Detailed discussion on Lapatinib

Patients with HER2 positive type metastatic breast cancer and lung cancer with somatic mutations in EGFR are prescribed Lapatinib or Tykerb. It is an ERBB2 and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can bind with the proteins to stop their actions on the cancer cells. It can be given alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs and hormone therapies. 

The benefits of Lapatinib

It has been classified as a signal transduction inhibitor that can target the cancer cell-stimulating proteins like HER2 and EGFR, which are found in huge numbers on them. That successfully interferes with the process of cell division and the growth of cancer cells inside the body. Lapatinib is both preferred as a first therapy and is also effective in patients who have undergone prior chemotherapy. 

Lapatinib—dosage and precautionary measures

It needs to be consumed in tablet form one hour before or after having food in the exact dose, which has been recommended by the doctor. The typical dose is Lapatinib 250 mg per day. However, your physician can modify it based on your medical history, the extent of the disease, and response from the body. It is also essential to take the Lapatinib tablet at the same time every day. Make sure to swallow the tablet whole and not divide the doses. 

Precautionary measures to take while taking Lapatinib

1. It is mandatory to inform your doctor about the medications that you’ve been taking at present, while (before) starting Lapatinib. It includes even vitamin supplements and herbal remedies. This is because the drug may interact with the constituents of the medicines, and the treatment procedure can be severely affected.
2. Make sure to consult your doctor before getting any immunization shots while the drug therapy is going on. 
3. Lapatinib may cause a potential hazard to the fetus of a pregnant woman. The ingredients of the drug can cause harm to the baby while breastfeeding as well. Therefore, it is safe to wait for a week after the treatment has been stopped before resuming breastfeeding. 
4. Use contraceptives during the course of the therapy to avoid getting pregnant. 
5. The patient must avoid grapefruit products strictly while taking Tykerb 250 mg. 
6. Keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum or try to avoid it altogether during this time. 

Lapatinib Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• A decrease in the count of red blood cells or anemia 
• Elevated liver enzymes like increase in bilirubin, AST and ALT levels
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Dizziness 
• QT prolongation (abnormal heart rhythm that causes fainting)
• Hand-foot syndrome or the Palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia which leads to skin conditions like rash, swelling, pain, and peeling of skin on palms and soles of feet

These are the commonly occurred side effects of Lapatinib 250mg. However, the effects are tolerable as these are inconsistent side effects that don’t cause much hassle. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe medications to handle some side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids during this time because Lapatinib has a high chance of causing dehydration. Furthermore, if you have a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher immediately consult your doctor. 

Conclusion 

Store the medicine at a safe room temperature of 15 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. Before prescribing, your doctor will conduct medical exams to determine whether the patient is suitable for this EGFR and HER2 inhibitor, i.e., whether the tumor has a specific genetic mutation that can be affected by this targeted drug therapy. Other than that, frequent testing will also be done to check the progression of the disease. Lapatinib price is quite high- $8730 per dosage. Therefore, it is important to have all the medical insurance papers to cover the cost. 

FAQ's

Is Lapatinib a chemotherapy medicine?

No, Lapatinib is a targeted medicine, belonging to a class of anti-cancer. This class of drugs are more specific than the chemotherapy in their mechanisms of action.

Can Lapatinib be given together with the other anti-cancer drug?

Yes, Lapatinib can be used together with other anti-cancer drugs.

• It is used together with capecitabine in order to treat advanced breast cancer in patients who've already taken treatment with chemotherapy.
• It is also used together with letrozole in order to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

How Lapatinib Tablets should be taken?

Lapatinib tablets should be taken exactly as your doctor instructed. Swallow a lapatinib 250 mg tablet whole through a glass of water, at the same time each day. It is advised to take it 1-hour prior to or 1-hour following meals. 

Does Lapatinib have any effect on the liver?

Lapatinib may be responsible for causing liver damage which could be severe or life threatening. The liver damage may occur as soon as several days or as late as several months following the initiation of treatment with lapatinib. Inform your healthcare team in case you've or had liver disease. 

How long after Lapatinib treatment can I plan pregnancy?

It is recommended to use an effective method of contraception in order to avoid pregnancy while on lapatinib treatment and continue for at least 1-week following the last dose. Inform your healthcare practitioner in case you become pregnant. 

How can I manage diarrhea while on Lapatinib?

In case you suffer from diarrhoea while on Lapatinib, certain things needs to be followed:

• Drink plenty of fluids (8-10 glasses in a day) such as sports drinks, water or other clear liquids.
• Eat low-fat, high protein foods rather than fatty/spicy foods.
• Eat cooked vegetables rather than raw vegetables. 
• Remove the skin from fruits prior to eating. 
• Try to avoid milk and milk products (including ice cream) and herbal supplements (some may be responsible for causing diarrhoea).
• Inform your healthcare practitioner, in case diarrhoea is persistent.

NOTE: The piece of information mentioned about "Detailed discussion on Lapatinib" in this article is just for the informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis of a qualified doctor.

Read:- Breast cancer- can it impact pregnancy journey?

About EGFR and Targeted Cancer Therapy

Well-known as HER1, EGFR, or epidermal growth factor receptor is commonly found on the surfaces of both normal and cancer cells. It has a vital role in contributing to the division and growth of cells in the body. As the molecules bind to it, chemical messages from outside of the cell are received by the EGFR. There are 7 ligands or molecules, and when any one of them activates the EGFR, a signal is sent to the protein for the process of cell division. It must be noted that cancer drugs highly target EGFR during therapy. 

EGFR has changed the entire aspect of non-small cell lung cancer treatment. How? In simple words, it can be stated that certain mutations within the EGFR has the capability of making the tumor extremely sensitive to kinase inhibitors. Research has revealed that approximately one-third of patients who have been diagnosed with NSCLC have the EGFR mutation. 

Targeted Therapy for Cancer and EGFR

It is a known fact that cancer cells divide rapidly and spreads within the body. Usually, the most prevalent forms of cancer therapies are chemotherapy and radiation that can destroy these cells. However, the only problem is that, like cancer cells, some of the normal cells also tend to divide rapidly. That is why these approaches to treatments have several side effects.

That is where the targeted drug therapies for cancer can be discussed broadly. Usually, the drugs aim to identify the cancer cells and differentiate them from the normal ones by targeting the abnormalities in the former. Although this therapy can have side effects, they are much lesser compared to that of the others. 

As mentioned previously, EGFR receptors are also present in normal cells. However, a certain mutation to the EGFR gene can result in innumerable receptors on the surface of particular cells, which leads to rapid growth, thus causing cancer. Now, targeted drugs block the EGFR receptors in places where they appear in most significant numbers or clusters. While doing this, a certain amount of normal skin cells can be affected as well because they also consist of a huge number of EGFR receptors. Therefore, skin rashes are some of the most common side effects during the course of this therapy. 

There are two ways by which targeted drug therapies work in order to block the EGFR. The ligand can be prevented from binding with the EGFR from outside the cell, while on the inside; the signal from EGFR can be prevented from reaching the proteins that cause abnormal growth. 

Important drugs that are used to conduct targeted therapy 

Cetuximab and Panitumumab are such drugs that help to block the part of EGFR outside the cell, which in turn won’t let the EGFR signal other proteins inside the cells. Similarly, targeted drugs like Erlotinib, Gefitinib, and Afatinib are given to block the EGFR inside the cell that can ultimately restrict tumor growth. 

Conclusion 

Researchers have also claimed that the next-generation EGFR targeted therapies have very few side effects. Thus, they can be tolerated easily by the patients. Apart from this, this mutation is also found in other types of cancer like breast cancer, medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and so on. 

All about Prostatectomy

Although Prostate cancer is the second most leading cause of death due to cancer in men, the advancement of medical science has presented several types of treatments that have brought about a significant improvement in the survival rate. Surgery is the most common approach to treating this condition, where the prostate is removed entirely or partially. This process is better known as prostatectomy.

What is a prostatectomy? 

The term is used to describe the surgical procedure that removes the prostate gland, partially or completely. Typically, it involves a small surgical incision to accomplish it. There are two methods to do this: retropubic incision in the lower abdomen and a perineum incision done through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum. However, the approach will be determined depending upon your condition. 

Prostatectomy is a highly favored approach for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Sometimes, it can also take place after radiation or hormone therapy. There are different options for this approach, such as radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. 

Different types of radical prostatectomy 

Men who have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer can opt for radical prostatectomy, which is used to surgically eradicate the entire gland and surrounding lymph nodes or a part of it. 

The several approaches to radical prostatectomy are-

Retropubic approach- This is the most commonly favored approach to conduct prostate cancer surgery. It is even effective if cancer has spread beyond the gland to the lymph nodes because the doctor can remove them easily by this procedure. However, if cancer has spread to other parts other than the lymph nodes, this form of surgery may not be sufficient to treat the condition. An incision is made in the abdomen to remove the prostate gland that is connected to the blood vessels. It is quite less invasive compared to the other types and ensures the recovery of the patient within a shorter time. 

Nerve Spring Prostatectomy- In highly complicated cases, cancer may get spread to the nerves that make it difficult for the surgeon to maintain the original structure or the proper functioning of the nerves. In fact, the nerves may be removed to get rid of cancer. However, if the nerve is cut from both sides, there is a high chance that the patient may face erectile dysfunction, which would not be getting better over time. Therefore, the most suitable approach is to cut and eliminate only one side of the nerve, if the situation permits that would let the patient have minor erectile functions left. In this way, the excellent network of blood vessels along the prostate gland will also be protected.  

Laparoscopic- Here, different small cuts are made, inside which thin tools are placed. A thin tube with a video camera is passed through a cut while several instruments are passed through others, which offer a clear vision to the doctor while performing the surgery. 

Robot-assisted procedure- This is nothing but laparoscopic surgery with the help of a robotic system. A robotic arm is controlled by the surgeon from a computer. Special sets of equipment are required to perform this surgery. 

Perineal approach- This procedure is favored not quite often due to the complications. However, if the nerve-sparing approach isn’t applicable in a certain condition, this can be helpful. It takes relatively less time, and the pain is also quite lesser compared to the other procedures. 

Reasons for getting a radical prostatectomy 

1. Treatment of localized prostate cancer
2. Recurring prostate bleeding 
3. Bladder stones 
4. Treating hydronephrosis 
5. Inability to empty bladder 

Risks factors

• Urinary incontinence
• Urine leakage
• Permanent erectile dysfunction 
• Sterility 
• Lymphedema

You are required to do the following before the surgery takes place-

• Fast for 8 hours
• Inform the doctor whether you are allergic to any anesthetic agents and latex, iodine, tape, etc.
• Inform the surgeon if you’re on any anti-coagulant medications
• Stop smoking 
• Remove any piece of jewellery from the body
• Empty your bladder completely 

Conclusion

Usually, regional anesthesia is preferred in this process. You are required to stay in the hospital for a couple of days after the surgery is over. Your diet will be monitored strictly, and you will gradually advance towards a solid food diet from liquid one. 

Read:- List of prostate cancer medications

List of Services offered by Ikris Pharma Network

Incepted in 2014, Ikris Pharma is an internationally acclaimed pharmaceutical wholesaler offering a gamut of services primarily in the field of medications. Envisioning the ideology to bridge international boundaries for patients, Ikris Pharma’s unswerving efforts are to provide compliant and ethical access to rare medications. Poised to achieve a customer-centric approach, the firm aids people in accessing the world’s most advanced treatments. It offers a plethora of life-saving medications from the common ones to the ones used for treating rare ailments.

Besides, the organization further supplies advanced medications to clinics, hospitals, and pharma companies. Over the past 6 years, Ikris Pharma has built an efficient network successfully and is the only company to have pan India presence. Headquartered in Noida and office set up in Belgium, Ikris Pharma has made some exclusive tie-ups with global organizations like Orphan Europe, Biomarin, and PTC therapeutic that grant them access to their medications.

The major services offered by Ikris Pharma Network

1. Name Patient Service

Utilizing their resources and infrastructural facilities, Ikris Pharma makes sure that doctors and patients can get access to drugs that have not gained approval from the health authorities of the particular country for marketing, as of yet. The sole purpose is to help the patients who have run out of all the alternative treatment options and are not even eligible for clinical trials. These drugs are specifically for dealing with uncommon diseases that do not have a steady supply in the market. 

In fact, to help the patients access the “Orphan drugs” or “Unlicensed drugs,” governments of different countries have created several provisions. Needless to say, that Ikris Pharma will approve the patient’s or doctor’s request for these drugs upon verifying the prescriptions provided. After that, they will try to identify the most appropriate source of the required medications. For the legal importation of these types of medicines, they have established reliable networks in other countries as well. So far, Ikris Pharma has managed to assist more than 2500 patients regarding the Name patient services by offering the best deals on customized cold chain products. 

2. Global Sourcing

Ikris Pharma Network has had a steady reputation in the market for the supply of safe and high-quality products. The worldwide network of reliable sources and trusted partners is mention-worthy here. They have engaged with authorized suppliers and manufacturers who not only take the good manufacturing practices seriously but also register GDP within the frame of their business management system. The validated suppliers across Europe, USA, Australia, Canada, and Japan guarantee the quality and safety of the products. 

All the drugs supplied by Ikris Pharma are steadily approved for marketing. The team members put in all the effort to source specialty medicines from across the world that meet the requirements of the consumers as well as the high standards set by the global pharmaceutical world. The high-authority and authentic sources are what Ikris Pharma is known for in the market. Together with the international and local suppliers, they strive to deliver the best for the welfare of the patients. 

 3. Access to medicines 

Be it generic medicine, branded medicines, or generic branded drugs, Ikris Pharma Network has access to all. Needless to say, that owing to the tie-ups with reputed manufacturers and suppliers; they can fill up the shortage of products at any time. Therefore, the regular demands of customers, physicians, and hospitals are met with the utmost consistency. This is what has set Ikris Pharma apart from its competitors and given them the position of a highly reliable pharmaceutical wholesaler in India. 

Their partnerships have also paved the way for Ikris Pharma to acquire a wide range of drugs for treating age-old to recently discovered diseases. The aim is to help people avail the most advanced treatment options to survive even the deadliest of conditions. For instance, certain branded and generic drugs are not yet approved in the markets of many countries but used in the USA and Europe abundantly. Through the Managed Access Program of Ikris Pharma, they can easily provide you with those medications at the most competitive market rates. 

4. International Compliance

As mentioned previously, Ikris Pharma is an internationally recognized brand. Being one of the most reputed exporters of US/EMEA and other such FDA approved generic, branded, and generic-branded drugs. Just like their global network of suppliers. It is safe to say that Ikris Pharma strives to serve as a connection between customers and their requirements of all types of medications by bridging the geographical gaps efficiently. 

Their objective lies in helping the customers get the best deals on the best quality products. The on-time delivery services at economical rates also deserve special mention in this respect that has not only helped a number of patients across the world but also ensured convenience for all. At present, Ikris Pharma Network caters to clients in all the major continents like Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and so on. Last but not least, the workforce ensures a smooth experience for the customers and can provide proper assistance to them round the clock. 

 5. Distribution/Wholesale Supply

The procurement, storage, and distributional operations carried by Ikris Pharma are in accordance with the national guidelines. All the services provided by them are legally compliant so that a certain degree of transparency is maintained with the clients. This would certainly ensure the company to build a trustworthy relationship with them.

All the obtained medical products are stored in a safe place, which is accessed by only authorized staff members of the company. They are distributed to licensed wholesalers, pharmacies, and clinics. In case the client is an individual and not an organization, such as a patient or a physician, Ikris Pharma requires valid prescriptions to supply their products. 

Not only that, but quality-control is another significant factor that is taken quite seriously by Ikris Pharma. They also take strict measures to discard the expired products so that there is a minimal manual error. In fact, the drugs are handled with caution so that their quality is met with the high standards delivered by Ikris Pharma for years and as expected by the client.

6. RLD Supply/ Comparator Sourcing from India

Ikris Pharma is a one-stop solution for research, CRO, and licensed pharmaceutical companies that need access to medicines that have not yet been approved by the governments of their respective countries. It must be stated that the vast experience that the company has gained from the industry in all these years has been put to use. Mention may also be made of their international network of partners consisting of authorized wholesale suppliers and reliable manufacturers who have helped Ikris Pharma expand their arena of services in the current market. It is because of the authentic sources that the company is able to procure Reference listed drugs or branded innovator samples and supplies them on time. 

The prime USP that made Ikris Pharma a distinctive name in the pharmaceutical world is their specialty in obtaining RLD or Innovator Samples from different sources that are usually rare in the market and not quite easily available from most renowned names in the industry. It must also be pointed out that Ikris understands the importance of optimum temperature for the safety of drugs and takes all precautions to maintain that.

7. Contract Manufacturing/ Private Label Manufacturing

Ikris Pharma Network offers contract manufacturing services for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Within a specific period of time, the company aims to manufacture and deliver the products to the clients. Taking care of the client requirements efficiently without missing the deadline and compromising quality is what lays the way for Ikris Pharma to become the best pharmaceutical wholesaler in the Indian market. 

The products that are manufactured and supplied will be under the private label of the company or the brand name. Ikris Pharma realizes the grave importance of these services and turns no stone on their approach to provide nothing but the best to the clients. They are engaged with the manufacturing and supplying of Ayurvedic and herbal products as well as generic medicines. 

What are the perks of selecting the Ikris Pharma Network?

Ikris Pharma, with its extensive global network of suppliers and manufacturers, always aims for excellence not only to maintain its streak in the market but also to guarantee only the best for the clients. They also offer round-the-clock assistance to doctors, wholesalers, and patients to enhance their experience and make sure that they get what they have been looking for. Exclusive products, FDA/EMEA, approved medications, and hard to access medications at the most economical rates—these are the reasons behind the growing success of Ikris Pharma in the market.