Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor in non-small cell lung cancer.

摘要: Fifteen % or fewer of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survive 5 years. The current standard care for locally advanced metastatic NSCLC is systemic chemotherapy a two-drug combination regimen that includes platinum agent. Although reduces the rate death attributable to cancer, disease progression inevitable and dose-limiting toxicities restrict their use. New molecularly targeted therapies aim inhibit specific pathways key molecules implicated in tumor growth while sparing normal cells. Several therapies, which target signal transduction involved angiogenesis, metastasis, apoptosis, are clinical development treat cancer. Among these oral, small-molecule epidermal factor receptor-tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) inhibitors gefitinib erlotinib. Both have been validated preclinically as new treatment approaches shown single-agent activity against advanced, chemorefractory trials. This article focuses on biology EGFR-TK pathway, its role proliferation solid tumors, rationale inhibitors. We also review trials future directions investigation agents.