Uses of Axitinib

Cancer is becoming more and more common, following which cancer treatments are also developed with many different healing mechanisms, in which the mechanism affects the nutritional supply to the tumor. Cancer therapy with this mechanism can include the drug Axitinib.

Kinase is an enzyme that promotes cell growth and there are different types of kinases to control different stages of cell growth. Axitinib may slow the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the effects of a certain kinase. Targeted therapy Axitinib selectively inhibits the tyrosine kinase receptor VEGF (also known as the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) present on cancer cells. The VEGF receptors are responsible for the proliferation and growth of new blood vessels of the tumor, so Axitinib essentially stops tumor growth through blocking the nutrient supply.

Axitinib is in tablet form for oral use. Patients need to swallow Axitinib tablets whole with a sufficient amount of water, before or after meals. Note when taking Axitinib, patients must not break, crush or chew the tablet. If a dose is missed or vomiting occurs after taking Axitinib, the patient should not immediately take the next dose, but continue with the usual treatment schedule. Patients who have difficulty swallowing should contact their pharmacist or doctor to find the right medication.
It is important to ensure that the patient is taking the correct dose of Axitinib as directed. Before each dose, the patient should check that the dose of the drug that is about to be taken is exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
Axitinib blood levels can be affected by certain foods and drugs, especially grapefruit and grapefruit juice, antibiotics Rifampicin, Dexamethasone, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Rifabutin, Rifapentine, Phenobarbital, Efavirenz and Nafcillin. Therefore, the patient must inform the doctor about the list of all drugs being taken before cancer treatment with Axitinib.

Axitinib side effects sometimes need to be controlled with appropriate measures as directed by your doctor. Patients should discuss with their doctor to find out the best method for them.
Some common side effects of Axitinib:
Hypertension: Patients treated with Axitinib may experience side effects that cause hypertension. Patients should therefore have their blood pressure checked regularly during treatment with this product. Diarrhea: The doctor can prescribe appropriate antidiarrheal drugs for patients taking Axitinib and experiencing this undesirable effect. Alternatively, patients can try a low-fiber diet or foods that are easy to digest, such as steamed rice, boiled or grilled chicken. At the same time, patients should limit their intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals and nuts. Fatigue: This side effect is very common during cancer treatment, described by patients as a feeling of exhaustion that does not subside with rest. Patients should talk to their doctor about ways to deal with this side effect of Axitinib. Reduced appetite: Nutrition is an important factor in the care and recovery process of patients. Cancer therapies, such as axitinib, can affect appetite and in some cases can affect or make it difficult to eat. If you are in hospital, you can talk to Axitinib about nutrition services to help you choose the right food. Nausea, vomiting: Patients should talk to their oncologist to prescribe effective drugs to control nausea and vomiting. Talk to your oncologist if you are unable to receive Axitinib for more than 12 hours or whenever you feel light-headed or dizzy. Hoarseness: Some patients complain of voice changes, including hoarseness, during cancer treatment with Axitinib. Then you need to talk to your doctor about how to manage this side effect. Hand-foot syndrome: Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a skin reaction that occurs on the palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet, caused by the absorption of certain chemotherapy drugs by skin cells. cancer, which includes the drug Axitinib. HFS can begin with tingling, numbness, stinging, redness, or swelling of the palms and/or feet. Later, the condition can get worse with painful swelling, blistering or peeling of the skin. Therefore, patients should notify their doctor immediately if they notice the above symptoms. Some other side effects of Axitinib: Thrombosis, bleeding, cardiovascular disease, stomach or intestinal perforation, slow wound healing, thyroid dysfunction, reversible posterior cerebral circulatory disorder syndrome ( PRES), Proteinuria, hepatotoxicity. Fetal exposure to Axitinib can cause birth defects, so patients should not become pregnant while taking Axitinib. The use of safe contraception is necessary during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose of Axitinib. In addition, patients should not breast-feed while taking Axitinib or for at least 2 weeks after the last dose.

Reference source: oncolink.org