Avapritinib is a prescription medication used to treat adults with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that have a certain type of abnormal gene. It is a kinase inhibitor, a type of drug that works by blocking certain proteins in the body that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Avapritinib is taken by mouth once a day. Common side effects include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, muscle or joint pain, and rash.
Avapritinib, sold under the brand name Ayvakit, is a medication used for the treatment of two conditions:
- Advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM), which is a rare blood cancer.
- Unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that harbor a specific rare mutation, including PDGFRA D842V mutations. GIST is a type of cancer that forms in the digestive system.
Avapritinib is a kinase inhibitor, which means it works by blocking certain enzymes called kinases that help cells grow and divide. In the case of AdvSM, avapritinib blocks the KIT enzyme, which is involved in the growth and survival of mast cells. In GIST, avapritinib blocks the PDGFRA enzyme, which is involved in the growth and survival of GIST cells.
Avapritinib is available as a capsule taken by mouth once daily. The most common side effects of avapritinib include edema (swelling), nausea, fatigue, cognitive impairment (thinking problems), vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, hair color changes, increased tearing, abdominal pain, constipation, rash, and dizziness.
Avapritinib is a relatively new medication, and it is important to note that long-term safety data is still limited. It is also important to note that avapritinib is not a cure for either AdvSM or GIST, and it may not work for everyone.