Am on Alectinib, which is a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI). Just noticed the small print on the ingredients listed on my protein powder "amino acids - tyrosine - 830 mg per serving". Yikes!!! So am I deliberately ingesting that which I am striving to inhibit or are they 2 different things?? Needless to say I have come to a screeching halt on drinking the protein shakes for now. So the question is: Should we avoid foods with added tyrosine if we are on TKI therapy?
Thanks.
(ALK+, Have been on Alectinib since April 2016. Prior, 14 months on Crizotinib. Chemo prior to that, but don't have the drugs on hand to list right now. Reason for change of meds from Crizotinib to Alectinib is: size progression of primary lesion in lateral left upper lobe, and discovery of 4 brain mets. Stereotactic Lung radiation Oct. 2015. Stereotactic brain Radiation Jan. 2016 resolved mets. Lung Lesion stable to date, however no size reduction since Alectinib. Quarterly CT's unable to tell if lung lesion is "scar tissue". Diagnosed at age 59, Feb./2014 Stage IV nsclc with mets. Never smoker, healthy [except hypothyroid for 20 years, synthroid], active, no 2nd hand smoke, no asbestos, no radon, always organic, white female etc. etc. etc. )
Reply # - March 10, 2017, 07:03 PM
Hi lessie,
Hi lessie,
Not to worry. Tyrosine is a basic amino acid that is found in many standard foods high in protein, while a tyrosine kinase is a very specific enzyme that can represent the on/off switch for cellular functions. In cancer, that switch can remain stuck in the "on" position, resulting in uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - March 12, 2017, 02:26 PM
Thank you, Jim! That's a
Thank you, Jim! That's a relief.