Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Establishment of a Primary Culture of Patient-derived Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Published on: April 11, 2018
Trabectedin for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas
Rita De Sanctis1,2, Andrea Marrari1, Armando Santoro1,3
1a Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology , Humanitas Cancer Center IRCCS , Rozzano , Milan , Italy.
Introduction:
Trabectedin, a marine-derived DNA-binding antineoplastic agent, has been registered by the EMA and recently also by the FDA for the treatment of patients with advanced soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), a rare and heterogeneous disease.
Areas Covered:
The antitumor activity of trabectedin is related both to direct effects on cancer cells, such as growth inhibition, cell death and differentiation, and indirect effects related to its anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties. Furthermore, trabectedin is the first compound that targets an oncogenic transcription factor with high selectivity in mixoid liposarcomas. This peculiar mechanism of action is the basis of its clinical development. The clinical pharmacology of trabectedin, the subsequent phase I, II and III trials are summarized and put into perspectives in this review.
Expert Opinion:
Trabectedin is a relevant pleiotropic antitumoral agent within the complex scenario of the management of STS. It can be used in advanced STS, either after failure of anthracyclines and ifosfamide or in patients unfit for these drugs, especially when reaching a high-tumor control and a long-term benefit is a priority. Toxicity profile is acceptable and manageable with no reported cumulative toxicities. Therefore, trabectedin has become one relevant therapeutic option in metastatic STS, especially in selected histologies.
Insights
Trabectedin is a marine-derived chemotherapy effective for advanced soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). It offers significant tumor control and long-term benefits with manageable toxicity, making it a key option for selected patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Oncology
- Marine-derived compounds
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Trabectedin, a marine-derived DNA-binding antineoplastic agent, is approved for advanced soft-tissue sarcoma (STS).
- Soft-tissue sarcoma is a rare and heterogeneous group of cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical pharmacology and trial data of trabectedin for STS treatment.
- To evaluate trabectedin's efficacy, mechanism of action, and safety profile.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical pharmacology of trabectedin.
- Summary of Phase I, II, and III clinical trials.
- Analysis of trabectedin's direct and indirect antitumor effects.
Main Results:
- Trabectedin exhibits antitumor activity through direct effects (growth inhibition, cell death) and indirect effects (anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic).
- It selectively targets oncogenic transcription factors in mixoid liposarcomas.
- Clinical trials demonstrate its efficacy in advanced STS, particularly after prior chemotherapy or in patients unfit for standard treatment.
Conclusions:
- Trabectedin is a valuable pleiotropic agent for advanced STS management.
- It provides significant tumor control and long-term benefit, especially in specific histologies.
- The toxicity profile is acceptable and manageable, establishing it as a relevant therapeutic option.
More Related Videos
06:15Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
05:08Targeted and Selective Treatment of Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Teratomas Using External Beam Radiation in a Small-animal Model
Published on: February 17, 2019
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules