A chemotherapy derived from a sea squirt, used with liposomal doxorubicin in relapsed ovarian cancer in Europe and for sarcomas.
Trabectedin is a cytotoxic derived from a sea squirt that binds the DNA minor groove, bends the DNA, blocks transcription-coupled repair and modulates tumour-associated macrophages. In ovarian cancer, OVA-301 showed a PFS benefit with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in partially platinum-sensitive relapse; the EU approved the combination in 2009, the US never did for this indication, and INOVATYON found no OS advantage over platinum. In sarcoma it is approved in the EU (2007) after anthracycline or ifosfamide and in the US (2015) for liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma after anthracycline. Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia and ALT elevation are the main toxicities, so liver function is monitored. It is a niche chemotherapy with a distinctive mechanism, most valuable in specific sarcoma subtypes.
Ball-and-stick model from PubChem 2D record (no 3D conformer available). PubChem record
Binds the DNA minor groove, bends DNA, blocks transcription-coupled repair, and modulates tumour-associated macrophages.
1.Trabectedin slips into a pocket on its target.
Given by infusion or injection in a clinic or hospital outpatient department, so it is a Part B drug: Medicare pays 80% after the Part B deductible and the patient owes 20% coinsurance, uncapped in Original Medicare unless a Medigap policy applies.
Covered under the medical benefit with prior authorisation confirming diagnosis, biomarker status and line of therapy; site-of-care policies may steer infusions away from hospital outpatient departments.
20% Part B coinsurance on a high-cost infusion adds up quickly: Medigap Plan G or N, Medicare Advantage maximum out-of-pocket, Medicaid dual eligibility, or a charity fund are the usual buffers.
Sources: Medicare.gov: Chemotherapy · Medicare.gov: Prescription drugs (outpatient, Part B). Not medical or financial advice; verify with your plan.
Sources: NICE TA185 · SMC advice: trabectedin. Funding decisions are indication-specific and change monthly; verify with NICE and your treating team.
Compare all products across the US, EU, UK, Japan, China and Australia →
| Region | Year | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| EU | 2009 | Relapsed platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer with PLD |
| US | 2015 | Liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma after anthracycline |
| EU | 2007 | Advanced soft-tissue sarcoma after anthracycline/ifosfamide |
| Adverse event | Any grade | Grade 3+ |
|---|---|---|
| Neutropenia grade 3-4 | - | 63% |
| ALT increase grade 3-4 | - | 31% |
OVA-301 combination arm. Events listed without rates were not read from a primary source; see the label. Blank cells mean the figure was not sourced, not that it is zero.
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Doxorubicin-trabectedin is a first-line standard for fit patients with metastatic leiomyosarcoma, one of the few histology-specific first-line regimens in sarcoma.
Trabectedin is a standard later-line option for liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma and is especially active in myxoid liposarcoma.
Query for this drug: (TITLE:"Trabectedin" OR ABSTRACT:"Trabectedin" OR TITLE:"Yondelis" OR ABSTRACT:"Yondelis") AND (cancer OR tumor OR tumour OR oncology OR carcinoma OR lymphoma OR leukemia OR leukaemia OR myeloma OR sarcoma OR melanoma OR glioma). Results are unfiltered search hits about Trabectedin, not a curated reading list.
Shares LMS-04: doxorubicin plus trabectedin followed by trabectedin maintenance versus doxorubicin alone in metastatic leiomyosarcoma, Retroperitoneal sarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (localised and advanced).
Shares LMS-04, Retroperitoneal sarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (localised and advanced).
Shares Retroperitoneal sarcoma, Liposarcoma, Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), Leiomyosarcoma.
Shares Histotype-tailored therapy, Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (localised and advanced), Sarcomas (soft tissue, bone, GIST).
Shares Retroperitoneal sarcoma, Liposarcoma, Leiomyosarcoma, Sarcomas (soft tissue, bone, GIST).
Shares Synovial sarcoma, Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), Leiomyosarcoma, Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (localised and advanced).
Shares Retroperitoneal sarcoma, Synovial sarcoma, Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), Leiomyosarcoma.
Shares Synovial sarcoma, Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), Soft tissue sarcoma of the extremity (localised and advanced).