Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors in lung cancer therapy.
Over the past decade our evolving knowledge and understanding of cancer biology has allowed rapid progression in the development of targeted cancer therapy. Improving lung cancer mortality has remained a difficult task; however, therapeutic agents directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have provided physicians with a valuable new tool to integrate into multimodality therapy. EGFR inhibitors have been shown to elicit meaningful antitumor effects and quality-of-life benefits with acceptable toxicity. The rationale, utility, toxicity profile, and therapeutic strategy of EGFR-targeted therapy will be reviewed.
Laskin
Janessa J
JJ
Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jlaskin@bccancer.bc.ca
Sandler
Alan B
AB