Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor in lung cancer.
Among the most promising agents in clinical development to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting agents. A series of recent studies have demonstrated the activity of anti-EGFR targeted therapies for NSCLC. In advanced NSCLC that is refractory to chemotherapy, antitumor responses have been reported with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ZD1839 and OSI-774). The role of ZD1839 and OSI-774 as possible additions to standard chemotherapy in the first-line setting has also been evaluated, and the studies conducted to date should respond to the question of whether these compounds could provide a survival benefit. Other areas of research involve looking at the role of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of stage III NSCLC and the planning of chemoprevention studies. These exciting results and plans are further complemented by an emerging number of compounds in clinical development, including both monoclonal antibodies (ie, IMC-C225) and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, directed at the EGFR.
Baselga
José
J
Medical Oncology Service, Hospital General Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Paseo Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain. baselga@hg.vhebron.es
Albanell
Joan
J
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib