Protein kinase inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Types of cancer that can be overcome with this drug include kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer.
Protein kinase is an enzyme that plays an important role in helping the growth and division of cells. Based on their structure, protein kinases can be divided into tyrosine kinases and serine-threonine kinases. Mutations in this protein can cause uncontrolled cell growth and lead to cancer .
Protein kinase inhibitors stop the signals that activate uncontrolled cell growth processes in cancer. So far, the most widely used type of protein kinase inhibitor is tyrosine kinase inhibitor, while other types are still in the development stage.
Precautions Before Using Protein Kinase Inhibitors
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Protein kinase inhibitors should not be given to patients who are allergic to this class of drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have had or are suffering from diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, heart rhythm disorders , high blood pressure, blockage of blood vessels, high cholesterol , bleeding, or diseases of the digestive tract, such as ulcers stomach _
- Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages or grapefruit during treatment with protein kinase inhibitors because it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are using a protein kinase inhibitor before undergoing surgery, including dental surgery.
- Do not perform immunizations or vaccinations without a doctor's approval, and avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines, such as polio or measles vaccines.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after consuming this medicine because it can cause dizziness and blurred vision.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Use effective contraception during treatment with protein kinase inhibitors.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including supplements and herbal products.
- See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects after using a protein kinase inhibitor.
Side Effects of Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Here are the side effects that can appear after consuming protein kinase inhibitors:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Turn
- Blurred or double vision
- Headache
- Thrush
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Muscle or joint pain
- Unusual fatigue
- Hair loss
- Bruises
- A cold
- Pale
Check with your doctor if the side effects do not improve or get worse.
See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Disorders due to blockage of blood vessels, which can be characterized by chest pain , pain in the arms, jaw, back, and neck, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or vision changes
- Heart problems, which can be marked by tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, drastic weight gain, swelling in the hands, wrists, feet, or ankles
- Serious digestive disorders, characterized by severe abdominal pain or cramps, bloody or black stools, difficulty breathing, heartburn , nausea, or dark-colored vomit.
- Brain disease reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS), which can be characterized by headache, seizures, severe drowsiness, confusion, or visual disturbances.
- Liver disorders, characterized by pain in the upper abdomen, pale stools, dark urine, fatigue, weakness, or jaundice .
- Hand-Foot Syndrome , which can be characterized by skin rash, reddened skin, pain, swelling, or blisters on the soles of the feet and hands.
Types, Brands, and Doses of Protein Kinase Inhibitors
The following are the types of drugs that are included in the protein kinase inhibitor group along with the brand name, preparation form, and dosage according to the condition to be overcome:
Erlotinib
Preparation form: tablets
Trademarks: Eloceta, Erlonat, Erlonib, Tarceva
The dose of erlotinib for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in adult patients is 100 mg, once a day. The dose can be readjusted based on the patient's condition and response to treatment after 4–8 weeks.
The dose of erlotinib for the treatment of lung cancer in adult patients is 150 mg, once a day. The dose can be adjusted based on the patient's condition and response to treatment.
Axitinib
Preparation form: tablets
Trademark: Inlyta
The initial dose of axitinib to treat kidney cancer in adult patients is 5 mg, 2 times a day. The dose can then be adjusted based on the patient's condition and response to treatment.
Crizotinib
Preparation form: capsule
Trademark: Xalkori
The dose of crizotinib to treat lung cancer is 250 mg, 2 times a day. The dose can then be adjusted based on the patient's condition, needs, and response to treatment.
Gefitinib
Preparation form: tablets
Trademarks: Gefitero, Gefiza, Genessa, Gefinib, Iressa, Iretinib
To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the gefitinib drug page .
Nilotinib
Preparation form: capsule
Trademark: Tasigna
To find out the dose and more information about this drug, please visit the nilotinib drug page .
Sorafenib
Preparation form: tablets
Trademark: Nexavar
To find out the dose and more information about this drug, please visit the sorafenib drug page .
Sunitinib
Preparation form: capsule
Trademark: Sutent
To find out the dose and more information about this drug, please visit the sunitinib drug page .
Imatinib
Preparation form: tablets and capsules
Trademarks: Glivec, Imasonib 100, Imnib 400, Imatin, Leukivec, Mianib, Nivec, Tinibat
To find out the dose and more information about this drug, please visit the imatinib drug page .