A targeted tablet for certain lung cancers
Dacomitinib
A targeted daily tablet used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer with an EGFR gene change.
What is Dacomitinib?
Dacomitinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a change in a gene called EGFR. It blocks the EGFR protein that drives the cancer's growth, helping to control the disease. It is taken as a daily tablet by mouth. The most common problems are diarrhoea and skin and nail effects, including a troublesome rash, which often need active management. It can harm an unborn baby, so reliable contraception is important.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Dacomitinib — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Dacomitinib is a targeted cancer therapy known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It is used to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer that has a particular change in a gene called EGFR. A test on the cancer is used to check for this change first, because dacomitinib only works against cancers driven by the EGFR protein. It is taken by mouth as a once-daily tablet and is a long-term treatment aimed at controlling the cancer rather than a short course. It is prescribed and supervised by a cancer specialist team.
How it works
In some lung cancers, a change in the EGFR gene produces an overactive EGFR protein that constantly tells the cancer cells to grow and divide. Dacomitinib blocks this protein, switching off the signal that drives the cancer, so its growth slows or stops. Because the cancer keeps producing the faulty signal and the medicine works only while it is present, it is taken every day. The same EGFR signalling is also important in the skin and gut lining, which is why rash, nail changes and diarrhoea are common side effects.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A targeted oral medicine used in the UK to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer, taken as a daily tablet under a cancer specialist.
Practical use
How to take Dacomitinib
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take one tablet by mouth once a day, at about the same time, with or without food, as your specialist advises.
- Start anti-diarrhoea measures early as advised and stay hydrated, telling your team if diarrhoea becomes severe.
- Look after your skin and nails with moisturisers and sun protection, and report any troublesome or infected rash.
- Tell your team about mouth soreness or any side effect affecting daily life, as the dose may need adjusting.
- Use reliable contraception during treatment and for the time your team advises, as it can harm an unborn baby.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Dacomitinib
Advantages
- A targeted treatment for lung cancer driven by a specific EGFR gene change.
- Taken as a convenient once-daily tablet at home.
- Can be taken with or without food.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes diarrhoea, which can become troublesome.
- Commonly causes skin and nail problems, including a rash that can affect quality of life.
- Side effects sometimes mean the dose needs to be lowered.
Practical use
Good to know
The side effects to plan for are diarrhoea and skin problems. Diarrhoea is very common and can become troublesome, so it is important to start anti-diarrhoea treatment early as advised and stay hydrated; tell your team if it is severe. Skin and nail effects, including an acne-like rash, dry or cracked skin, and sore or infected nail folds, are also common and can affect quality of life, so good skin care, moisturisers and sun protection help, and your team can prescribe treatments. Mouth soreness can also occur. These effects sometimes mean the dose needs to be lowered. It can be taken with or without food and is taken once a day. Because it can harm an unborn baby, reliable contraception during and after treatment is important.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to dacomitinib should not take it.
- It is not used in pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby, and breastfeeding is avoided.
- It is used with caution in people with significant existing lung problems, with monitoring, under specialist care.
Monitoring
- Watching for and managing diarrhoea and skin and nail effects, adjusting the dose if needed.
- Watching for lung symptoms such as new breathlessness or cough.
- Scans and reviews to see how well the cancer is responding.
Side effects
- Diarrhoea, which can be troublesome if not managed early.
- Skin problems such as an acne-like rash, dry or cracked skin, and sore or infected nail folds.
- Mouth soreness, reduced appetite and tiredness.
- Less commonly, lung inflammation causing new or worsening breathlessness or cough, which needs prompt attention.
Key interactions
- Medicines that reduce stomach acid can lower how well dacomitinib is absorbed, making it less effective.
- It can affect the levels of some other medicines, so your team reviews your full list.
- Remedies and medicines that increase sun sensitivity may add to skin reactions.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Dacomitinib: frequently asked questions
What is dacomitinib used for?
It is a targeted medicine used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer that has a change in a gene called EGFR.
Why was my cancer tested first?
Dacomitinib only works against cancers driven by the EGFR protein, so a test on the cancer checks for the EGFR gene change before treatment.
Why does it cause diarrhoea and rash?
EGFR signalling is also important in the gut lining and skin, so blocking it commonly causes diarrhoea and skin and nail problems, which can usually be managed.
What should I do about a skin rash?
Use moisturisers and sun protection, keep skin clean, and report any troublesome or infected rash, as your team can prescribe treatments and may adjust the dose.
Can I take it with food?
Yes, it can be taken with or without food; the main thing is to take it once a day at about the same time as your specialist advises.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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