Targeted drug therapy for lung cancer

  Lung cancer is the most common cancer in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide, and is a major threat to human health. In recent decade, molecular targeted therapy represented by epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors gefitinib and erlotinib has become an indispensable treatment method for non-small cell lung cancer. Due to their high efficacy, rapid remission, low toxicity and good tolerability in sensitive populations, they have brought new hope for survival to many patients with advanced lung cancer in clinical applications. However, there are some safety-related problems in the clinical use of such drugs in recent years, mainly involving the following aspects.  I. Indications Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors are mainly indicated for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations, and can also be used as salvage therapy after chemotherapy for EGFR wild-type patients (but with low efficacy). There is no evidence for preoperative and postoperative treatment of patients with early-stage lung cancer.  The efficacy prediction significance of genetic testing A large number of clinical studies have shown that the efficiency of gefitinib in EGFR mutation-positive patients is 70%-90%, while the efficiency of wild-type patients is only 1-10%, so it is significant to screen the possible beneficiary population.  C. Precautions for administration Oral administration, note that the combination with CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, or St. John’s wort) may reduce the efficacy. Nursing mothers should be advised to discontinue breastfeeding while receiving this class of drugs. There is no information on the safety and efficacy of this product for use in pediatric or adolescent patients; therefore, its use is not recommended.  EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have a similar spectrum of cutaneous adverse reactions. Common manifestations include dryness (dry skin), pruritus, desquamation, nail/perineal changes (usually nail fungus), abnormal hair growth (usually manifested as alopecia, thick eyelashes, or facial hairiness), and capillary dilation (usually manifested as swelling of small blood vessels and hyperpigmentation), while papulopustular lesions (i.e., acne or acne-like rash) is the most common skin adverse reaction, with an incidence of 60%-80%. Some patients experience loss of appetite and abnormal liver function, and only 1-3% of patients experience drug-induced interstitial pneumonia, which may be life-threatening.  V. Preventive measures 1. Patients are advised to reduce the time of sun exposure and to avoid light. The rash caused by small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors is mostly photosensitive rash, which can cause more serious rash when exposed to sunlight.  2. Keep the body clean and dry parts of the skin moist every day. Do not touch alkaline and irritating toiletries, and apply mild moisturizer or silicone cream or vitamin E ointment after bathing to prevent dry skin.  3.It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF>18.  4.Patients with ingrown toenail (reverse peeling) may develop nail fungus and local hyperplasia reaction during the medication process. During the treatment of EGFR-TKIs, it is necessary to change the foot stress habit and wear loose, breathable shoes; EGFR-TKIs treatment one week before that hot warm water foot soak (continue in medication) or edible salt + water + white radish slices (or pepper) (boil) after foot soak and apply skin care products or silicone cream can prevent foot rash from occurring. Actively treat tinea pedis.