Uses of Dacomitinib

Dacomitinib is a selective and irreversible inhibitor of EGFR used to treat non-small cell lung carcinoma that has spread to other parts of the body. Medicines are usually only used when a patient's tumor already has a specific genetic marker (an abnormal EGFR gene).

Dacomitinib has the ability to increase epidermal growth factor kinase domain inhibition as well as activity in cell lines harboring resistance mutations such as T790M. This activity would further significantly reduce phosphorylation and cell viability.
Therefore, dacomitinib is often used to treat non-small cell lung cancer when the disease has progressed or spread in adults. Dacomitinib is used on its own and only in patients who have certain mutations (changes) in the gene for a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)

The dose of dacomitinib for adults with non-small cell lung cancer is 45 mg/day, orally until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. It is the first-line choice for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 19 or exon 21 L858R substitution mutation.
For special subjects, the dose may need to be adjusted:
Mild and moderate renal impairment should not be adjusted; Severe renal impairment has not been studied on dose adjustment; In patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment, no dose adjustment is recommended.

In some patients when using Dacomitinib, side effects may occur such as:
Blistering, scaling, irritation, itching or redness of the skin; Muscle aches; Chest pain; Cough, chills; Dry, cracked, scaly skin or deep cracks, grooves or lines in the skin; Diarrhea; Difficulty swallowing; Fever, headache, itching, rash; Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, sores on the lips, tongue, or inside of the mouth. Less commonly, symptoms may occur:
Confusion; Decreased urination; Dizzy; Dry mouth; Faint; Fever; Increased heart rate; Rapid breathing; Dehydration, thirst, wrinkled skin, sunken eyes.

Some general notes when using Dacomitinib include:
Use effective contraception when using this drug because it can harm the fetus if used during pregnancy. Both men and women should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 2 months after treatment. Dacomitinib often causes diarrhea, which can even lead to dehydration, so patients should make sure to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as decreased tearing, sweating, and urine production. , constipation, headache or cramps. Patients may experience vision changes while using dacomitinib such as pain, red or bright eyes, blurred vision, double vision. Dacomitinib reduces liver function and may cause liver problems. Some patients have had interstitial pneumonia causing difficulty breathing when using dacomitinib, this is a serious complication that can lead to death. Dacomitinib can cause infections of the skin around fingernails and toenails, it is important to keep hands and feet clean and dry to avoid unnecessary damage. Dacomitinib can also cause changes in the skin, causing dry and red skin, acne and flaking. Applying a moisturizer from the start of Dacomitinib may help reduce the severity of this effect. The safety and effectiveness of dacomitinib have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Dacomitinib is a prescription drug, so make sure you consult your doctor before using it. Hopefully the article has provided you with useful information about the uses, dosage and precautions when using Dacomitinib.