MEK inhibitor
MEK inhibitor
A MEK inhibitor (pronounced: M-E-K inhibitor) is a type of chemotherapy drug that targets and inhibits the MEK enzyme, a key component in the MAPK/ERK pathway. This pathway is involved in cell growth and survival, and its disruption can lead to the death of cancer cells.
Etymology
The term "MEK inhibitor" is derived from the name of the enzyme it targets, MEK, which stands for Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. The word "inhibitor" refers to the drug's function of inhibiting or blocking the activity of the MEK enzyme.
Related Terms
- Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK): An enzyme that plays a crucial role in the MAPK/ERK pathway, which is involved in cell growth and survival.
- MAPK/ERK pathway: A chain of proteins in the cell that communicates a signal from a receptor on the surface of the cell to the DNA in the nucleus of the cell.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
Usage in Medicine
MEK inhibitors are used in the treatment of various types of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. They work by blocking the activity of the MEK enzyme, thereby disrupting the MAPK/ERK pathway and leading to the death of cancer cells.
MEK inhibitors are usually given in pill form and are taken orally. They can be used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
Common side effects of MEK inhibitors include skin rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and vision changes. More serious side effects can include heart problems, lung problems, and liver problems.
Examples of MEK inhibitors
Some examples of MEK inhibitors include Trametinib, Cobimetinib, and Binimetinib. These drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on MEK inhibitor
- Wikipedia's article - MEK inhibitor
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