A targeted tablet for certain lung cancers
Capmatinib
A targeted tablet used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer with a MET gene change.
What is Capmatinib?
Capmatinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a change in a gene called MET. It blocks the MET protein that drives the cancer's growth, helping to control the disease. It is taken as a tablet by mouth. The most important risks are inflammation of the lungs (called pneumonitis), which can cause new or worsening breathlessness and cough, and liver problems. It can also make the skin very sensitive to sunlight. It can harm an unborn baby, so contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Capmatinib — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Capmatinib is a targeted cancer therapy used to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer that has a particular change in a gene called MET. A test on the cancer is used to check for this change before treatment, because capmatinib only works against cancers driven by the MET protein. It is taken by mouth as a tablet, usually twice a day, and is a long-term treatment that aims to control the cancer rather than a short course. It is prescribed and supervised by a cancer specialist team.
How it works
In some lung cancers, a change in the MET gene leads to an overactive MET protein that constantly signals the cancer cells to grow and spread. Capmatinib blocks this MET protein, switching off the signal that drives the cancer, so its growth slows or stops. Because the medicine works only while it is present in the body and the cancer keeps producing the faulty signal, it is taken regularly every day. Scans and tests are used to see how well the cancer is responding over time.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A targeted oral medicine used in the UK to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer, taken as a tablet under a cancer specialist.
Practical use
How to take Capmatinib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the tablet by mouth, usually twice a day, swallowed whole with water, with or without food, as your specialist advises.
- Report any new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever straight away, as these can be signs of lung inflammation.
- Tell your team about yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness, which can signal liver problems.
- Protect your skin from the sun by covering up and using sun protection, as the medicine increases sensitivity to sunlight.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for the time your team advises, as it can harm an unborn baby.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Capmatinib
Advantages
- A targeted treatment for lung cancer driven by a specific MET gene change.
- Taken as a tablet at home rather than needing infusions.
- Can be taken with or without food, which is convenient.
Disadvantages
- Can cause lung inflammation (pneumonitis), which can be serious.
- Can cause liver problems and makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Interacts with several other medicines, so a full medicines list is important.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important safety point is lung inflammation, called pneumonitis, which can cause new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever; this needs to be reported straight away because it can be serious and treatment may need to be paused. Capmatinib can also affect the liver, so regular blood tests are done and you should report yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness. It commonly makes the skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so covering up and using sun protection is advised. It can be taken with or without food. Because it interacts with several other medicines, and because it can harm an unborn baby, it is important to share a full medicines list and to use reliable contraception during and after treatment.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to capmatinib should not take it.
- It is not used in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby, and breastfeeding is avoided.
- It is used with caution, and monitoring, in people with significant liver problems or existing lung disease, under specialist care.
Monitoring
- Watching for lung symptoms such as breathlessness, cough or fever that could mean pneumonitis.
- Regular liver function tests during treatment.
- Scans and reviews to see how well the cancer is responding, and checks for side effects.
Side effects
- Swelling of the limbs, tiredness, nausea, vomiting or reduced appetite.
- Lung inflammation (pneumonitis), causing new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever.
- Liver problems shown on blood tests, and increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.
- Back pain and changes in blood tests during treatment.
Key interactions
- Some medicines can raise capmatinib levels and increase side effects, while others can lower them and make it less effective.
- It can affect the levels of certain other medicines, so your team reviews your full list.
- Medicines and remedies that increase sun sensitivity may add to the risk of skin reactions.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Capmatinib: frequently asked questions
What is capmatinib used for?
It is a targeted medicine used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a change in a gene called MET.
Why was my cancer tested first?
Capmatinib only works against cancers driven by the MET protein, so a test on the cancer checks for the MET gene change before treatment.
What lung symptoms should I report?
Report any new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever straight away, as these can be signs of lung inflammation called pneumonitis, which can be serious.
Why do I need to protect my skin from the sun?
Capmatinib commonly makes the skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so covering up and using sun protection helps prevent skin reactions.
Can I take it with food?
Yes, it can be taken with or without food; the main thing is to take it consistently as your specialist advises.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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