The role of Gefitinib in treating Non-small cell lung cancer and mutated Lung Cancer

1. The Role Of Gefitinib In Treating Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer And Mutated Lung Cancer Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. And in only 10% of the cases, EGFR mutations are observed. And gefitinib is generally recommended to people who have the most common type of EGFR mutations. Gefitinib (Brand Iressa by AstraZeneca) a targeted therapy (called kinase inhibitor) works by blocking the EGFR protein that helps cancer cell growth. Early clinical trials for gefitinib were designed prior to the discovery of the EGFR mutation. With the long-term use of gefitinib, few of the patients suffering from NSCLC responded well with a low rate of toxicity. For the above conclusion, 191 patients (enrolled in US Iressa Clinical Access Program) with advanced NSCLC were taken into consideration, and their results have been assessed and analysed by researchers in order to come up with the above conclusion. Gefitinib / Iressa medication cost information Among the 191 patients, 79 underwent a retrospective chart review that depicted survival, safety, and demographic data. The median duration of the study was 11 years 1 months and 6 days, with a survival rate of 86% at 10 years and 59% at 15 years. Some serious adverse events were observed in 64 patients in the study; the majority of which were comorbidities and underlying disease and only 3 patients had treatment-related adverse events.

2. The US FDA had approved gefitinib (Brand Iressa by AstraZeneca) for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in 2003. But now the US FDA has approved a test for the gene mutations in NSCLC which contains a specific mutation in the EGFR gene. The approval was given on the basis of a study conducted with the help of 106 people who are suffering from non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR-mutated gene and they haven’t received any prior treatment related to it before. After the completion of the study, it was founded that half of the patients in the study have their tumours reduced/shrink or disappear, just by using gefitinib (Brand Iressa by AstraZeneca). This reduction in the size of the tumour or disappearance of it lasted a long 6 months. Iressa / Gefitinib comes in a form of tablet. Gefitinib tablet is generally taken orally once daily with or without food until there is unacceptable toxicity or the disease progresses itself. The most common side effects of Iressa / Gefitinib tablet are diarrhea and skin problems (that may include rash, acne, dry skin, and itching). There can be some serious side effects also like liver damage, lung disease, severe diarrhea, gastrointestinal perforation, and eye problems. If these problems arise, contact your physician immediately. Gefitinib / Iressa medication cost information The information provided on the above is meant for the purpose of being helpful and educational. It should not be considered as medical advice.