title: Radiotherapy of non-small-cell lung cancer in the era of EGFR gene mutations and EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
abstract: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occurs, approximately, in 80-85% of all cases of lung cancer. The majority of patients present locally advanced or metastatic disease when diagnosed, with poor prognosis. The discovery of activating mutations in the EGFR gene has started a new era of personalized treatment for NSCLC patients. To improve the treatment outcome in patients with unresectable NSCLC and, in particular, EGFR mutated, a combined strategy of radiotherapy and medical treatment can be undertaken. In this review we will discuss preclinical data regarding EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and radiotherapy, available clinical trials investigating efficacy and toxicity of combined treatment (thoracic or whole brain radiotherapy and EGFR-TKIs) and, also, the role of local radiation in mutated EGFR patients who developed EGFR-TKI resistance.
authors.affiliation: Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moschini
authors.affiliation: Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dell'Anna
authors.affiliation: Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Luigi
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Losardo
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bordi
authors.affiliation: Radiotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Nunziata
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: D'Abbiero
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tiseo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D009154:Mutation; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D066246:ErbB Receptors
keywords: EGFR; brain radiotherapy; non-small-cell lung cancer; thoracic radiotherapy; tyrosine kinase inhibitors