Gefitinib: phase II and III results in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Several novel biologic agents have been designed to specifically inhibit different aspects of tumor growth and progression. The epidermal growth factor receptor has a pivotal role in tumor biology and thus is an important anticancer target. Gefitinib is an orally active epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks signal-transduction pathways implicated in the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. Clinically meaningful antitumor activity, symptom relief, and a good tolerability profile have been shown in phase II trials of gefitinib monotherapy in patients with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical trials are ongoing to investigate further applications of this novel agent for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Kelly
Karen
K
University of Colorado Cancer Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Averbuch
Steven
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011799:Quinazolines; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000077156:Gefitinib