What kind of drug is Iressa?

Gefitinib is a type of targeted cancer drug called a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Tyrosine kinase is a protein that sends signals telling cancer cells to grow. Gefitinib bocks these signals.

Is Iressa a chemo drug?

Iressa is being approved as a treatment for patients whose cancer has continued to progress despite treatment with platinum-based and docetaxel chemotherapy, two drugs that are currently the standard of care in this disease.

What class of drug is gefitinib?

Gefitinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of a certain naturally occurring substance that may be needed to help cancer cells multiply.

What kind of medication is topotecan?

Topotecan is in a class of medications called topoisomerase I inhibitors. It works by killing cancer cells.

What is Iressa used for?

Generic Name: gefitinib Gefitinib is used to treat lung cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

How effective is Iressa?

When comparing all treated patients, median overall survival for those receiving Iressa was 7.6 months and one-year survival was 32 percent, compared to 8 months and a 34 percent one-year survival for those taking chemotherapy.

What is Iressa used to treat?

Is topotecan a chemotherapy drug?

Topotecan is a chemotherapy drug and is also known by its brand names, Hycamtin and Potactasol. It is a treatment for: ovarian cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. small cell lung cancer that has come back or spread.

Is Zepzelca a chemo drug?

What Is Zepzelca? Zepzelca (lurbinectedin) is an alkylating drug used to treat adult patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy.

How do you take Iressa?

Take gefitinib by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, you may place the tablet in a glass of water (4 to 8 ounces/120 to 240 milliliters). Stir well for 15 minutes. Drink all of the mixture right away.

What are the side effects of Iressa?

Diarrhea, rash, acne, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nail problems, hair loss, red/sore mouth or throat, or unusual weakness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist right away.

What is the generic name for Iressa?

Gefitinib (ZD1839) (INN, /ɡɛˈfɪtɪnɪb/, trade name Iressa) is a drug used for certain breast, lung and other cancers. Gefitinib is an EGFR inhibitor, like erlotinib, which interrupts signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in target cells.

Iressa (gefitinib) is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Iressa is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.

What is the history of Iressa?

In 2003, IRESSA received accelerated FDA approval as a third-line agent after chemotherapy failure in an unselected population with advanced NSCLC. IRESSA became the first EGFR inhibitor available for advanced NSCLC and ushered in a new era in the science and treatment of this deadly disease.

What is Iressa (ZD1839)?

Gefitinib ( ZD1839) ( INN, / ɡɛˈfɪtɪnɪb /, trade name Iressa) is a drug used for certain breast, lung and other cancers. Gefitinib is an EGFR inhibitor, like erlotinib, which interrupts signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in target cells.