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Lung Cancer
What is Lung Cancer?
There are two basic types of lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer
(previously known as oat cell lung cancer) comprises of about 20%
of all cases of lung cancer. All other lung cancer types are collectively
called non-small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer consists of a
heterogeneous group of lung cancer with mainly three sub types: adeno carcinoma,
squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Even though the non-small cell
comprises of different cell types, they usually show a similar behavior and are mostly
treated in a similar way. Following is a break up of sub-types of non-small cell lung cancer.
Adenocarcinoma (40% of all lung cancers), squamous cell type (30% of all lung cancers),
large cell type (10% of all lung cancers).
Tarceva (Erlotinib)
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Iressa
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Alimta
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Docetaxel/Taxane
What is Iressa (Gefitinib)?
Iressa is a cancer chemotherapy medication. Iressa interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Iressa is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Iressa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Trade Name: gefitinib
Iressa Alerts
The most common side effects
The most common adverse events reported at the recom-mended 250 mg daily
dose were diarrhea, rash, acne, dry skin, nausea, and vomiting
(see PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients and DOSAGE AND
ADMINIS-TRATIONŠ Dosage Adjustment sections).
www.healthscout.com
FDA ALERT [6/2005]
FDA has approved new labeling for Iressa that states the medicine should be used only in cancer patients who have already taken the medicine and whose doctor believes it is helping them. New patients should not be given Iressa because in a large study Iressa did not make people live longer. There are other medicines for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that have shown an ability to make people live longer.
www.fda.gov
Iressa Side Effects Warning
Has anyone else experienced mental "fog" & extreme fatigue
while taking Iressa? My mother was moved up to a double dose
& shortly after starting that became incoherent, unsteady on her
feet & slept all the time. She had no visible side effects when
she was on the regular dose but they moved her up to a double dose
to try to shrink the tumors (reg. dose had stopped their growth).
The case manager, after hearing of the extreme change, told her to
stop taking the meds & get to the doctor or hospital for an eval.
They (the ER-she was taken there by the squad after a fall in the
shower) couldn't find any cause other than the Iressa.
This doesn't seem to be a "known" effect. Now it is.
www.cancercompass.com
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