Afinitor
Brand name: Afinitor
Chemical name: Everolimus
Class: mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor.
How it works: mTOR is a kinase, a type of protein in the body. Kinases help all cells — both healthy and cancer cells — get the energy they need. When kinases don’t act normally or are overactive, they help certain breast cancers grow. mTOR inhibitors work by interfering with the mTOR kinase.
Uses: Afinitor typically is used in combination with the aromatase inhibitor Aromasin to treat advanced-stage, hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in postmenopausal women that has already been treated with either Arimidex or Femara, two other aromatase inhibitors.
How it’s given: Afinitor is a pill taken by mouth. It is usually taken daily. Women keep taking Afinitor until they stop getting benefits from it.
Side effects:
- lung problems
- breathing problems
- kidney failure
- mouth sores
- infections
- rash
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- decreased appetite
Read more about Afinitor.
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