Mechanism and treatment of diarrhea associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27531
• Publication Date: 2024-03-06T03:53:44Z
• Authors: Jiangnan Liu; Shuai Yan; Juntong Du; Lizhi Teng; Ru Yang; Peng Xu; Weiyang Tao
• Keywords: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Diarrhea; Treatment; Social sciences (General); H1-99; 0301 basic medicine; Q1-390; Science (General); 0302 clinical medicine; Mechanism; Review Article

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become first-line drugs for cancer treatment. However, their clinical use is seriously hindered since many patients experience diarrhea after receiving TKIs. The mechanisms of TKI-associated diarrhea remain unclear. Most existing therapies are symptomatic treatments based on experience and their effects are unsatisfactory. Therefore, clarification of the mechanisms underlying diarrhea is critical to develop effective anti-diarrhea drugs. This article summarizes several potential mechanisms of TKI-associated diarrhea and reviews current treatment progress.