Iressa (Gefitinib) is a targeted therapy used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially in patients with EGFR mutations.
What is Iressa (Gefitinib)?
Iressa belongs to a class of drugs called Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), which target the EGFR receptor responsible for cancer cell growth.
In EGFR-mutated lung cancer, abnormal signaling leads to uncontrolled tumor growth. Iressa works by:
- Blocking EGFR signaling pathways
- Slowing cancer cell growth
- Improving disease control
In simple terms:
It switches off the cancer’s growth signal.
Indications
Iressa (Gefitinib) is used in:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- EGFR mutation-positive cases
- Advanced or metastatic disease
Dosage and Administration
- Standard dose: 250 mg once daily
- Taken orally
- Can be taken with or without food
- Should be taken at the same time every day
- Duration depends on clinical response
Common Side Effects
May include:
- Skin rash or dryness
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Mild nausea
- Rarely: lung or liver-related complications requiring monitoring
Monitoring During Treatment
Patients on Iressa (Gefitinib) require:
- Liver function tests
- Regular imaging scans
- Skin and respiratory symptom monitoring
- Assessment of tumor response
Availability in Egypt
Iressa (Gefitinib) is available in specialized oncology centers and major pharmacies in Egypt.
- Requires oncology supervision
- Used as part of targeted therapy protocols
- Prescription-only medication
Importance of Iressa
Iressa is important in lung cancer treatment because it:
- Directly targets EGFR mutations
- Slows tumor progression
- Improves disease control in selected patients
- Is part of global targeted therapy guidelines
Iressa (Gefitinib) 250 mg is an effective targeted therapy for EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, helping to control tumor growth and improve patient outcomes.
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Treatment decisions should always be made by a qualified oncology specialist.
