Tyrosinkinashämmare

Tyrosinkinashämmare, also known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), are a class of drugs used primarily in cancer treatment. They work by targeting specific proteins called tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes that play a crucial role in cell growth and division. In many cancers, these tyrosine kinases are overactive or mutated, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. TKIs block the activity of these enzymes, thereby inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

These targeted therapies represent a significant advancement over traditional chemotherapy, which often affects healthy cells as well as cancerous ones. TKIs are designed to be more selective, focusing their action on the molecular pathways that drive specific types of cancer. This selectivity can lead to fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. Examples of cancers treated with TKIs include chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), certain types of lung cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

The development of TKIs has revolutionized the treatment of certain hematological malignancies and solid tumors. However, resistance to these drugs can develop over time, and ongoing research is focused on understanding these resistance mechanisms and developing new TKIs or combination therapies to overcome them. Their use requires careful patient selection and monitoring to optimize efficacy and manage potential side effects, which can vary depending on the specific TKI and the individual patient.