Afatinib

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Afatinib

Afatinib (pronounced as /əˈfætɪnɪb/) is a type of medication used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and, in some cases, breast cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Etymology

The name "Afatinib" is derived from the Latin word "affinis", meaning "related to", and the suffix "-ib", which is commonly used in the names of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Usage

Afatinib works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply. It is used when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), or cannot be removed by surgery, and the patient has certain "EGFR" gene mutations.

Related Terms

  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A class of drugs that Afatinib belongs to. These drugs work by blocking the action of enzymes known as tyrosine kinases, which are involved in many cellular functions, including cell growth and division.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A type of lung cancer that Afatinib is commonly used to treat.
  • EGFR gene: A gene that, when mutated, can lead to the development of certain types of cancer. Afatinib is often used in patients who have these mutations.

Side Effects

Like all medications, Afatinib can cause side effects. Common side effects include diarrhea, skin rash, mouth sores, and nail inflammation. More serious side effects can include lung or heart problems.

See Also

External links

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