Iressa (Gefitinib)

Description

Iressa is a prescription cancer medicine used mainly in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly in patients whose tumors have specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene.

What Iressa is used for

Iressa is primarily prescribed for:

• Advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
• Patients with EGFR mutation-positive tumors
• Cases where the cancer has spread or cannot be surgically removed

It is not a general chemotherapy drug; it works best only when the tumor has certain genetic features.

How it works

Iressa contains gefitinib, which is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).

In simple terms:

• Some cancer cells grow because EGFR signals are overactive.
• Gefitinib blocks this signal inside the cancer cell.
• This slows or stops cancer cell growth and can sometimes shrink tumors.

How it is taken

• Usually taken as an oral tablet once daily
• Can be taken with or without food
• Treatment is typically long-term as long as it remains effective and tolerated

Common side effects

Some frequently reported side effects include:

• Skin rash or acne-like eruptions
• Diarrhea
• Dry skin
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue

Serious side effects (less common but important)

• Lung inflammation (interstitial lung disease), which can be serious
• Liver function abnormalities
• Severe diarrhea or dehydration
• Eye irritation or keratitis

Important considerations

• Effectiveness depends strongly on EGFR mutation testing before use
• Not suitable for all lung cancer patients
• Requires regular monitoring of liver function and lung symptoms