What should you know about TKI targeted therapy?

TKI means tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinases are proteins that relay messages involved in cell growth, division, or survival. A TKI is designed to interrupt a particular signal rather than affect every rapidly dividing cell in the same way as traditional chemotherapy.

Different TKIs act on different targets, so the medicine depends on the cancer type and the findings from pathology or molecular testing. TKIs may be used for conditions such as chronic myeloid leukaemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumour, bowel cancer, lung cancer, or some other cancers. A target can change as cancer evolves, which is why repeat testing may be considered if treatment stops working.

Your oncology team will explain whether the medicine is taken by mouth, how often to take it, and whether it should be taken with food. Take it exactly as prescribed and do not double a missed dose unless your team gives that instruction. Keep a current list of medicines, supplements, and herbal products because interactions can alter TKI levels or effects.

Monitoring may include blood tests, blood pressure checks, liver or kidney tests, heart checks, and review of symptoms. Possible effects vary by drug and can include diarrhoea, skin changes, tiredness, nausea, swelling, mouth soreness, or changes in blood counts. Do not stop treatment suddenly without speaking with the prescribing team.

Contact your oncology team promptly for persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, inability to drink, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the skin, severe rash, marked swelling, or a fever. Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, sudden confusion, or severe weakness. Keep the treatment phone number available and tell emergency clinicians which TKI you take.

Ask which target your TKI is intended to block, what test identified it, how you should handle a missed dose, which medicines or foods to avoid, and which tests will track safety and response. Ask how long treatment is planned and what changes would prompt a dose adjustment or a different treatment.