ALK inhibitor
ALK Inhibitor
ALK inhibitor (pronunciation: /ælk ɪnˈhɪbɪtər/) is a type of cancer treatment that blocks the activity of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells.
Etymology
The term "ALK inhibitor" is derived from the name of the protein it targets, "anaplastic lymphoma kinase" (ALK), and the word "inhibitor", which refers to a substance that reduces or stops the activity of another substance.
Function
ALK inhibitors work by blocking the activity of the ALK protein, which is often overactive in certain types of cancer. By inhibiting this protein, these drugs can slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Types of ALK Inhibitors
There are several types of ALK inhibitors, including:
- Crizotinib: The first ALK inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Ceritinib: A second-generation ALK inhibitor that can be used if crizotinib is no longer effective.
- Alectinib: Another second-generation ALK inhibitor that is often used if other treatments are not effective.
- Brigatinib: A newer ALK inhibitor that can be used if other treatments are not effective.
- Lorlatinib: A third-generation ALK inhibitor that can be used if other treatments are not effective.
Side Effects
Like all cancer treatments, ALK inhibitors can cause side effects. These can vary depending on the specific drug used, but may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Related Terms
- Anaplastic lymphoma kinase: The protein that ALK inhibitors target.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on ALK inhibitor
- Wikipedia's article - ALK inhibitor
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