General Information

Tazverik (tazemetostat) blocks activity of the EZH2 methyltransferase, which may help keep the cancer cells from growing.

Tazverik is specifically indicated for the treatment of adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma not eligible for complete resection.

Tazverik is supplied as a tablet for oral administration. The recommended dose is 800 mg orally twice daily with or without food until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Swallow tablets whole. Do not take an additional dose if a dose is missed or vomiting occurs after Tazverik, but continue with the next scheduled dose.

Clinical Trials

FDA Approval

Tazverik was granted accelerated approval. Continued approval for this indication is contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. 

The FDA approval of Tazverik was based on the results of a clinical trial enrolling 62 patients with metastatic or locally advanced epithelioid sarcoma. During the clinical trial, patients received 800 milligrams (mg) of Tazverik twice a day until the disease progressed or the patient reached an unacceptable level of toxicity. Tumor response assessments were performed every eight weeks during the clinical trial. The trial measured how many patients experienced complete or partial shrinkage (by a certain amount) of their tumors during treatment (overall response rate). The overall response rate was 15%, with 1.6% of patients having a complete response and 13% having a partial response. Of the nine patients that had a response, six (67%) patients had a response lasting six months or longer.

Side Effects

Adverse effects associated with the use of Tazverik may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• pain
• fatigue
• nausea
• decreased appetite
• vomiting
• constipation

Mechanism of Action

Tazverik (tazemetostat) is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of EZH2 enzymatic activity. EPZ-6438 induces apoptosis and differentiation specifically in SMARCB1-deleted MRT cells.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding Tazverik or epithelioid carcinoma, please visit the Tazverik web page.