Skip to main content

How does Gilotrif (afatinib) work?

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Oct 25, 2022.

What is the mechanism of action for Gilotrif (afatinib)?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Gilotrif (afatinib) is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is used to treat NSCLC that is EGFR-positive, meaning that it is caused by an abnormal EGFR gene. Gilotrif works by targeting and irreversibly blocking EGFR.

Tyrosine kinases are a family of enzymes that play a key role in controlling the signaling processes involved in cell growth, differentiation, metabolism and death. EGFR is found on the surface of cells and helps them to grow, but if the EGFR gene is defective then the EGFR receptor can be overactive causing cells to grow out of control and cancer to develop.

Gilotrif helps to stop or slow the spread of NSCLC.

References

Read next

Gilotrif (afatinib) is a prescription medication used to help stop or slow the spread of cancer in people with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients tend to take Gilotrif for a median time of about 11 to 13 months, although the length of treatment varies from person to person. Continue reading

Gilotrif (afatinib) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is caused by an abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene or genes. It is is a small molecule drug and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Gilotrif is a type of targeted chemotherapy because it specifically targets and blocks EGFR. Targeted chemotherapy drugs are different from traditional chemotherapy agents which attack all dividing cells, damaging healthy cells as well as cancerous ones. Continue reading

Generally, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is worse than non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10-15% of people who have lung cancer and is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. SCLC usually starts in the breathing tubes (bronchi), and although the cells are small, they grow very quickly and create large tumors. Early on in the course of the disease, there are rarely any symptoms. If caught early (limited-stage disease) 20-25% of people can be potentially cured. Extensive SCLC is more difficult to treat. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer