DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
EGFR- tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Pharmacodynamics (Effect)This section has been translated automatically.
Gefitinib inhibits the "Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor" by preventing the ATP binding site of tyrosine kinase and thus autophosphorylation. This prevents the induction of the EGF-receptor-mediated signaling cascade to the cell nucleus. The consequences are reduced cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis with simultaneously increased apoptosis rate.
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IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Breast carcinomas, chemotherapeutically pre-treated patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma.
Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.
No sufficient data available, therefore no application during pregnancy and lactation recommended.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
- Frequent: Acne-like exanthema (see Acne medicamentosa), vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhoea, paronychia, stomatitis, conjunctivitis.
- Less frequent: lung diseases, corneal erosions, hypertrichosis.
PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.
Iressa
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
In the USA, gefitinib has been approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (third therapy when the tumor progresses despite two different chemotherapies). In the meantime, results of a study have been published by the US FDA. In a preliminary analysis, this double-blind study involving almost 1700 people showed that gefitinib does not offer a significant survival advantage over placebo.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Knight LA et al (2004) The in vitro effect of gefitinib ('Iressa') alone and in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy on human solid tumours. BMC Cancer 23: 83
- Mebes K et al (2007) Acneiform eruptions associated with EGFR inhibitor therapy in metastatic or-hypopharygeal carcinoma of the 13: 116-123
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer