ZD1839 (Iressa) in non-small cell lung cancer.
Despite the advent of cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the prognosis for this patient population remains poor. Novel biologically targeted agents currently in development have the potential for greater efficacy against NSCLC, and possibly less toxicity than is associated with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is recognized as a potentially useful target, and the small molecule, orally active EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD1839 (Iressa) is currently the furthest along in clinical development of the anti-EGFR agents. This review summarizes the currently available clinical data on the use of ZD1839 in the treatment of NSCLC.
Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. rherbst@mail.mdanderson.org
Roy S
RS
Herbst
Merrill S
MS
Kies
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000077156:Gefitinib