Gefitinib
Gefitinib, a targeted therapy medication, belongs to a class of drugs known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. It is primarily used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has certain mutations in the EGFR gene. By inhibiting the activity of EGFR, gefitinib helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells. This article delves into the impact of gene variants on gefitinib therapy, ways to recognize potential problems, strategies to improve treatment outcomes, and interesting facts about this medication.
Impact of Gene Variant
Gene variants in the EGFR gene play a crucial role in determining the response to gefitinib treatment. Specifically, mutations in exons 18-21 of the EGFR gene are associated with increased sensitivity to gefitinib. These mutations lead to constitutive activation of the EGFR pathway, promoting tumor growth. Gefitinib selectively targets and inhibits the mutated EGFR, thereby suppressing tumor growth and improving patient outcomes.
However, not all patients with NSCLC respond favorably to gefitinib, and this can be attributed to various factors, including the presence of different EGFR mutations or the development of resistance mechanisms over time. Additionally, individuals without EGFR mutations are unlikely to benefit from gefitinib therapy.
Ways to Recognize Problems
Recognizing potential problems with gefitinib therapy involves close monitoring of treatment response and the occurrence of adverse effects.
