Definition

A drug used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer that have spread to other parts of the body. It is used in patients whose cancer has not already been treated and has certain mutations (changes) in the EGFR gene or whose cancer got worse after treatment with platinum chemotherapy. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Gilotrif blocks certain proteins made by the EGFR gene, which may help keep cancer cells from growing. It may also prevent the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Gilotrif is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a type of antiangiogenesis agent. Also called afatinib dimaleate.