ZD1839 (Iressa): for more than just non-small cell lung cancer.
ZD1839 (Iressa) is an orally active, selective epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation. Preclinical studies demonstrated that ZD1839 is a promising agent for the treatment of a wide range of tumors and has additive-to-synergistic effects when combined with radiation or chemotherapy in various cell lines and xenografts. Phase I clinical trials have reported that ZD1839 has acceptable tolerability and antitumor activity. In addition to non-small cell lung cancer, phase II/III studies are currently investigating ZD1839 as monotherapy or in combination therapy against prostate, breast, head and neck, gastric, and colorectal tumors.
Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom. malcolm.ranson@man.ac.uk
Malcolm
M
Ranson
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005260:Female; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000077156:Gefitinib