Review of erlotinib in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

摘要: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane with cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (TK) domain present on many solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Once stimulated by ligand, the downstream pathway activated leading to growth, survival, and carcinogenesis. There are several methods of EGFR inhibition monoclonal antibodies directed against external region small molecule inhibitors TK domain. Erlotinib gefitinib orally available inhibitors, proven efficacy in NSCLC. The most common side effects skin toxicity diarrhea. has been shown improve survival compared placebo second or third-line therapy for However, erlotinib combination chemotherapy failed show advantage two first-line studies which could be due timing administration. In general, patients adenocarcinoma histology, female gender, Asian ethnicity, never smokers have better response when treated erlotinib. This related presence mutations, lack KRAS overexpression as measured fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Future should concentrate further development predictors clinical benefit erlotinib, overcoming resistance that develops initial responders, well more effective sequencing combinations drug other “targeted” therapeutic agents.