| IRESSA™
(gefitinib)
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| Alternative brand (trade) names: |
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| IRESSA tablets contain the medicine gefitinib, which is a selective inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase. |
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| IRESSA is used to treat patients with locally-advanced or metastatic non small cell lung cancer who have previously received chemotherapy or who are not suitable for chemotherapy. |
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| The EGFR tyrosine kinase is an enzyme (chemical) which is commonly expressed in a variety of solid human tumours. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, IRESSA slows tumour growth, metastasis (spread of tumours from one part of the body to another) and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels supporting growth of the tumour) and increases tumour cell apoptosis (cell death). |
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| IRESSA is available as tablets which can be taken with or without food. |
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Gefitinib is currently available for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a number of countries Any medical information on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. Read more important information. |
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