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Small molecule epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer.
- Source :
-
Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology [Ann Oncol] 2006 Mar; Vol. 17 Suppl 2, pp. ii46-48. - Publication Year :
- 2006
-
Abstract
- Despite recent developments in the diagnosis and conventional treatment of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the prognosis remains unsatisfactory, with 5-year survival rates of approximately 15% for all stages. To date, chemotherapy represents the standard treatment for advanced-non small lung cancer, but efficacy of currently available cytotoxic drugs is modest. Median survival does not exceed 8-10 months. New treatment strategies are needed and considerable hope has been placed in therapies that specifically target the molecular mechanisms of tumour growth. One molecular target of particular relevance to lung cancer pathogenesis is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a cell membrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Several inhibitors of EGFR fuctinonal activation have been developed. Amon these, erlotinib (Tarceva) and gefitinib (Iressa) are two orally bioavailable, small molecule EGFR inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase enzymatic activity which prevent EGFR autophosphorylation and activation. In monotherapy, gefitinib and erlotinib have determinated a 10-20% response rate and a 30-50% symptom improvement in previously treated, chemotherapy refractory, advanced NSCLC patients. Furthermore, a randomized, placebo controlled, multicenter phase III study has shown a two months improvement in median survival with erlotinib in the second or third line treatment of metastatic NSCLC patients. We will summarize the clinical evidence on the anticancer activity of small molecule EGFR inhibitors.
- Subjects :
- Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung pathology
Humans
Lung Neoplasms pathology
Medical Oncology
Prognosis
Protein Kinase Inhibitors administration & dosage
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung drug therapy
ErbB Receptors antagonists & inhibitors
Lung Neoplasms drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0923-7534
- Volume :
- 17 Suppl 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 16608981
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdj921