We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Management of diarrhea induced by epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- Authors
Hirsh, V.; Blais, N.; Burkes, R.; Verma, S.; Croitoru, K.
- Abstract
Treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is moving away from traditional chemotherapy toward personalized medicine. The reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIS) erlotinib and gefitinib were developed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Afatinib, an irreversible ErbB family blocker, was developed to block EGFR (ErbB1), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2), and ErbB4 signalling, and transphosphorylation of ErbB3. All of the foregoing agents are efficacious in treating NSCLC, and their adverse event profile is different from that of chemotherapy. Two of the most common adverse events with EGFR TKIS are rash and diarrhea. Here, we focus on diarrhea. The key to successful management of diarrhea is to treat early and aggressively using patient education, diet, and antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide. We also present strategies for the effective assessment and management of EGFR TKI–induced diarrhea.
- Subjects
DIARRHEA; DISEASE management; EPIDERMAL growth factor receptor genetics; EPIDERMAL growth factor receptors regulation; PROTEIN-tyrosine kinase inhibitors
- Publication
Current Oncology, 2014, Vol 21, Issue 6, p329
- ISSN
1198-0052
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3747/co.21.2241