[Preclinical and clinical results with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor Gefitinib (ZD1839, Iressa)].
Since epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is involved in tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, and in the mechanisms of resistance to chemo- and hormono-therapy, it represents a unique promising target for anticancer treatment. Gefinitib (Iressa, ZD1839), an inhibitor of the EGFR tyrosine kinase activity able to bind the intracellular domain of the receptor, is at present in clinical development. In preclinical models Gefitinib induced a dose-dependent response rate in tumor xenografts obtained from different human cancer cells lines. The expression of EGFR in the prior tumor did not appear to be a predictive marker for Gefitinib sensitivity. Furthermore, long-term drug use was well tolerated in mice without inducing resistance. However, tumors started to grow again after treatment interruption. Laboratory findings and in vivo data have prompted the evaluation of Gefitinib administered as a single oral daily dose alone or in combination with conventional anticancer treatment.
Divisione Oncologia Medica A, Istituto Regina Elena, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00147 Rome, Italy.
S
S
Di Cosimo
G
G
Ferretti
M
M
Milella
E
E
Martinelli
A
A
Alimonti
P
P
Papaldo
P
P
Carlini
A
A
Fabi
P
P
Matar
F
F
Cognetti
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000077156:Gefitinib