Protein kinase inhibitors are drugs to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some types of cancer that can be treated with this drug are kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer.
Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme that plays an important role in helping cell growth and division. Protein kinase inhibitors work by inhibiting the function of protein tyrosine kinases, so that the growth of cancer cells can be prevented. Protein kinase inhibitors should only be used with a doctor's prescription and instructions.
Warning Before Using Protein Kinase Inhibitor
- Do not use protein kinase inhibitors if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- Before using protein kinase inhibitors, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially blood clotting disorders, digestive disorders, heart disease, kidney, lung, liver, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Protein kinase inhibitors can increase the risk of heart rhythm disturbances, especially in patients with heart disease or disorders.
- Protein kinase inhibitors are at risk of causing gastric bleeding. Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using this medicine.
- Protein kinase inhibitors can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive and do activities that require alertness after taking this medicine.
Protein Kinase Inhibitor Side Effects
In addition to the benefits they contain, protein kinase inhibitors are also at risk of causing side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
Protein Kinase Inhibitor Type, Trademark and Dosage
The dose of protein kinase inhibitors depends on the type and form of the drug, as well as the age and condition of the patient. The dosage for children will be determined by the doctor, while the dosage for adults will be described below:
Axitinib
Trademark: Inlyta
Dosage and directions for use of axitinib:
- Condition: kidney cancer
Adults: initial dose is 5 mg, 2 times daily, taken every 12 hours.
Crizotinib
Trademark: Xalkori
Dosage and directions for use of crizotinib:
- Condition: lung cancer
Adults: 250 mg, 2 times daily.
Erlotinib
Trademarks: Erlonib 100, Erlonib 150, Tarceva
Dosage and directions for use of erlotinib:
- Condition: lung cancer
Adults: 150 mg, once daily
- Condition: pancreatic cancer
Adults: 100 mg, once daily
Gefitinib
Trademarks: Gefinib, Genessa, Iressa
Dosage and directions for use of gefitinib:
- Condition: lung cancer
Adults: 250 mg, once daily.
Nilotinib
Trademark: Tasigna
Dosage and directions for use of nilotinib:
- Condition: chronic myeloid leukemia
Adults: 300-400 mg, 2 times a day, taken every 12 hours
Sorafenib
Trademark: Nexavar
Dosage and directions for use of sorafenib:
- Conditions: kidney cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer
Adults: 400 mg, 2 times daily
Sunitinib
Trademark: Sutent
Dosage and directions for use of sunitinib:
- Condition: pancreatic cancer
Adults: 37.5 mg, once daily
- Condition: kidney cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
Adults: 50 mg, once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks without medication. The treatment cycle is repeated as directed by the doctor.
- Condition: kidney cancer after kidney removal surgery
Adults: 50 mg, once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks without medication. The treatment cycle is repeated as directed by the doctor.
Imatinib
For a complete explanation of the uses, dosage and how to use imatinib, please visit the imatinib drug page.
