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Trastuzumab for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer
Marcus Ferrone1, Susannah E Motl
1Department of Pharmacy, Columbus Regional Medical Center, Columbus, GA, USA. mferrone@knology.net
Objective:
To evaluate trastuzumab for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Data Sources:
Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-January 2003), EMBASE (1974-January 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-January 2003), Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (1995-January 2003), and Genentech. Key search terms included trastuzumab, lung cancer, Herceptin, and NSCLC.
Data Synthesis:
Research has revealed that NSCLC specimens may express the protein HER-2/neu. The monoclonal antibody against HER-2/neu, trastuzumab, could prove valuable for patients. An evaluation of the studies exploring trastuzumab for management of NSCLC was conducted. Phase II clinical trials reveal variable response rates from no improvement to a partial response rate of 42%. Due to a lack of clinical trials and deficiencies in the literature, the ultimate benefit of this agent remains to be proven.
Conclusions:
Clinical data from ongoing trials indicate potential synergy when trastuzumab is added to standard chemotherapy. The ultimate benefit in NSCLC remains to be proven.
Insights
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) shows variable response rates in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its ultimate benefit in NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality.
- The HER-2/neu protein is expressed in some NSCLC specimens, representing a potential therapeutic target.
- Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting HER-2/neu.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of trastuzumab in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- To synthesize available clinical data on trastuzumab for NSCLC management.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts) and conference proceedings from 1966 to January 2003.
- Inclusion of Genentech data.
- Key search terms included trastuzumab, lung cancer, Herceptin, and NSCLC.
Main Results:
- Phase II clinical trials demonstrated variable response rates, ranging from no improvement to a 42% partial response rate.
- Evidence suggests that NSCLC specimens may express the HER-2/neu protein, a target for trastuzumab.
- Deficiencies in the current literature and a lack of extensive clinical trials limit definitive conclusions.
Conclusions:
- Ongoing clinical trials suggest potential synergistic effects when trastuzumab is combined with standard chemotherapy regimens.
- The ultimate clinical benefit of trastuzumab in the management of non-small-cell lung cancer remains to be definitively established.
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