Gefitinib (Gefitinib) efficacy and side effects

Gefitinib (Gefitinib) is a tumor-targeted therapy drug used to treat patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It belongs to the first generation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Gefitinib affects tumor cells by inhibiting the abnormal activation of the EGFR signaling pathway, but it may also cause a series of side effects during treatment.

Efficacy:

The main efficacy of gefitinib is for NSCLC patients with EGFR gene mutations. EGFRMutation is one of the common molecular abnormalities in NSCLC, leading to excessive activation of the receptor and promoting the growth and spread of tumor cells. Gefitinib inhibits the activity of EGFR tyrosine kinase and blocks the signal transduction pathway, thereby slowing down the proliferation and survival of tumor cells and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth.

For those patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, gefitinib can bring significant clinical benefits. Studies have shown that compared with traditional chemotherapy, gefitinib can prolong patient survival and also show positive effects in improving quality of life. For some patients, especially those who cannot tolerate chemotherapy or have undergone multiple treatments, gefitinib may be a beneficial treatment option.

Side effects:

However, like any drug, while gefitinib brings therapeutic effects, it may also cause a series of side effects. These side effects can vary on an individual basis, with some patients experiencing mild symptoms while others may face more severe problems. Here are some possible side effects of gefitinib:

1.Skin reactions: One of the most common side effects is skin reactions such as rash, itching, dryness, inflammation, etc. These reactions are usually mild, but may sometimes affect the patient's quality of life.

2.Gastrointestinal problems: Another common side effect is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms may affect the patient's diet and digestion.

3.Liver function damage: Gefitinib may cause damage to the liver, leading to abnormal liver function. Doctors usually monitor a patient's liver function to make sure no serious problems develop.

4.Respiratory symptoms: Some patients may experience respiratory problems such as coughing and difficulty breathing, especially in the early stages of treatment.

5.Eye problems: Symptoms such as dryness, stinging, and tearing of the eyes may also occur during treatment.

6.Others: Gefitinib may also cause fatigue, headache, joint pain and other uncomfortable symptoms.

It is important to note that the occurrence and severity of side effects vary from person to person. Some patients may experience only mild side effects, while others may face more severe challenges. When using gefitinib, doctors usually regularly monitor and adjust the treatment plan based on the patient's specific conditions to maximize the balance between treatment effects and side effects.

In summary, gefitinib is an important therapeutic drug for EGFRmutation-positiveNSCLC patients. While it can bring significant therapeutic benefits in some patients, it can also cause a range of side effects. When using this drug, doctors will conduct individualized treatment planning based on the patient's condition and closely monitor the patient's condition to ensure optimal treatment results.

Gefitinib was launched in China in 2005. At that time, the price of a box was about 5,000 yuan. Enter medical insurance in China in 2017. The price after medical insurance has dropped a lot. For the specific price after medical insurance, please consult the local hospital pharmacy or the medical insurance bureau. Other versions include original drugs and cost-effective generic drugs. Generic drugs include generic drugs from India, Bangladesh and Laos. The prices vary with different specifications, about 200~800yuan, and the ingredients of generic drugs are basically the same as domestic drugs.