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Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors: an update on their development as cancer therapeutics

Lesley Seymour1

  • 1National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L3N6, Canada. lseymour@ctg.queensu.ca

Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)
|August 7, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Agents targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) show promise in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, phase III trials with gefitinib yielded negative results, prompting further research into patient selection and combination therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have been approved for advanced refractory non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on Phase II trial data.
  • Recent Phase III trials combining gefitinib with chemotherapy for NSCLC have produced disappointing results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer.
  • To address questions regarding optimal patient selection and combination strategies for EGFR-targeted therapies in NSCLC.

Main Methods:

  • Review of Phase II and Phase III clinical trial results for EGFR inhibitors in NSCLC.
  • Analysis of factors influencing treatment response, including patient characteristics and combination regimens.

Main Results:

  • Phase III trials of gefitinib in combination with standard chemotherapy for NSCLC were negative.
  • Early data suggest potential roles for EGFR inhibitors in modulating resistance and in combination therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Further research is needed to optimize the use of EGFR inhibitors in NSCLC.
  • Key areas for investigation include patient selection based on biomarkers and novel combination strategies with chemotherapy, hormonal agents, radiation, and other targeted agents.

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