Erlotinib in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: current status and future developments.
Erlotinib is an orally small molecule inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Currently, erlotinib, at a standard oral daily dose of 150 mg, is licensed for the treatment of unselected recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, however, it is being investigated in all stages of NSCLC. Erlotinib is well tolerated, with common toxicities including rash and diarrhoea. The optimization of the therapeutic impact of erlotinib in NSCLC will be more defined when reliable predictive factors are identified. An important step has been made in the molecular characterization of potentially sensitive NSCLC patients. In fact, we have learned that activation, somatic EGFR gene mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain, are associated with a high possibility of a long lasting therapeutic response to erlotinib. The present review discusses the role of erlotinib in the treatment of NSCLC.
Division of Medical Oncology, S.G. Moscati Hospital, Contrada Amoretta, Avellino, Italy. cgridelli@libero.it
Cesare
C
Gridelli
Paolo
P
Maione
Maria Anna
MA
Bareschino
Clorinda
C
Schettino
Paola Claudia
PC
Sacco
Rita
R
Ambrosio
Valentina
V
Barbato
Marzia
M
Falanga
Antonio
A
Rossi
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors