Title:Pharmacokinetics of Gefitinib: Roles of Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporters
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 2
Author(s):Can Zhao, Shu-Yan Han and Ping-Ping Li
Affiliation:Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University School of Oncology, No. 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100142
Keywords:Enzymes, gefitinib, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, transporters.
Abstract:Gefitinib (Iressa, AstraZeneca) has been widely used for the treatment of locally advanced or
metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. A number of studies have been reported on its pharmacokinetics
profiles, especially on the metabolism. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the pharmacokinetic
characteristics of gefitinib: absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME).
Overall, gefitinib reached the maximum plasma level relatively fast and distributed extensively. It underwent
extensive biotransformation and predominantly excreted in feces, with less than 7% in the
urine. CYP450 enzymes played critical roles in the process of gefitinib metabolism. The major enzyme
involved in the metabolism was CYP3A4, with other CYP450 enzymes playing a secondary role. A
high clearance of gefitinib might result in drug resistance by lowering drug concentration. The enhanced
efflux and decreased uptake by transporters were important resistance mechanisms. The transporters involved
in pharmacokinetics of gefitinib consist of the ATP-binding cassette and the solute carrier superfamily.
Understanding the pharmacokinetics property of gefitinib may provide valuable and new information
for dealing with drug resistance and making personalized therapy regarding their interindividual
variability.
