COSELA (trilaciclib) is a prescription medicine used to help reduce the occurrence of low blood cell counts caused by chemotherapy-induced bone marrow damage. Specifically, it is used in adults who are receiving certain chemotherapy regimens for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Protecting Bone Marrow: Chemotherapy, while effective in killing cancer cells, can also damage healthy cells, including those in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells.
- Reducing Low Blood Cell Counts: COSELA works to protect the bone marrow from this damage, which helps to reduce the likelihood of developing low blood cell counts (myelosuppression). Myelosuppression can lead to complications like infections (due to low white blood cells), anemia (due to low red blood cells), and bleeding (due to low platelets).
- Specific Chemotherapy Regimens: COSELA is indicated for use with specific chemotherapy regimens, particularly platinum/etoposide or topotecan, in patients with ES-SCLC. These combinations are commonly used to treat this aggressive form of lung cancer.
In summary, COSELA is a preventative medication used during chemotherapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer to help maintain healthy blood cell counts by protecting the bone marrow from chemotherapy damage.
