LuciBelzu 40mg, Belzutifan Tablets

Belzutifan, marketed under the brand name Welireg, is a targeted therapy approved for the treatment of certain cancers associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system hemangioblastomas, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. It is also indicated for advanced clear cell RCC in patients who have received prior therapies.

What Is Belzutifan?

LuciBelzu 40mg contains Belzutifan, a targeted cancer therapy used to treat certain tumors linked to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, as well as advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). It works by blocking a protein called HIF-2α (hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha), which plays a key role in the growth of cancer cells. 

Belzutifan is an oral medication that inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α), a protein involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis. By blocking HIF-2α, LuciBelzu reduces the expression of genes that promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This mechanism makes it effective in treating cancers associated with VHL disease .

Mechanism of Action

Here’s how it works:

• In normal cells, the VHL gene helps degrade HIF-2α, preventing it from activating genes that promote blood vessel growth and tumor survival.
• In VHL disease or certain cancers, the VHL gene is mutated, causing HIF-2α to build up.
• HIF-2α activates genes that help cancer cells grow, form new blood vessels (angiogenesis), and survive in low-oxygen environments.
• Belzutifan binds directly to HIF-2α, stopping it from forming a complex with HIF-1β.
• This blocks the activation of genes that tumors need to grow and spread.
• Under normal oxygen conditions, HIF-2α is degraded by the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein. In VHL disease, the VHL protein is dysfunctional, leading to the stabilization and accumulation of HIF-2α. Belzutifan inhibits the growth of tumors by binding to HIF-2α and blocking its interaction with HIF-1β, which leads to gene activation.

How to Use / Indications

sometimes known as LuciBelzu, is recommended for the treatment of:

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors, including:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
• Central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) 
• Advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)
• In adults who have previously received anti-angiogenic therapy (e.g., VEGF inhibitors).

These indications are based on Belzutifan’s ability to inhibit tumor growth by targeting HIF-2α, a protein abnormally activated in these cancers.

LuciBelzu is prescribed for:

• adults with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, CNS hemangioblastomas, and RCC linked to VHL.
• Adults with advanced clear cell RCC who have received prior therapies.

How to Take / Dosage

Standard Dosage:

• Typical dose: 120 mg once daily
• Route: Oral (by mouth)

How to Take:

• Swallow tablets whole with water
• Take at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in the body
• Other Dosage
• Depending on side effects and personal tolerance, adjustments can be required. The right dosage will be decided for each patient by healthcare professionals.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Hypoxia
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased creatinine levels
• Elevated blood sugar levels

Serious Side Effects:

Although less frequent, they could need immediate medical attention:

• Severe hypoxia: severely low blood oxygen levels
• Problems with bleeding, particularly if taking blood thinners
• Changes in liver function are indicated by elevated liver enzymes on blood testing.
• A transfusion or change in dosage may be necessary for severe anemia.

Rare but Serious Reactions:

• Allergic reactions – rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Vision changes – report immediately to your doctor
• Severe fatigue or chest discomfort – possible signs of hypoxia or anemia

Monitoring:

Patients on Belzutifan usually need regular blood tests to check:

• Hemoglobin levels (for anemia)
• Oxygen saturation
• Liver and kidney function

Storage

Keep belzutifan at room temperature (20°C to 25°C) and away from intense heat and moisture. To keep the medication dry, keep it in its original container with desiccant canisters.

Benefits

Belzutifan has shown efficacy in reducing tumor size and progression in patients with VHL-associated cancers. Clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to control disease and improve patient outcomes .

Prescription

Belzutifan can only be obtained with a prescription. To find out if this drug is suitable for their situation, patients should speak with their healthcare provider.

Interactions

Belzutifan may interact with other medications:

• Inhibitors of UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 can increase belzutifan levels, potentially leading to adverse effects.
• CYP3A4 substrates may have reduced efficacy when taken with belzutifan.
• Belzutifan therapy may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

FAQs

Can I chew or crush the tablet?

No, swallow the tablet whole with water.

Does Belzutifan affect breathing?

Yes, it can cause low oxygen levels (hypoxia); report breathing issues.

Is it safe with other medications?

Some drugs may interact—tell your doctor about all your medicines.

Conclusion

Belzutifan represents a significant advancement in the treatment of cancers associated with VHL disease. Its targeted mechanism of action offers a promising option for patients with limited treatment alternatives. As with all medications, it is essential to use belzutifan under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure safety and efficacy.