Gefitinib 250 mg Suppliers & Bulk Manufacturers

Available Forms: Tablets

Available Strengths: 250 mg

Reference Brands: Iressa (US/EU)

Category: Oncology Cancer Care

Gefitinib is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. It is used in patients in which it has spread to other parts of the body, who have abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes, and who have not had previous treatment for cancer.

Product Description:

Gefitinib was among the first drugs to show that a lung cancer could be defined by a mutation rather than by its appearance under a microscope. It inhibits the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor. In unselected patients the results were unimpressive; in patients whose tumours carry activating EGFR mutations — exon 19 deletions or the L858R substitution — response rates exceed seventy per cent, because those tumours depend entirely on the receptor for survival.

It is used as first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer, taken once daily. Rash and diarrhoea are the common toxicities and rash severity tracks with response. Interstitial lung disease is uncommon but can be fatal and occurs at notably higher rates in some East Asian populations. Resistance develops after roughly a year, most often through the T790M mutation, which is why re-biopsy at progression guides the next step.

Sourcing notes. Off patent with generic tablets widely available, making it the most affordable EGFR inhibitor. EGFR mutation testing is mandatory at the destination — without a testing pathway this product cannot be used on label, however low the price. Oral solid, room temperature.