What is difference between erlotinib and gefitinib?

What is difference between erlotinib and gefitinib?

Gefitinib has been approved only for EGFR mutation bearing patients regardless the line of treatment, while erlotinib is also indicated in patients without EGFR mutation who undergo second- or third-line treatment.

What cancers does gefitinib treat?

Gefitinib is a treatment for non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread into the surrounding tissues (locally advanced) or to other parts of the body. Gefitinib is also used in clinical trials for other cancer types.

Is erlotinib a TKI?

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) which is a type of cancer growth blocker. It blocks proteins on cancer cells that encourage the cancer to grow. These proteins are called epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). If you have a cancer that has these receptors you are EGFR positive.

How long can you take gefitinib?

“The patients taking gefitinib lived about 10 months longer without recurrence than patients who received chemotherapy, and patients are able to take [gefitinib] for almost 2 years and tolerate it very well,” Wu told HemOnc Today.

Is gefitinib targeted therapy?

Gefitinib (Iressa®) is a targeted therapy drug used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is best to read this information with our general information about targeted therapies and the type of cancer you have. Gefitinib belongs to a group of targeted therapy drugs known as cancer growth inhibitors.

Is gefitinib a TKI?

Gefitinib (Iressa) is a selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and is used for the treatment of lung cancer.

How long does erlotinib work?

Erlotinib is highly effective in the subset of patients carrying EGFR mutations. However, even these patients will eventually begin to show progression of their cancer after about 12 months of erlotinib therapy.

What are the side effects of gefitinib?

Side Effects

• Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness.
• clay colored stools.
• decreased appetite.
• diarrhea, severe.
• itching or skin rash.
• nausea and vomiting.
• swelling of the feet or lower legs.
• yellow eyes or skin.

What does gefitinib do to your body?

Gefitinib is used to treat lung cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Gefitinib blocks a certain protein (an enzyme called tyrosine kinase).