Receptortyrosinkinázinhibitorok

Receptortyrosinkinázinhibitorok, often abbreviated as TKIs, are a class of targeted therapy drugs used primarily in cancer treatment. These drugs work by interfering with the activity of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are proteins found on the surface of cells that play a crucial role in cell growth, division, and survival. In many cancers, these kinases become abnormally active, signaling cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably.

TKIs specifically target these overactive kinases, blocking their signaling pathways and thereby inhibiting tumor growth and progression. They are considered a form of precision medicine because they are designed to act on specific molecular targets that are essential for cancer cell survival, often sparing healthy cells. This can lead to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

The development of TKIs has revolutionized the treatment of several cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), non-small cell lung cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Different TKIs are designed to inhibit specific receptor tyrosine kinases, such as BCR-ABL, EGFR, or KIT, depending on the type of cancer and its underlying genetic mutations. While TKIs have proven effective, resistance to these drugs can develop over time, necessitating the development of new generations of inhibitors or alternative treatment strategies. Common side effects can include fatigue, skin rashes, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.