Common brand names

• Tazverik

How it is administered

Tazemetostat is taken by mouth as a tablet. The recommended dose for adults with follicular lymphoma is 800 mg (usually four 200 mg tablets) taken twice daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole; do not cut, crush, or chew them. If you miss a dose or vomit after taking a dose, do not take an extra dose—just take your next scheduled dose as usual.

How it works

Tazemetostat is a type of targeted therapy known as a methyltransferase inhibitor. It works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called EZH2, which is involved in the regulation of gene expression. In some cases of follicular lymphoma, mutations in the EZH2 gene can cause cancer cells to grow and survive longer than normal. By inhibiting EZH2, tazemetostat can help slow down or stop the growth of these cancer cells.

Tazemetostat is effective in patients whose follicular lymphoma has specific EZH2 mutations, but it can also be used in patients without these mutations if there are no satisfactory alternative treatment options. The medication is designed to target cancer cells more precisely, potentially leading to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Who should take it

Tazemetostat is indicated for adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) who have received at least two prior systemic therapies. It is especially recommended for those whose tumors are positive for an EZH2 mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. Additionally, it may be used in adults with relapsed or refractory FL who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options, regardless of EZH2 mutation status.

Your doctor will determine if tazemetostat is appropriate for you based on your treatment history, the presence of the EZH2 mutation, and other available therapies.

Who should not take it

There are no absolute contraindications listed for tazemetostat. However, it should be used with caution in certain situations:

• Pregnant women should not take tazemetostat, as it can cause harm to an unborn baby. Effective non-hormonal contraception is recommended for women of childbearing potential during treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should also use contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
• Women should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week after the final dose.
• Patients with a history of secondary cancers should discuss the risks with their doctor, as tazemetostat can increase the risk of developing other blood cancers.

Always inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and medications before starting tazemetostat.

Commonly used with

Tazemetostat is typically used as a single agent (monotherapy) for follicular lymphoma, especially in patients who have already tried other treatments. It is not commonly combined with other cancer medications for this indication, but your doctor may recommend supportive treatments to manage symptoms or side effects.

Commonly tested with

Tazemetostat has been studied as monotherapy in clinical trials for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. It may be tested alongside other supportive medications, but it is not routinely combined with other anti-cancer agents in this setting. Your healthcare team will monitor your response to tazemetostat and may order regular blood tests to check for side effects or changes in your blood counts.