Overview of clinical trials with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the clinical development of ZD1839 and other epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Research articles and abstracts.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased understanding of cancer biology has led to the development of multiple targeted agents to evaluate clinically in the treatment of various cancers. The EGFR inhibitors appear promising in the treatment of NSCLC. ZD1839 has shown activity and symptom and quality-of-life improvements in two large phase II trials. Ongoing and future trials will continue to explore the optimal use of ZD1839 and other EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.


CONCLUSIONS
Several investigational EGFR inhibitors are likely to become commercially available over the next few years. Nurses should be knowledgeable regarding these agents to provide appropriate patient and family education and to assure safe drug delivery.
Thomas
Melodie
M
Sarah Cannon Cancer Center and Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN, USA.
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing*; D017321:Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011799:Quinazolines; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000077156:Gefitinib