Gefitinib (Adverse effects)
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
