Role of erlotinib in first-line and maintenance treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

摘要: Erlotinib hydrochloride (Tarceva®) is a member of class small molecule inhibitors that targets the tyrosine kinase domain epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), with anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. represents new-generation agents known as “targeted therapies” designed to act upon cancer cells by interfering aberrant specific activated pathways needed for tumor growth, angiogenesis and cell survival. Since its approval November 2004 treatment locally advanced or metastatic non-small lung (NSCLC) after failure at least one prior chemotherapy regimen view improving patients’ outcomes prevent symptoms, scientific community has evaluated potential role erlotinib other scenarios such maintenance therapy and, first-line setting selected population based on biological markers response mutations EGFR. The convenient once-a-day pill administration good toxicity profile make it reasonable candidate testing this context. This report provides review NSCLC. It summarizes current data perspectives upfront NSCLC well looking biomarkers these new targeted-agents.