Tyrosine Kinase Therapy

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are targeted therapies that treat many kinds of cancer. They block certain substances in cancerous cells that regulate the multiplication and growth of cancer cells. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors cannot cure cancer, but they can put cancer into long-term remission and prolong the lives of people with certain cancers. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors disrupt the growth and division of cancer cells using growth factors and enzymes.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy may not be the only therapy for treating cancer. Depending on the specific case, it is most often combined with other methods of cancer treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Why tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy?

Tyrosine kinase therapy targets rapidly dividing cells, unlike traditional treatment methods. They attack specific molecules within the cancer cells that are needed for the growth and metastasis of cancer. There are many potential advantages of using tyrosine kinase therapy for treating patients with cancer. Some of them are as follows:

• Target-specific pathways: Cancer cells often have mutations or abnormalities in proteins called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are designed to block these specific pathways.
• Fewer side effects: Because tyrosine kinase inhibitors target specific molecules in cancer cells, they have fewer side effects than other treatment modalities.
• Improved efficacy: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown significant efficacy in treating various cancers
• Oral administration: Many tyrosine kinase therapies come in pill form, which makes them easy to administer at home. As a result, the patient’s quality of life and ease with the disease improve.

What are the diseases treated through tyrosine kinase therapy?

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used to treat several kinds of cancer, which include:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: Imatinib, a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor, offers long-term management for many patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
• Non-small cell lung cancer: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors target specific mutations in EGFR and ALK genes. They have been shown to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with NSCLC.
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumours: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors target the KIT gene mutations. They are now used as a primary treatment modality for gastrointestinal stromal tumours.
• Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
• HER2- positive breast cancer
• Renal cancer
• Melanoma 

Different types of tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used to treat the above cancers. Each drug has a specific action that differs from the other. They often act by blocking the abnormal signals transmitted to the chronic myeloid leukemic cells by the BCR-ABL gene mutation. Thus, it is necessary to consult an oncologist to determine the right treatment for you.

Who are the ideal candidates for this procedure?

The decision to opt for tyrosine kinase therapy is based on many factors. These factors are:

• Cancer stage and type: Biopsies help determine if the cancer consists of genetic mutations that specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors can target.
• Overall patient health: The patient's general health is first evaluated to ensure that the patient can tolerate the therapy and its side effects.
• Benefits and risks of therapy: The oncologist carefully evaluates the potential benefits of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy against potential side effects like fatigue, diarrhoea, or skin rashes.
• Patient's preferences: Open communication ensures the patient understands the treatment plan and its potential impact, allowing for shared decision-making.

Expertise of Action Cancer Hospital in Tyrosine Kinase therapy

Action Cancer Hospital is committed to providing patients access to the latest advancements in cancer treatment. Our oncology team offers:

• Advanced Diagnostic Testing: We utilise sophisticated tests to identify genetic mutations that can be targeted by TK therapy.
• Comprehensive Support Services: Action Cancer Hospital offers a wide range of support services, including social work, nutritional counselling, and pain management, to address the physical and emotional challenges of treatment.
• Dealing with side effects: Some patients might experience muscle or joint pain and weakness or even develop a rash after discontinuing tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Such side effects differ from person to person and may require  follow-ups. Our team at Action Cancer Hospital is always ready to help you deal with such issues promptly. 
• Patient Concerns: Our team is well-equipped to help you and your family with any cancer-related concerns you may have. Most patients are anxious about the recurrence of cancer or its progression after discontinuing tyrosine kinase  inhibitor therapy. Feel free to discuss such concerns with our specialists, who can provide the right guidance.