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Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and their role in non-small-cell lung cancer

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Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a promising target in the treatment of advanced stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently erlotinib and gefitinib are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, whereas cetuximab is being studied for use in NSCLC. Erlotinib has shown a survival advantage in patients with advanced NSCLC. Further studies have identified female sex, nonsmokers, Asian race, good performance status, and adenocarcinoma histology as predictors of patient response to these agents. A genetic mutation in EGFR has also been correlated with an increase in response.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duke University Medical Center, Mail Box 3841, 27710, Durham, NC, USA

    Brian J. Byrne MD & Jennifer Garst MD

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  1. Brian J. Byrne MD
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  2. Jennifer Garst MD
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Byrne, B.J., Garst, J. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and their role in non-small-cell lung cancer. Curr Oncol Rep 7, 241–247 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-005-0045-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-005-0045-6

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