Gefitinib (Adverse effects)

Gefitinib is an EGFR inhibitor used in the treatment of certain types of breast, lung and other cancers. An association has been observed between the presence of certain variants in the ABCG2 gene and the appearance of adverse effects, such as diarrhea or dermal toxicity.

Gefitinib is an inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase with activity in non-small-cell lung cancer. It works by blocking the action of tyrosine kinase to stop growth, inhibits the apoptosis, the production of proangiogenic factors and the s metastatic spread. By blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply, it helps to stop the cancer from growing and spreading.;

It is used in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non- small cell cancer with EGFR-TK activating mutations.


BRAND NAMES

  • Iressa®

Symptoms

Common side effects caused by cancer treatment include:

  • Very frequently: anorexia, diarrhea (20%) nauseas, vomiting, stomatitis (sores and inflammation in the mouth), elevated ALT levels, cracked, itchy pustular skin rash. Asthenia.
  • Frequently: conjunctivitis, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) and dry eye, hemorrhage, interstitial lung disease, dehydration, xerostomia (dry mouth), elevated AST, total bilirubin and creatinine and proteinuria levels; skin and nail changes, alopecia; fever (pyrexia).
  • Less frequently: reversible corneal erosion, at times together with aberrant eyelash growth; pancreatitis; gastrointestinal perforation; allergic reactions, including angioedema and hives.

Genes analyzed

ABCG2

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