Is Gilotrif (afatinib) a chemotherapy drug?
Gilotrif (afatinib) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is caused by an abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene or genes.
Gilotrif is a small molecule drug and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases are a family of enzymes that play a key role in controlling the signaling processes involved in cell growth, differentiation, metabolism and death. EGFR is found on the surface of cells and helps them to grow. When the gene for it is defective or abnormal then cells can grow out of control causing cancer.
Gilotrif is a type of targeted chemotherapy because it specifically targets and blocks EGFR. Targeted chemotherapy drugs are different from traditional chemotherapy agents which attack all dividing cells, damaging healthy cells as well as cancerous ones.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gilotrif Product Label. [Accessed October 25, 2022]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/201292s017lbl.pdf.
Read next
How long can I take Gilotrif (afatinib) for?
Gilotrif (afatinib) is a prescription medication used to help stop or slow the spread of cancer in people with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients tend to take Gilotrif for a median time of about 11 to 13 months, although the length of treatment varies from person to person. Continue reading
How does Gilotrif (afatinib) work?
Gilotrif (afatinib) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is used to treat NSCLC that is EGFR-positive, meaning that it is caused by an abnormal EGFR gene. Gilotrif works by targeting and irreversibly blocking EGFR.
Gilotrif helps to stop or slow the spread of NSCLC. Continue reading
Is small cell or non-small cell lung cancer worse?
Generally, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10-15% of people who have lung cancer and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. SCLC usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi), and although the cells are small, they grow very quickly and create large tumors. Early on in the course of the disease, there are rarely any symptoms. If caught early (limited-stage disease) 20-25% of people can be potentially cured. Extensive SCLC is more difficult to treat. Continue reading
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Drug information
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