A targeted treatment for lung cancer with a KRAS G12C change
Sotorasib
A targeted oral cancer medicine for advanced lung cancer that has a specific KRAS G12C gene change.
What is Sotorasib?
Sotorasib is a specialist targeted cancer medicine used for a type of advanced lung cancer that has a particular gene change called KRAS G12C. It works by blocking this faulty protein, which is driving the cancer's growth. It is taken by mouth as tablets under the care of a cancer team, and only when testing has confirmed the KRAS G12C change. Important safety points include effects on the liver, picked up by regular blood tests, and inflammation of the lungs (called pneumonitis), so new or worsening breathlessness or cough should be reported. It can harm an unborn baby, so contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sotorasib — 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
Sotorasib is a targeted cancer medicine used for a type of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer that carries a specific change in a protein called KRAS, known as KRAS G12C. A test confirms the cancer has this change before the medicine is used. Rather than acting broadly like older chemotherapy, it is aimed at the particular fault that is driving this cancer. It is taken by mouth as tablets, usually after other treatments have been tried, under the supervision of a specialist cancer team.
How it works
KRAS is a protein that helps control cell growth. In some lung cancers a change called KRAS G12C leaves it stuck switched on, constantly telling the cells to multiply. Sotorasib locks onto this faulty form of KRAS and blocks it, switching off the growth signal so the cancer can shrink or be held back. Because it targets the specific fault driving the tumour, it is more focused than general chemotherapy, but it can still affect healthy tissues such as the liver and lungs, which is why monitoring is important. It is taken every day to keep the faulty protein blocked.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist oral cancer medicine used in the UK for a type of advanced lung cancer that has a particular gene change called KRAS G12C.
Practical use
How to take Sotorasib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take the tablets by mouth as prescribed, at about the same time each day.
- Attend all blood tests so your liver can be monitored and the dose adjusted if needed.
- Report any new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever promptly, as this can be a sign of lung inflammation.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for the time advised afterwards, as it can harm an unborn baby.
- Tell your team about all your medicines, including stomach-acid medicines, as some affect how sotorasib works.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sotorasib
Advantages
- A targeted treatment matched to lung cancers driven by the specific KRAS G12C change.
- Taken by mouth as tablets rather than given by drip.
- More focused than general chemotherapy, acting on the fault driving the tumour.
Disadvantages
- Only suitable for lung cancers shown by testing to have the KRAS G12C change.
- Can affect the liver and, less commonly, cause inflammation of the lungs.
- Needs regular monitoring and can harm an unborn baby, so contraception is important.
Practical use
Good to know
The most important point is that sotorasib only suits lung cancers shown by testing to have the KRAS G12C change, so it is matched to the individual tumour. It can affect the liver, so blood tests are done regularly, and the dose may be adjusted or paused if liver tests rise. A serious but less common effect is inflammation of the lungs, called pneumonitis, so any new or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever should be reported promptly, as this can need treatment to be paused. Stomach upset such as diarrhoea and nausea is common. Like other cancer medicines, it can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important during treatment and for a time afterwards. Tell your team about all your medicines, as some can change how sotorasib works.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to sotorasib should not take it.
- It is not suitable in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby.
- It is used with care in people with liver problems or lung problems, under specialist supervision.
Monitoring
- Regular liver blood tests, with the dose adjusted or paused if results rise.
- Watching for signs of lung inflammation, such as breathlessness, cough or fever.
- Reviewing how the cancer is responding and checking for other side effects.
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, nausea or stomach upset, especially early in treatment.
- Tiredness and joint or muscle aches.
- Changes in liver blood tests, picked up by regular monitoring.
- Less commonly but importantly, inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis) causing breathlessness or cough.
Key interactions
- Stomach-acid medicines such as proton pump inhibitors can reduce how well sotorasib is absorbed, so timing or choice is reviewed.
- Some medicines can raise or lower the levels of sotorasib in the body, so tell your team about everything you take.
- It can also affect the levels of certain other medicines, which the team will review.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Sotorasib: frequently asked questions
What is sotorasib used for?
It is used for a type of advanced lung cancer that testing has shown to have a particular gene change called KRAS G12C.
Why do I need a test first?
Sotorasib only works on cancers with the KRAS G12C change, so a test confirms your tumour has it before treatment starts.
Why is my liver checked?
It can affect the liver, so regular blood tests let your team catch any changes early and adjust the dose if needed.
When should I worry about my breathing?
New or worsening breathlessness, cough or fever could be a sign of lung inflammation, so report these promptly to your team.
Is contraception necessary?
Yes. It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important during treatment and for a time afterwards.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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