness, and problems with the kidneys and immune system. Selinexor may be used in people who have already tried other treatments that haven't worked well enough.
2. **Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)**: DLBCL is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It can cause symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. Selinexor may be used in people with DLBCL who have not responded to other treatments or whose cancer has come back after treatment.
Like all medicines, Selinexor can cause side effects. Some common side effects include fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and low blood cell counts. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and can often be managed with supportive care or adjustments to the dosage.
However, Selinexor can also cause more serious side effects in some people. These may include blood clots, low sodium levels in the blood, lung problems, and an increased risk of infections. It's important for people taking Selinexor to be monitored closely by their healthcare provider and to report any new or worsening symptoms right away.
In summary, Selinexor is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer by blocking a protein called XPO1. It's taken orally and may be used in people with multiple myeloma or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have not responded to other treatments. While it can cause side effects, it can also be an effective option for some people in managing their cancer.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Selinexor
Our body cells contain a nucleus, which is like a control center. Inside the nucleus, there are important proteins that regulate cell growth and survival. But sometimes, in cancer cells, these proteins can move out of the nucleus when they shouldn't, causing the cancer cells to grow uncontrollably.
Selinexor steps in to stop this from happening. It blocks a protein called XPO1, which acts like a taxi, carrying these important proteins out of the nucleus. By blocking XPO1, Selinexor keeps these proteins trapped inside the nucleus, where they're needed to regulate cell growth.
So, in simple terms, Selinexor helps keep the bad cancer cells in check by making sure the proteins that control their growth stay where they should be, inside the nucleus. This can slow down or even stop the growth of cancer cells, helping to treat the cancer.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist